The GWM Ora is soon to arrive in New Zealand. And its price is sure to appeal. GWM says its overall strategy is to be competitive rather than be the cheapest in the marketplace, but starting at $49,990, the Ora comes close to being the cheapest in the NZ marketplace.
That’s the same money asked by the MG ZS EV although that is on the road price, whereas the Ora is plus ORCs. And you’ll note it’s simply called Ora, no cat references for our market, apparently the feline names weren’t deemed a fit for Australasian consumption.
There are three models Ora Standard Range ($49,990), Ora Long Range ($55,990) and the Ora GT is $60,990. Orders are being taken now and New Zealand production has started with the first shipments expected in April. The GT model’s arrival is still TBC however.
It will be available with two battery sizes, the 48kWh model offering a WLTP range of 310km with the 63kWh Long Range quoted at 420km. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent is possible in 41 minutes on the 48kWh model via DC charging. The single motor drives the front wheels and outputs 126kW and 250Nm of torque. There’s a one pedal driving mode. Read our drive review here.
GWM says it has heaped all of its safety features on the Ora as standard across the range. The model has a five-star Euro NCAP rating and GWM says it is ‘working directly with ANCAP towards updating this for New Zealand and expect to be able to confirm this shortly’.
Both the standard and long range models have the same features which includes (among other things) 18-inch alloy wheels, dual 10.25-inch screens for the instruments and infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging. Expect also an electric driver’s and passenger seats, 360 degree around-view camera, seven air bags, AEB, adaptive cruise with Stop & Go. Other active safety systems include lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition.
The GT adds unique alloys and styling, powered tailgate, glass roof, heated steering wheel and auto parking.
Colours other than white are a $595 cost option. The new Ora, like all GWM products, is backed by a 5-year / 150,000km warranty, and 5-years roadside assistance.
