Electric vehicles (EVs) are flooding into Singapore at an unprecedented rate. Yet, truth be told, many EVs, especially those from newer Chinese brands, can feel somewhat generic.

After all, with their weighty batteries, instant torque, and eerily silent drives, EVs often come across as household appliances on wheels rather than soulful machines.

But, every so often an electric vehicle comes along that breaks the mould, bringing character and a welcome dose of personality to the world of EVs.

The Ora 07, from Great Wall Motors (GWM), is precisely one such car.

Looks that boldly split opinions

You’d be forgiven for thinking the Ora 07 is something of a tribute act. Its styling certainly carries echoes of Porsche’s Panamera, perhaps sprinkled with some Bentley-esque flourishes. Sure, the resemblance might prompt accusations of copying, but isn’t imitation the sincerest form of flattery?

After all, there’s only so much you can reinvent a car’s shape after a century of automotive design. Besides, Porsche itself is moving away from these elegant curves as it marches toward an electrified future. So maybe the Ora 07 is less of a copycat and more a nostalgic nod to timeless design.

It is unmistakably unique. With vibrant, standout paint choices, sleek hidden door handles, intricate 18-inch alloys, and even a pop-up spoiler, the Ora 07 clearly wants your attention, whether you love it or loathe it.

The quirky, playful “exclamation point” logo might raise a few eyebrows too, but it adds a certain charm that makes the 07 impossible to ignore.

Welcome to feline-inspired whimsy  

Step inside, and the car’s character shines through even more distinctly. Starting it up triggers an introduction video across its digital displays featuring a cartoonish cat and fish romance, complete with a subtle meow. Yes, seriously.

But before you dismiss this as purely whimsical nonsense, it’s worth noting that the Ora 07 isn’t really targeting traditional car enthusiasts or macho posturing. Rather, its playful persona might appeal more to those secure enough to embrace a car with genuine quirkiness.

If you can look past (or even enjoy) the feline theme, the interior is quite impressive. Materials such as Alcantara and leather adorn not just the seats but extend gracefully across the dashboard and door panels, while hard plastics are discretely tucked away from touchpoints. It feels premium enough to rival some well-known European brands.

And rather refreshingly, Ora has resisted the temptation to ditch physical controls entirely. The presence of actual dials and switches for climate control is a reassuringly tactile touch, although having one more for volume control would make it perfect.

We have to give huge props to the cleverly designed wireless phone charger. Its holster-like design ensures your device stays snug, even during spirited driving sessions.

Sunroof drama with thoughtful design

One particularly eye-catching feature of the cabin is the unconventional layout of its glass roof. Unlike most EVs with their standard panoramic roofs, the Ora 07 splits this into two distinct sections.

The front occupants get a reasonably sized sunroof, while rear passengers enjoy an expansive glass canopy stretching dramatically from their knees to behind their heads, right up to the tailgate.

It creates a uniquely airy feeling that dramatically opens up the rear space, perfect for passengers keen on cloud or star-gazing.

Speaking of rear space, the cabin has abundant room for a full posse of adults, and the boot, while narrow, is sufficiently deep for longer cargo like golf bags.

Decently fast, but unexpected  

On the road, the Ora 07 is decently sprightly. Built on the unfortunately named L.E.M.O.N. platform, it’s notably well-engineered.

Singapore only gets one variant of the 07, and it’s impressively efficient. A mixed-traffic jaunt through town and expressways suggested a realistic real-world range close to 550 kilometres per charge, impressively close to the official 570km claim.

Power delivery from the electric motor is smooth and instantaneous, but sadly, it cannot effectively put that power to the ground, largely due to its front-wheel drive powertrain. Handling feels slightly dull too, thanks in part to the unresponsive steering rack and large steering wheel, which can be tricky to grip in fast situations.

Although, these should not put you off the 07. It’s designed more to be a city cruiser, and ride quality deserves special mention; even navigating uneven gravel patches, the Ora 07 remains composed and unflustered, effectively isolating its occupants from harsh jolts or vibrations.

While some premium brands opt for futuristic spaceship-like whooshes to give the cabin some life, Ora’s decision to offer familiar petrol-engine notes provides an intriguing sense of connection to traditional motoring. It’s admittedly artificial, yet charmingly nostalgic.

