Ora Funky Cat Review

Ora Funky Cat is a quirky tech-filled electric vehicle that looks like a retro hatchback.

Ora Funky Cat Introduction

An unusual name should not impede success, or so the ORA Funky Cat hopes. With a more weird name than any other, this new electric hatchback aims to compete with the greatest compact electric automobiles on the market.
Let’s go over what it all entails. ORA is a Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors (GWM) subsidiary specializing in electric cars (EVs). And what about the ‘Funky Cat’ bit? It’s based on the Good Cat, a car sold in China. The ‘Funky’ moniker was chosen for the version distributed in Ireland.

Design and Specs

The Ora Funky Cat isn’t as tiny as it appears in photos. Despite appearing to be a MINI Electric or Fiat 500 competitor, it measures 4,235mm in length and 1,825mm in width, making it somewhat shorter and wider than a Volkswagen Golf or ID.3. It will be available in plush First Edition trim in four colours and will be very competitively priced when compared to comparably sized rivals such as the Cupra Born and MG4.

The Ora Funky Cat has charm, and while some design elements, such as the wide circular LED headlights, appear to be inspired by other style icons, the overall aesthetic works really well to make it one of the chicest compact electric cars available. The light bar fitted into the rear window gives this vehicle a distinct, high-tech look. Every Cat comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, and a GT option with a sharper appearance will be available later in 2023.

The two 10.25-inch monitors are clear and simple to operate, with quick input responses. Some menus could be more obvious, so you’ll have to learn where things are when you’d prefer a simple physical button. This will be less of an issue once Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated. Both were not accessible at the time of launch but will be introduced to vehicles via over-the-air updates in early 2023.

The lack of USB-C connectors is one of the biggest letdowns. Considering how advanced this vehicle is in other areas, there are just two old-fashioned USB ports in the front and one in the back.

Battery and Range

The battery pack has a capacity of 48kWh and provides a range of 193 miles on the WLTP cycle. The 193-mile range means that while you’ll go further per charge than in smaller options such as the Honda e (137 miles), but not as far as the Volkswagen ID3 (250 miles) or the Peugeot e-208 (217 miles).

The Funky Cat supports fast charging at up to 100kW, which means it can recharge from 20% to 80% in as little as 43 minutes at a compatible station. It also has regenerative braking, which recovers energy when slowing down or coasting. The Funky Cat has three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which adjust the throttle response, steering weight, and regenerative braking level.

Source: GWM ORA UK

The Funky Cat is not sporty but offers enough performance and agility for everyday driving. It is well suited for urban environments, where its compact size and electric powertrain make it ideal for maneuvering in traffic and parking in tight spaces.

Interior Space

The interior is spacious, both front and back, but the boot is relatively small.

The Ora Funky Cat’s perplexing proportions are best noticeable in the cabin. It appears to be relatively little from the outside, yet it’s as large as a small SUV once inside. The steering wheel adjusts for both height and reach. The front seats are electrically adjustable, making it simple to become comfortable.

Storage is adequate, with a cubby hole behind the armrest, a little shelf for your phone that contains the wireless charging pad, and another small area beneath the dashboard. The cupholders are also present, and while they are deep and gripping, they are located low behind the gear selector, making them difficult to reach when driving.

The space in the back is equally stunning. Even taller passengers will have plenty of head, leg, and knee room, though three across the back is a bit of a squeeze, and there isn’t much support for your thighs.

Ora Funky Cat Boot space

Unfortunately, the outstanding cabin capacity comes at the sacrifice of boot space. With only 228 litres, it is more than a Fiat 500e,  but it’s not much bigger than the MG4. Compared to the ID3, it is significantly less than the Volkswagen’s 385 litres.

Furthermore, there is no space under the floor for a parcel shelf and just a tiny portion for a three-pin plug charger. You’ll have to store the cumbersome Type 2 wires in a bag in the boot, taking up even more space. There’s also a huge load lip, which makes loading large, heavy objects in and out difficult.

Drive

The Funky Cat is powered by a single electric motor that produces 169bhp and 250Nm of torque, and it drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 9 seconds and has a top speed of 93mph. It also has regenerative braking, which recovers energy when slowing down or coasting. The Funky Cat has three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which adjust the throttle response, steering weight, and regenerative braking level.

When driving about town, the Ora Funky Cat is at its happiest. Here, the suspension absorbs road bumps, making it one of the more pleasant EVs. The steering is mild, making getting in and out of tight areas easy. A single-pedal driving mode is useful for heavy traffic since it boosts regenerative braking and allows the car to stop without the driver touching the brakes.

The Funky Cat is less happy on highways. The extreme wind noise will be the first thing you notice, and it will rapidly become bothersome. Furthermore, the suspension needs to be more composed. Bumps on the road will unsettle the car, causing it to jitter and never completely rest.

However, the First Edition includes a lot of driver-aid technology, with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist being the primary advantages on the highway, taking some of the tension out of long drives.

Ora Funky Cat Summary

The Ora Funky Cat is an attractive option for buyers looking for an electric car that combines style, comfort, and value. Ora Funky Cat offers a distinctive retro design that differentiates it from other electric cars in its segment. Besides, it also has a spacious and plush interior, making it feel more premium than its price suggests. This electric car has decent performance and range for everyday driving and fast charging capability for longer trips.

The Funky Cat is not perfect though due to the lack of common features in other electric cars, such as heated seats, matrix LED lights, and a panoramic roof. Moreover, it faces stiff competition from more established brands, such as the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, the Fiat 500, and the MG 4. However, for buyers willing to overlook these flaws and embrace the Funky Cat’s personality, it is a fun and funky electric car that offers a lot of bang for your buck.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]