2023 GWM Ora Funky Cat Review
When you first lay eyes on the 2023 GWM Ora Funky Cat and hear its quirky name, you might think it’s just a concept car designed to turn heads. However, this is a full-fledged production vehicle from Great Wall Motors, boldly staking its claim in the UK market. Priced at £32,000, this little EV certainly has a lot to prove. So, how does it stack up against the competition? Let’s dive in and find out!
If you’re in the market for a compact, stylish EV that stands out from the crowd, the Ora Funky Cat is definitely worth a look.
A Funky Design with a Nod to the Past
The Ora Funky Cat is packed with personality, drawing inspiration from classic designs like the Nissan Figaro, VW Beetle, and even the Porsche with its distinctive headlights. It’s not as small as you might think, though. Despite its compact appearance, the Funky Cat rivals the Volkswagen ID.3 in terms of dimensions, making it a practical family hatchback.
Great Wall Motors, the parent company behind the Ora brand, isn’t new to the automotive scene. While they’ve been around for a while, the Funky Cat represents a fresh start for them in the UK, and they’re aiming to make a big impression with this stylish, feature-packed electric vehicle.
Packed with Features and Competitively Priced
Currently, the Funky Cat is only available in one trim level, the “First Edition,” which comes in at just under £32,000. You can customize it with a range of paint options, including metallic colours for about £500 or a two-tone finish for just under £800. While this might seem a bit pricey, the car comes loaded with features that make it feel like a good deal. It includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, while the EV drivetrain and battery are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles — quite competitive in today’s market.
The Funky Cat is equipped with a 48 kWh battery pack that offers a claimed range of 191 miles (WLTP). In real-world conditions, this seems achievable for city driving, although motorway driving might reduce that range significantly.
A Surprisingly Spacious Interior
Step inside, and you’ll be surprised by how spacious the Funky Cat feels. The interior quality and design are impressive, with a mix of materials that provide a premium feel. The two-tone leather seats, wood-effect trim, and robust switchgear give the cabin a high-end atmosphere, reminiscent of the interior found in a Mini.
There’s plenty of space in the back seats, and while the middle seat is a bit cramped, the overall comfort levels are high for a car of this size. The rear seat space rivals that of some small to medium-sized SUVs, making it a practical choice for families.
Tech-Heavy, but a Few Drawbacks
The Funky Cat is brimming with technology. It comes with a driver recognition system that can adjust settings based on who is driving, a suite of advanced safety features, and a fully featured infotainment system. However, there are some limitations. For instance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet available, though an over-the-air update is expected soon. Additionally, the USB ports are positioned in a somewhat inconvenient location, making it tricky to plug in your phone or other devices.
The infotainment system itself is user-friendly and does not require a manual to navigate, which is a plus. The driver information display is clear and well-designed, and while there’s a bit of a learning curve with the climate controls, they’re intuitive enough once you get the hang of them.
Driving Experience: Fun but Flawed
The Funky Cat truly shines in urban settings. It’s agile, responsive, and fun to drive around town. The acceleration is surprisingly brisk, and the car has no trouble putting a smile on your face. However, it’s not without its quirks. The suspension is a bit of a mixed bag — while it handles smaller bumps well, it struggles with larger potholes and uneven surfaces, leading to a somewhat bumpy ride. Additionally, the car can suffer from wheel spin when accelerating hard on wet surfaces, which could be a concern for some drivers.
On the motorway, the Funky Cat is less efficient. The range drops to about 140 miles, and the road noise becomes quite noticeable. It’s clear that this car is designed with city driving in mind, where it feels right at home.
The Verdict: A City Car with Character
The 2023 GWM Ora Funky Cat is a unique offering in the electric vehicle market. It’s full of character and comes packed with features, making it an appealing choice for those looking for a city car with a bit of flair. While it’s not perfect — the boot is small, and the range isn’t ideal for long motorway journeys — it has a lot to offer for its price point.
If you’re in the market for a compact, stylish EV that stands out from the crowd, the Ora Funky Cat is definitely worth a look. It’s a car that doesn’t just get you from A to B; it adds a bit of fun to the journey. And in a world full of utilitarian vehicles, that’s a refreshing change.
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