Urban folk have yet another fashionable small SUV option. Jonathan Crouch checks out GWM ORA's 03.

Ten Second Review

Once called the Funky Cat and now called the 03, what we have here is a remarkably appealing car. This trendy little Chinese EV comes from freshly created Great Wall Motors brand ORA and aims to offer people seeking a small, fashionable all-electric hatch a refreshingly different option.

Background

This is a small EV from Chinese maker Great Wall Motors, who sold the cheap but uncompetitive Steed pick-up here between 2012 and 2016. They returned in late 2022 with this car, first called the 'Funky Cat', then rather more blandly re-named in 2024 as the '03'. It's a remarkably credible offering sold under a fledgling Great Wall Motors sub-brand called ORA, which has the ambitious goal of selling up to 50,000 versions of this car a year in the UK, using a combination of selected dealers, shopping centre outlets and online selling. The same car is known as the 'Cat 01' or the 'Good Cat' in China. Where it's also joined in the showroom by three other variants - the 'Pink Cat', the 'White Cat' and the 'Black Cat'. Yes really. Around 1,000 'Funky Cat' versions of this model were sold before it changed its name to '03' in early 2024, which coincided with an increase in drive range to 261 miles. This car is in the vanguard of a horde of Chinese EV imports bound for Europe. MG and Volvo are already basically Chinese brands, with Nio and iPhone maker Foxconn among those marques still to come. So, can this 03 model cut it? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

You should find the 03 to be a perky little thing. Power is sent to a 171PS motor on the front axle with 250Nm of torque, which in the most affordable variant is powered by a 48kWh battery - that's what we tried. There's the usual single-speed auto gearbox. And the sprint to 30mph is dispatched in just 3.8s and 62mph in 8.3s, en route to a limited top speed of 99mph. That's as fast as you'll go in an 03. Still, what's on offer is just about enough for the car to feel eager - though that's not the same as it being satisfying to drive: if you want kart-like handling, you'll prefer a MINI Electric. For 03 folk, a 'Sport' drive mode is provided, but you won't ever feel much like using it; this isn't really that kind of car. The other modes are 'Normal', 'Eco' and 'Auto', each setting accompanied by its own specific chime as you select it - 'Sport' by what sounds like some sort of thunderclap. Body roll is evident at speed in tighter corners, the weird Giti GitiComfort tyres aren't especially grippy and the light steering gives very little feedback, even if you select the heaviest of the three available settings ('Sport'). Drive with less abandon and you might get somewhere close to the claimed EV range figure, which is rated at 192 miles for the base 48kWh version and 261 miles for the alternative 63kWh 'PRO' and 'GT' models. To aid your driving efficiency, a display to the right of the instrument cluster screen waves up and down in shades of green, turquoise and red, but all it actually does (apart from making you feel queasy if you look at it for too long) is tell you what you already know (how hard your foot's on the throttle). A better tool for properly maximising drive range lies with all the various provided braking reg settings. There are three ('light', 'normal' and 'strong'), plus a dedicated 'one-pedal' mode which, if engaged, basically means you'll hardly ever have to use the actual brake except when coming to a complete stop. It's great around town, which of course is where that light steering comes into its own. And where you'll notice that the ride's quite supple and effective at dealing with potholes and speed humps. It's a different world from driving a bumpy, unyielding MINI Electric.

Design and Build

There's a lot that's interesting about the 03's retro-stylised looks, its design seemingly influenced by everything from a Porsche 911 to a Mini. Actually, it if you're looking at it as an alternative to an EV MINI, as many customers will, you need to know that it's slightly larger than one of those - measuring in at 4,235mm long and 1,825mm wide, these dimensions being more akin to a Volkswagen ID.3. And of course, it looks trendy. Most early models came with 'Nebula Green' paint and black upholstery, but there's the option of swapping this for more overt 'Aurora Green' paint with green interior trim - or bright 'Mars Red' paint with red interior trim. Funky or what? Inside, where you're faced with a pair of seamlessly-joined twin screens, there are clear MINI influences - the central silver toggle switches and the steering wheel. But the ORA sub-brand also wants to imbue its own minimalist vibe, one that's pleasantly odd, incorporating materials that are surprisingly plush in places - though a little less so in others. You're looked after by leatherette seats and dual zone climate control and are provided with a wireless smartphone charger and keyless entry. You're faced with a pair of 10.25-inch displays that take care of the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen, seamlessly joined at the top of the dashboard. It's in the back that you'll notice the difference between this car and other small fashionista EVs. A relatively long wheelbase of 2,650mm means even a couple of six-footers could sit reasonably comfortably. Out back, there's a 228-litre boot, which is reasonable for a car in this class. Total capacity in the seats-folded format is 858-litres. The 03 doesn't provide any additional 'frunk' space beneath the bonnet up-front.