Quirky yet capable

In a market crowded with generic, interchangeable EVs, the Ora 07 is playful enough to stand apart, yet capable enough to be taken seriously. It’s not a Porsche clone, nor a mere novelty vehicle. Rather, it’s a thoughtfully engineered car with genuinely useful features and a charmingly unique personality.

Will the Ora 07 resonate with everyone? Probably not, particularly if playful feline themes or bold styling isn’t your cup of tea.

Yet for those willing to embrace its quirks, the Ora 07 promises genuinely compelling value. And in a world where cars increasingly feel homogenous, a bit of playful whimsy might just be exactly what we need.

Technical Specifications

ORA 07

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Front-wheel drive
Power: 150 kW (201 bhp)
Torque: 340 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 170 km/h
Battery Capacity: 83.5 kWh
Drive Range: 570 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 6.3 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$203,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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“What is it?” That’s a question you’ll find yourself being asked on a regular basis if you drive the Ora Good Cat, and once you’ve informed the person of the full name it’s usually followed up by another. Although the second question is often along the lines of-

“Is it really called the Good Cat?”

It really is. The brand in question is of course Ora (which stands for ‘open, reliable and alternative’, just so you know). It’s new to Singapore, having just arrived on our shores to much fanfare. But, the brand has been building electric cars in China since 2018, under its parent company; the Great Wall Motor group.

Ora sits alongside brands like Haval, Wey, GWM and Tank, and it also signed a joint venture agreement with BMW to allow for the “development and production of electric vehicles in China”. This could be a bit of good news, and it means that much of the Good Cat’s underpinnings could make their way into future electric MINIs.

It looks cute, and has a funky name, but can the Good Cat handle well on our roads? 

Purr-fectly Cute

This car is a bit like a mix-tape of automotive design – a pinch of MINI here, a dash of Nissan Micra there, and if you squint hard enough, you might even catch a whiff of Porsche 911. It’s an intriguing blend, to say the least.

Let’s start with the fun stuff because this car is meant to be whimsical. When you unlock it, a headlight and taillight extravaganza plays. And if that’s not enough, there are some fish that swim across the screens when you open the door. It’s cute, quirky, and a tad unconventional – in a good way.

Now, as you cast your eyes over the Good Cat’s exterior, you’ll notice mostly clean shapes with a few eccentric touches. There are these hexagons on the car’s ‘cheeks,’ alloy wheels that throwback to the ’90s, and rear lights that are rather discreet.

In fact, the main clusters are quite petite and mounted low, but they’re backed up by a higher light bar for that extra illumination.

You might be fooled into thinking this car is Mini-sized with its classic rounded shapes, but it’s surprisingly spacious. At 4235mm long, it’s only a smidge shorter than a Volkswagen Golf and considerably longer than an Opel Corsa.

So, don’t let those cute looks deceive you; it’s got room to spare.

Feline Spacious

And inside is where it’s all about making the most of the available space. The flat, clutter-free floor and ample glass give it an airy feel.

Ora chose to prioritise rear seat legroom over luggage space, so three adults can comfortably squeeze into the back.

The boot is teeny-tiny at just 228 litres, but that didn’t stop me from attempting to put a golf bag and clubs in. It doesn’t fit that nicely, but at least you can head to the golf course without the tailgate hanging open.

Now, let’s talk materials. The Good Cat doesn’t disappoint in this department. The seats are decked out in faux leather, and there’s even an option for a vibrant two-tone trim that adds a splash of retro flair. My personal favourite is the red velvet-flavored two-tone option.

Although, someone from MINI’s legal team might raise an eyebrow at those climate control toggles.

When it comes to tech, the Good Cat is packing some good specs. Wireless phone charging? Check. Twin 10.25-inch screens for the dial display and infotainment? Double check.

The centrally-mounted touchscreen is responsive, but the menus can get a tad clunky and confusing. However, it does offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, though the wireless connections can glitch out when you’re cycling between various menus. A quick vehicle restart usually solved the issue for me.

But here’s the thing that’s left me slightly frustrated – the indicators. Canceling them is not intuitive; a stalk that stays in position while indicating would be much nicer to use. 

Otherwise though, it is a quirky interior that will definitely wow your passengers.

City Prowler

The Ora Good Cat is in its element within city limits. Thanks to the battery tucked under the floor, you sit up high, and those big windows provide excellent visibility. While it’s not a speed demon with a 141bhp motor, the instant torque gives it a sprightly feel; you won’t be trailing behind in city traffic.

