The EV boom is real. More and more brands are bringing in new models into the country, with solid options in several different price points as well. With the brands warring to produce a unicorn in the market, there is one clear winner – the consumer.
GWM’s Ora 03 500 on the outside seems more like a collector’s item. But after testing out this EV for more than a week, I have come to the conclusion that it is more than just a pretty little face.
Exterior
It does have more to offer. But upon first glance, there’s no way around it. The vehicle really is quite cute. My first impression was that the GWM Ora 03 is the love child of a Beetle and a Mini. It’s unique in that most EV’s have a boxy frame or sharp lines. This one looks rounder and smoother around the edges.
Up front, you get round LED headlamps staring at you, which honestly adds to the cuteness factor. It also features a grille-less front fascia. Instead of the traditional grille, you get a smooth bumper that further accentuates its curvy silhouette.
The Ora sports 18-inch alloy wheels, and has a ground clearance of 120mm, which is slightly too low for my liking. Being a hatchback, it has a wheelbase of 2,650mm.
Blush Beige is the color of the unit I got to test. The two-tone design comes standard, with the roof being either black or white depending on the main color of your vehicle. You also get a panoramic sunroof in case you want to let more light in.
Rounding up the rear are two LED taillights and a high-mounted LED brake lamp. Additionally, the vehicle features a power tailgate for added convenience. The aesthetic of the rear is consistent with that of the vehicle overall.
Interior
Moving on to the interior, the Ora allows for a humble 228 L of cargo space. I’d classify it as more of an everyday vehicle. Long road trips with lots of bags and/or luggage will probably be available for only two people with the back row being foldable.
Speaking of the second row, you can fit up to 3 passengers. Although I would only recommend this for short trips around the city. For longer road trips, two passengers will fit more comfortably. However, take note that you will be sacrificing that added cargo space. Given the smaller stature of the vehicle, taller individuals may find the head room to be limited.
Amenities in the back include cubbies for smaller bottles on each side of the door, a cup holder in between, and a singular charging port. The materials of the seat are faux leather, while the door panel is a mix of said faux leather and soft-touch plastics. This is consistent as well with the front row door panels. Overall even with just faux leather and soft-touch plastics, GWM was able to capture a retro-futuristic and premium feel, which is similar to that of the vehicle’s exterior.
In front, you will find a 10.25-inch instrument cluster paired with a telescopic steering wheel. The steering wheel itself is made of microfiber leather. The buttons on the steering wheel are piano black, so good luck cleaning all those fingerprint marks.
The infotainment is a 10.25-inch screen as well. Volume and air control are all done through the screen. I personally would have preferred physical controls for these. Smartphone-mirroring is available for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
In the center console, you will find a charger pad right below a couple of USB-A charging ports. You will also find lowered cup holders which is a design I surprisingly don’t mind. Topping it off is the gear shifter and a few extra cubbies to place keys, cards, and other small items.
It is important to note as well that there is no physical button to start the vehicle. Once you enter, the vehicle is immediately ready to go. Once you exit, the car shuts off after locking the doors. This took some getting used to on my end, but I honestly didn’t mind it one bit.
Safety features
The Ora comes with the full range of safety features, too many to enumerate in fact. To assist with parking, you get a 360-degree view camera, as well as both front and rear sensors. For exiting parking, there is automatic emergency braking, which is equally as helpful while on the road.
There are other notable safety features. Some of these are tire pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, lane keep assist and both forward and rear collision warning. There are more, but all you really need to know is that the vehicle is packed with comprehensive safety features for the driver and the passengers’ peace of mind.
Performance and handling
The GWM Ora 03 is equipped with a 126 kW electric motor, which is powered by a 63 kWh battery. The motor produces 169 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Its advertised full charge range is at around 420 km.
One of the things I value with my driving experience is having the confidence to overtake. Oftentimes when I’m driving on main roads in the province and there are only 2 lanes, I would hesitate if I didn’t trust the responsiveness of the vehicle. I had no such concerns with the Ora. With it being an electric vehicle, it can get up there in speed quickly.
Surprisingly, the suspension was quite firm. The vehicle’s exterior and interior give off the vibe of comfort, and yet the drive wasn’t consistent with that. I felt every pothole and speed bump throughout my entire body.
In terms of charging, the Ora is compatible with both AC and DC charging. With the fast charging, you can expect a charging time from 10-80% in a little under an hour.
Verdict
The GWM Ora 03 is truly more than just a pretty face. It is packed with tech and safety features that elevate the overall driving experience. Its design language also captures that of a retro-futuristic and luxurious aesthetic, without necessarily having to break the bank.
This 500 variant is priced at Php 1,778,000. It offers great value with its comprehensive features and a design both inside and out, that will most definitely catch the eye.
Photos by Mica de los Reyes