Market and Model

For our market, this Chinese brand has three 03 model trim levels - 'PURE' which gets you the smaller 48kWh battery and is priced at around £25,000; then there's 'PRO', which gets you the larger 63kWh battery and costs around £29,000. Also sharing the 63kWh battery is the top 'GT' version, which costs around £33,000. Standard equipment on all versions includes a 360-degree camera system, rear parking camera and rear parking sensors, plus keyless entry and start, a facial recognition system and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The 'PRO' version also benefits from leatherette seating which is heated for front occupants, plus Auto Parking Assist, Auto Reversing and front parking sensors are also included. The 'GT' version has unique 18-inch GT Diamond Turned alloy wheels with red brake callipers, plus an exterior body kit, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, sporty red seat belts, GT embossed insignia in the front headrests and ventilated and massaging front seats. ORA sales are via the www.gwmora.co.uk website, via selected dealers or via the ORA brand outlets in shopping centres that the company plans. There's lots of advanced driver assistance features too, thanks to 12 ultrasonic radar sensors and a whole array of exterior cameras, whose informational feedback is processed by an ultra-modern Qualcomm snapdragon chip that enables level 2.5 autonomous driving. Autonomous parking capability is also provided. The safety situation is encouraging as well. Safety equipment includes Blind spot detection, Traffic jam assist and Lane keep assist with a Lane centring function. And it seems that this car is also fundamentally safe. In recent EURO NCAP tests, the 03 scored a maximum 5 stars overall, with an 83% score for adult occupant protection, 83% for child occupants and, for vulnerable road users, an 74% score.

Cost of Ownership

The 03 charges with Type 2, 6.6kW single-phase AC and 11kW three-phase AC charging and comes equipped with a CCS socket as standard. The maximum charge speed - just 67kW - is distinctly on the modest side though; most rivals - an MG4 for instance, can charge at 100kW or more. With the 48kWh version, 6.6kW home charging will take users around 5.4 hours based on a 15%-80% charge status (or 7.2 hours with the 63kWh version). This time is cut drastically when moving up to 11kW three-phase supply charging (the sort of thing you might have at your office), which takes 3.2 hours (or 4.4 hours with the 63kWh version). Public DC rapid charging will take 42 minutes (from 15-80%); or 48 minutes with the 63kWh version. You can of course set charging times via the centre screen or the provided 'GWM Ora' app. We gave you the EV range figures in our Driving section - 193 miles for the 48kWh version and 261 miles for the 63kWh variant. The 03 is backed by a 5-year vehicle, unlimited mileage warranty, with cover on the battery for 8-years or 100,000 miles. Service intervals are in-line with best-in-class competitors, scheduled every 2 years or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. Insurance is from group 21E.

Summary

There's a lot to like here. Provided you don't mind trying something different and you happen to dig the retro-futuristic styling. If you've looked at fashionista small EVs like the MINI Electric, the Honda e and the Mazda MX-30 and, understandably, been put off by cramped interiors and pathetic driving range figures, then the ORA 03 could well be your car. It's priced well, doesn't feel too cheap, has a bit of character, gives you a decent distance between charges, offers a proper back seat and comes with a long warranty. If you were to add in a few posher aesthetic touches and stick on premium German badging, the press would probably be raving about it. As it is though, for most, this will remain in the short term, a strange Oriental confection. For the future though, make no mistake: the Chinese are coming.

