First Impressions: GWM Ora 03

If you’re familiar with the automotive landscape, you may have come across GWM, known for its bakkies, Haval SUVs, and the eye-catching Funky/Good Cat electric cars making waves in Australia, Europe, and China. What you might not know is that GWM, a 39-year-old Chinese manufacturer, achieved a remarkable feat by selling over one million vehicles in 2022, with a substantial portion remaining on Chinese soil.

While China represents a colossal market, GWM has set its sights on global expansion, with a 20% increase in exports from 2021 to 2022. Notably, South Africa, as the brand’s largest single export market, is expected to play a pivotal role in GWM’s international success.

As part of its global expansion plans, GWM is making a significant move in Mzansi with the introduction of its first electric vehicle under the ‘One GWM’ initiative – the GWM Ora. This small electric hatchback is poised to make a statement with a starting price of R686 950 and a WLTP driving range of 310km.

The GWM Ora, about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, stands out in the electric vehicle market with its unique features and competitive pricing. It is based on the innovative ‘LEMON’ platform, allowing for flexibility in design and accommodating various models, from electric hatchbacks like the Ora to related vehicles like the Haval H6 GT.

In terms of aesthetics, the Ora brings some flair to the table with distinctive details like fish scale patterns on the front bumper and modern LED taillights. While its proportions may seem unconventional, the overall design adds to the Ora’s charm.

GWM has introduced four Ora trims in South Africa, offering a range of exterior colours to choose from. The vehicle’s interior showcases a blend of fun details, including Mini-inspired aircon shortcuts, a Hyundai Ioniq 5-esque central storage area, and a retro-futuristic styling with textured seats. However, some compromises have been made in terms of basic cabin ergonomics, with the driving position receiving criticism for its less-than-ideal setup.

The Ora’s touchscreen interface is responsive, has support for wireless Apple CarPlay, though some aircon functions are tucked away in menus. The vehicle’s unique feature includes a camera on the A-pillar with facial recognition capabilities, allowing for automatic adjustment of settings and preferences for each driver.

Under the bonnet, all Ora models feature a single, front-mounted electric motor delivering 126kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Despite a somewhat sluggish throttle response, the Ora aims to provide a comfortable and serene driving experience, particularly well-suited for city commuting.

When it comes to acceleration, the GWM Ora doesn’t exactly leap off the line like a scalded cat, thanks to what some might describe as GWM’s somewhat lackluster throttle response calibration. The acceleration feels doughy to the point of absurdity, requiring you to slam the throttle and count to two before experiencing any meaningful forward thrust— reminiscent of the classic sensation of old-school turbo lag.

Interestingly, a similar delay is observed when transitioning into the one-pedal drive mode; the Ora takes a moment before decelerating to a complete stop. While this might be a tad unnerving for the actively engaged driver, there could be a silver lining. The soft throttle response might contribute to a smoother driving experience, particularly for those prone to the abrupt start-stop movements commonly associated with the “taxi foot” phenomenon.

The steering, on the other hand, follows suit in terms of vagueness. The retro two-spoke wheel doesn’t impart a sense of connection to the front tires, and the rack exhibits a super-light and rather slow response. While not engineered for precision, the Ora’s chassis proves to be adequate for its intended function as a city car. Despite noticeable body roll, it settles well into corners, offering a plush and comfortable ride—a crucial aspect for urban commuting.

Our initial impressions suggest that the GWM Ora exhibits a more natural flow through corners compared to its heavier and larger counterpart, the BYD Atto. While it may not cater to the driving enthusiast, the Ora compensates with a comfortable, quiet, and serene cabin environment, requiring minimal piloting skills.

Moreover, the Ora’s compact dimensions and conventional glasshouse from the inside make it an easy electric vehicle to navigate. The narrow body further enhances its maneuverability, presenting a seamless experience for threading through the city streets. In essence, while the GWM Ora might not be the go-to choice for thrill-seeking drivers, it excels in delivering a harmonious and effortless driving experience tailored for the urban landscape.

The Ora is available with two battery sizes, offering a WLTP driving range of 320km for the smaller pack and 420km for the larger pack. Charging options include an 80kW DC fast charger for a 41-minute recharge (10-80%) and home charging on an 11kW three-phase wallbox taking six hours and 30 minutes for a full charge.

While the GWM Ora may not be the go-to choice for driving enthusiasts, it presents a compelling option for urban commuters seeking comfort, refinement, and a touch of uniqueness in their electric vehicle experience. As the brand continues to mature in SA, GWM’s commitment to a seven-year warranty adds a layer of confidence for prospective buyers. The GWM Ora is undeniably a quirky and intriguing addition to the electric vehicle landscape, offering a different perspective in a market dominated by established brands.

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Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.