As part of its strategic expansion into the Australian market, GWM has revealed the pricing details for its initial foray into electric vehicles - the GWM Ora. This distinctive electric car, fondly referred to as the Funky Cat or Good Cat in several markets, is poised for an April debut in Australia. A higher-specification version, the Ora GT, is expected to follow later in the year 2023.

The GWM Ora carves out its own niche between the sizes of a Volkswagen Polo and a Golf. It stands apart from competitors with its conventional passenger car design, devoid of any raised or off-road aesthetics. This distinctive characteristic, coupled with its price point, puts it in close competition with the MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3, as one of the most affordable electric vehicles in Australia.

Buyers will have a choice between two battery variants, offering ranges of 310km and 420km respectively. The launch of the Ora signals the beginning of what could potentially be a wave of new electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles from GWM for the Australian market.

The powertrain for the Ora consists of a front-mounted electric motor, delivering a punchy 126kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Battery packs of 48kWh and 63kWh capacities are available for standard and extended range versions, respectively. In terms of efficiency, the GWM Ora boasts an impressive 320km range on the WLTP test cycle, with the Extended Range variant pushing this up to 420km.

A defining feature of the Ora is its swift charging capabilities, with GWM noting that the smaller battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in just 41 minutes.

The Ora's measurements come in at 4235mm in length, 1825mm in width, and 1603mm in height, with a 2650mm wheelbase. The car also offers a decent boot space of 228 litres, which can be expanded to 858L when the rear seats are folded.

The Ora carries the backing of a comprehensive seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty in line with the wider GWM range, while the battery gets an eight-year warranty coverage. Additionally, the package includes five years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.

The GWM Ora arrives equipped with an advanced suite of safety features, aligning with the highest industry standards. It boasts a five-star rating from the ANCAP, based on Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2022, reflecting a strong commitment to passenger and driver safety.

Among the safety features provided across the Ora range are seven SRS airbags, which provide a comprehensive safety net in the event of a collision. Additionally, the Ora has an autonomous emergency braking system equipped with pedestrian, cyclist, and crossing vehicle detection. This cutting-edge system can automatically apply the brakes when it detects an imminent collision, offering a crucial line of defense against accidents.

Another safety highlight is the blind-spot monitor and assist feature. This helps the driver stay aware of vehicles that may be in their blind spot, reducing the risk of side and lane-change collisions. The car also features a lane departure warning system and a lane-keep assist system, helping drivers maintain their lane on highways or when they become distracted.

Moreover, the Ora includes a rear cross-traffic alert, reverse collision warning, and traffic sign recognition to assist drivers in safely navigating roads and parking lots. Lastly, there's a camera-based driver monitoring system that helps detect drowsy or distracted driving, contributing to safer journeys.

While prices for the GWM Ora may be slightly higher than originally anticipated, its affordability, combined with high-standard equipment offerings, position it as an attractive contender in the EV market. Production for the 2023 GWM Ora electric hatchback is already underway, with the first deliveries expected in April 2023. The launch of the GT model remains to be confirmed.

2023 GWM Ora Pricing (official drive away prices by States)

2023 GWM Ora

NSW: $45,550

ACT: $45,137

QLD: $46,114

SA: $46,891

TAS: $45,090

WA: $47,891

VIC: $47,234

NT: $44,490

2023 GWM Ora Extended Range

NSW: $49,550

ACT: $49,137

QLD: $50,194

SA: $51,051

TAS: $49,090

WA: $52,403

VIC: $51,402

NT: $48,490

2023 GWM Ora Extended Range GT

NSW: $55,050

ACT: $54,637

QLD: $55,804

SA: $56,771

TAS: $54,590

WA: $58,405

VIC: $57,138

NT: $54,125

2023 GWM Ora Standard Range features include:

48kWh battery pack (310km claimed driving range)

18-inch alloy wheels

LED headlights with daytime-running lights

10.25-inch digital instrument cluster

10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wireless smartphone charging

Synthetic leather-look seat upholstery

Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat

Four-way power-adjustable passenger seat

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

Power-adjustable side mirrors with heating

360-degree surround-view camera

Rear parking sensors

Seven airbags

Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection and support for intersections

Forward collision warning

Adaptive cruise control with stop and go

Lane-departure warning

Lane-keep assist

Lane following assist

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Rear collision warning

Traffic sign recognition

Camera-based driver drowsiness detection

2023 GWM Ora Long Range adds (over Standard Range):

63kWh battery pack (420km claimed driving range)

2023 GWM Ora GT adds (over Long Range):

18-inch GT alloy wheels

Red brake calipers

GT-specific bumpers and front air intake

Hands-free power tailgate

Panoramic sunroof

Memory for driver's seat

Heated steering wheel

Automatic parking

Available colour combinations:

Hamilton White with black interior (no cost)

Aurora Green with turquoise interior ($595 extra)

Glacier Blue with black interior ($595 extra)

Mars Red with black interior ($595 extra)

Sun Black with black interior ($595 extra)