Body Glass

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rear privacy glass

Heated front washer nozzles

Automatic wipers

Rear windshield heating

Rear side green glass window

Four windows with auto up and down + anti pinch

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Traction control

Electronic brake force distribution

Rear disc brakes

Electronic parking brake

Auto hold function

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Automatic emergency braking junction assist with pedestrian, cyclist and junction alerts

Up hill assist

Chassis/Suspension

MacPherson front suspension

Rear Suspension - Vertical arm torsion beam

Communication

Wireless Smartphone charger

Apple car play/Android Auto

Voice recognition

Bluetooth connection

Driver Aids

Electric power steering

Front parking sensors

Lane change assistant

Moving object detection

Rear parking sensors

Rear collision warning

360 surround camera

Blind Spot Detection (BAS)

Selectable steering modes

Rear cross traffic alert with brake assist

Traffic sign recognition (TSR)

Front collision warning

Speed limit warning

Child presence detection

Auto reversing assist

Auto parking assist

Intelligent turning control (ATC)

Intelligent cruise control (ICA)

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

Traffic jam assist (TJA)

Lane keep assist (LKA)

Lane departure warning (LDW)

Intelligent evade (IE)

SCM (second collision mechanism)

Low speed emergency braking

Driving mode select

Personalized drive

Drowsy Driving Monitoring (DDM)

Launch control mode

Driver Convenience

Single pedal driving

Inductive tailgate

Face ID

Driver Information

Trip computer

GPS navigation system

Outside temperature display

Speed limit display

Traffic jam assist

e-Call (emergency call)

Emergency lane keep assist

10.25" cluster with light adjustable

10.25" infotainment display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Door mirror integrated indicators

Electric adjustable, heated, autofolding door mirrors with memory

Elecric antiglare ISRVM

Entertainment

6 speaker sound system

Front and rear USB ports

Speed sensing volume control

FOTA system

DAB radio with MP5 & AV

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Panoramic opening glass sunroof

Rear side wing doors

Active air intake grille

Exterior Lights

Rear foglight

Automatic headlights

Daytime running lights

Welcome lighting

LED Headlights

High beam assist

Follow me home lighting

LED High mounted brake light

Electric leveling adjust for headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Heat pump

Intelligent temperature control system

Inside auto demisting

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Auxiliary power socket

Rear centre armrest with cupholders

4 way adjustable steering column

Roof handles

Trunk cover

Electronic gear shift

GT style Leatherette upholstery

Microfiber leather steering wheel

Packs

GT Style exterior pack - Ora 03

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

First aid kit

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Side airbags

Height adjustable rear seatbelts

Door open warning

Front seatbelt load limiters

Outer rear seatbelt pretensioners

Curtain airbags

Front passenger airbag deactivation

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Tyre pressure monitor

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Drivers/passengers and rear seats unfastened seat belt warning

Front centre airbag

Manual child lock in rear doors

Outer rear seatbelts load limiter

Electric safety protection of vehicle

Battery intelligent protection alarm system

Super lock

Rollover prevention function

Crash Load Limiter (CLT)

Adjustable energy recovery level

Contrast color GT seat belts

Seats

Rear head restraints

Front head restraints

4 way electrically adjustable passenger seat

60/40 split folding rear seat

ISOFIX on outer rear seats

Single passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

6 way electrically adjustable drivers seat with memory and welcome position

Heating, ventilation and massage function for front seats

GT headrest embroidery

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Auto door lock when driving

Dual smart keys

Collision auto unlock

Smart keyless quick start

Anti theft alarm horn

Driver side keyless entry

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with mirror and light

Wheels - Alloy

18" Diamond turned GT alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 15-80

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 399

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Capacity in kWh: 63

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 432

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 6.6

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 64

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 258

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 15-80

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 48

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 64

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 15-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.7

Usable Battery Capacity: 63

Charging Port Location: Left and Right Side Front

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 248

Emissions - ICE

NOx: N

HC: N

CO: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 1 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Delivery: N

CC: 1

General

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Special Edition: 0

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 74

NCAP Safety Assist %: 93

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 171

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Coin Description: 126kW

Coin Series: GT

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22A

Special Order: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 5

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

AdBlue: 0

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.2

Top Speed: 99

Engine Power - KW: 126

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Power - BHP: 171

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 215/50 R18

Tyre Size Front: 215/50 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4254

Width: 1848

Wheelbase: 2650

Height: 1603

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Max. Loading Weight: 390

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 228

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

No. of Seats: 5

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1970

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.25

Minimum Kerbweight: 1580

Exterior Body Features

Special paint

Additional metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Mars red

Metallic - Moonlight white

Paint - Special

Special - Meteorite grey

Trim - Leather

Leatherette - Black/red