GWM Ora Sport a likely start for Australia
GWM says its Ora Sport, known as the Ora Lightning Cat in other markets, is ‘under consideration’ for the Australian market, with a left-hand drive evaluation vehicle in the country for analysis as part of the Chinese brand’s business case.
Replete with animated cat graphics and ‘meow’ sounds upon start-up, the all-electric medium sedan offers much the same running gear as its hatch counterpart, to be known simply as the Ora locally but as the Ora Good Cat overseas, with the option of 48kwh standard range and 63kwh extended range battery options.
Speaking to Australian journalists at a preview drive of the latest GWM products, GWM Australia and New Zealand head of marketing and communications Steve Maciver said the model ‘is under consideration for Australia as part of our expansion of hybrid and electric vehicles. It is yet to be confirmed, but we are studying it closely’.
There is no word on price yet, although with the Ora Good Cat retailing for well under $50,000.
The Ora Sport is expected to have similarly attractive pricing should it be given the go-ahead for Australia, comfortably undercutting its nearest direct rivals, the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Standard range vehicles offer a lithium-ion phosphate battery, with extended range versions using a larger nickel-cobalt-manganese unit.
DC fast charging is said to take 30 minutes to take the state of charge from 30 to 80 percent.
The swoopy sedan is well specified with 19-inch alloy wheels, frameless doors, split panoramic roof, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats with massage functionality, as well as an electrically activated pop-up spoiler.
The Ora Lightning Cat scored a fivestar EURONCAP rating when tested in 2022 and recently won the Top Safety award in its home market.