China’s Great Wall Motors (GWM) is introducing the Ora electric car to South Africa, offering the country’s most affordable electric vehicle option, although it is still relatively expensive. GWM will showcase the Ora and Tank brands at the upcoming Nampo Harvest Day exhibition in Bothaville, Free State.
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The Ora Funky Cat, which will be sold as the GWM Ora in South Africa, will make its debut as the country’s cheapest new electric vehicle, priced between R716,900 and R915,900, depending on the trim level. It surpasses the Mini Hatch Cooper SE, previously holding the title, which started at R742,142.
Interestingly, the Ora is priced at A$47,891 in Australia, which is approximately R609,635 at current exchange rates. This reveals a substantial price difference, with the South African market bearing higher import duties on electric vehicles, hindering the country’s transition towards greener cars.
The GWM Ora boasts a modern and practical design. Its exterior features include a dynamic front grille, LED headlights, and a streamlined body for enhanced aerodynamics. The car is available in various colours, such as orange, blue, and green.
Inside, the Ora offers a relatively spacious cabin with an advanced infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and a multifunctional steering wheel.
The Ora is equipped with an electric motor delivering an impressive 126 kW and 250 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 160 km/h and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in eight seconds. The battery pack provides a range of up to 420 km on a single charge, positioning it as one of the more efficient EVs available.
The car features sensors and cameras for 360-degree visibility and an advanced driver assistance system including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display, voice recognition, and smartphone integration. Additionally, the vehicle offers a remote-control system, enabling drivers to monitor and control their vehicle using their smartphone.
