First Drive - EV Review - GWM Ora Funky Cat
Funky Cat EV Review
What is it?
It’s probably one of the quirkiest new cars to hit the market in a long time. The Funky Cat is the opening model from GWM Ora - the new electric arm of Great Wall Motor, a company which has previously had mixed success with a range of agricultural pick-up trucks. But far from some rugged load-lugger, this is an EV with loads of onboard technology and a very eye-catching design.
But as an alternative to the more well-rooted brands in the UK, can GMW Ora deliver an EV that people really want? We’ve been behind the wheel to see if that’s the case.
What’s new?
As we’ve touched upon, Great Wall’s last endeavour here in the UK was with a series of pick-ups which didn’t really hit the market with buyers. However, this time around it has done a full 180-degree switch and headed along the electric vehicle route, which will see it introducing further models above and beyond the Funky Cat.
But in the here and now, the Funky Cat enters into the market with a good degree of competition. MG is currently marching ahead with cars like the MG4, while options such as the Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Peugeot e-208 continue to prove popular among buyers.
What’s under the bonnet?
Currently, there’s just a single setup available with the Funky Cat. It pairs a 48kWh battery with a 169bhp electric motor which sends power to the front wheels alone. There have been hints that GWM will release a larger battery version, too, but for now, we’ve just got this single option.
You should get a claimed 193 miles of range, while the larger version should bring up to 261 miles. However, connect up to a standard home wallbox and an 80 per cent charge should take just over five hours, while plugging into a rapid 100kW charger will see the same charge level achieved in 45 minutes. The Funky Cat can only charge at speeds of up to 64kW, too, so just bear this in mind when connecting to an ultra-rapid charger.
What’s the Funky Cat like to drive?
You might think that with its cartoonish features and compact proportions the Funky Cat might not deliver in the driving department, but it’s actually quite a good model from behind the wheel. The steering has some nice balance to it, while the ride is well suited to the UK’s potholed roads.
Though the eight-second 0-60mph time might not be particularly impressive, it’s more than quick enough for most occasions while the instant delivery of torque from the electric motor means it’s ideal for nipping in and out of traffic.
How does it look?
You’re definitely going to turn heads when you drive a Funky Cat. Whereas the vast majority of EVs on sale tend towards the more modern type of design, GWM Ora has shunned this entirely for a far more retro, old-fashioned-inspired exterior aesthetic. It means that the Funky Cat has ended up with a really cool and head-turning design.
There’s a little bit of everything in here. The rounded headlamps and curvy bonnet have a little hint of Porsche 911 to them, while the rest of the car does have a distinctly Mini-esque flavour. Whichever angle you’re looking at it, the Funky Cat is very different.
What’s the Funky Cat like inside?
There’s a lot to be surprised by when you first step inside the Funky Cat’s cabin. The general quality is top-notch but more overarching is the sense of solidity that you get from the whole area - there’s even a reassuringly solid noise when you close the doors. It does feel like GWM Ora is aiming the Funky Cat to be a step above the rest in terms of quality.
There’s some nice premium plastic here and there, while faux leather is used in the areas where plastic isn’t applied. The row of chrome ventilation switches is a nice touch, too, while the pair of 10.25-inch screens ensure that there’s a good level of technology to back up this material quality. In the back, space is a little bit tight - particularly for taller passengers - while the 228-litre boot is about what you’d expect from a car of this size.
What’s the spec like?
At present, there’s just a single high-specification First Edition model available. That means there’s little way of deviating from the Funky Cat’s £31,995 starting price, but if you’re happy with that area then you’re going to get a lot of equipment and features included.
For example, there are electrically adjustable front seats incorporated as standard, alongside a 360-degree parking camera and lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. It’s also worth adding that Euro NCAP awarded the Funky Cat with a full five-star rating, making it one of the safest new cars on the road today.
Verdict
The GWM Ora Funky cat hits the scene with a high quality interior, some good in-car technology and plenty of range. A larger-battery version would definitely be a great addition, mind you, and would suit drivers who like to do bigger miles.
This is a good car from the ground-up, however, as it’s pleasant to drive and feels nicely built. Though the EV market might be congested, the Funky Cat is a model that is really here to get itself noticed.