The steering offers three settings for varying levels of weight, all of which are on the light side, making manoeuvring a breeze. There are also regenerative braking settings and a one-pedal mode, so you can drive some stretches without ever needing to touch the brake pedal.

But, let the cat out of the bag, or rather expressway, and this feline isn’t too keen. Range and efficiency do take a sizeable hit, and the active safety systems can be a bit overbearing. They earn the Good Cat a five-star Euro NCAP score, but I found them a tad intrusive.

Lane assist can tug the car back into the previous lane when you’re trying to indicate and exit down a slip road. And turning off these systems requires a deep dive into the touchscreen each time you start the car.

As for the noise, well, there’s quite a bit of wind and road chatter at highway speeds, especially from those large and bulbous wing mirrors.

While the Good Cat might not be the sharpest tool in a corner, it’s perfectly suited for leisurely city cruising. However, cornering at high speeds reveals a lack of body control, and there’s not much feedback through the steering wheel.

When it comes to braking, I wasn’t exactly smitten with the brake pedal’s feel, but let’s cut this cat some slack – it’s a city car, not a race car.

Onto the all-important topic of range. With a 63kWh battery, I managed to squeeze out about 350km on a single charge – not too shabby considering GWM’s claims are rated at 420km (WLTP).

My average was 14.4kWh/100km, and that included a mix of city traffic and enthusiastic pedal pressing.

Is It A Good Cat?

It’s an intriguing proposition, the Ora Good Cat. Its cutesy retro aesthetic will no doubt be a hit with some fans, but it is slightly crippled by its glitchy technology and detached steering feel.

You won’t get the same driver-focused sensation as you do in a MINI, but those who love the pumped-up MINI aesthetic and a more laid-back driving style will appreciate the Good Cat.

It’s a decent, tech-filled first attempt from a young carmaker, and a refreshing change of pace from the exceedingly futuristic-styled and tech-driven EV bandwagon some of the other manufacturers have tried to hop on.

Technical Specifications

ORA Good Cat

Engine: Single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Electrical Motor
Power: 105kW (141bhp)
Torque: 210Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 11 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 150 km/h
Battery Capacity: 63 kWh
Drive Range: 420 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 6 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$169,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Cycle & Carriage Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Great Wall Motor (GWM), the parent company of ORA, recently hosted their EV Convoy Tour 2023, where various members of the media from Singapore and Thailand embarked on a road trip to challenge the status quo and redefine the way we view EVs.

Some folks out there still hold on to the notion that EVs are limited by their maximum battery range. But, armed with a fleet of ORA Good Cat cars, GWM set out to qualm these misconceptions.

The convoy of Good Cats cruised from the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand, to the vibrant heart of Singapore, covering approximately 2,000km in just seven days. A true cross-border adventure over three countries.

You might be wondering, “Okay, so how many times did they really have to charge these Good Cats?” Well, the theoretical math pegged it at around five or six times for the entire journey, given the decent 420km range each cat is able to muster. The Good Cat, according to ORA, boasts an average energy consumption of 6km/kWh.

The road trip also shed some light on the possibility of long-distance road trips in EVs. While not as seamless as conventional fuel cars, it is definitely doable, even all the way up to Thailand. 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Prospective EV buyers in Singapore have a wealth of options when picking out a new EV, and now they have a new option – with the ORA Good Cat.

Officially named the Good Cat 03, this electric feline was officially launched in Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) new showroom located at 239 Alexandra Road, which will be the new home for future ORA models.

If the ORA Good Cat looks familiar to some, that’s because its chief designer is former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta. And it isn’t that tiny either. At 4,235mm long, 1,825mm wide and a wheelbase of 2,650mm, the Good Cat is similar in size to an Audi A3.

Its opening price is $161,999, and it sits as a Cat A COE model. A single front electric motor punches out 105kW and 210Nm of torque, enabling the Cat to rock the century sprint in 11 seconds, climbing to a top speed of 150km/h.

The Singapore variant will receive a 63kWh battery, giving it an effective range of 420km (WLTP). ORA claims an efficiency of 6km/kWh.

It may look cute, but the ORA Good Cat is also equipped with an extensive list of safety features. Six airbags, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Evade and Lane Departure Warning, the list goes on, so you’ll be assured that you are safe on the roads.

Parking is easy too, with a 360-degree view camera and Auto Parking Assist, which can assist for reverse and parallel parking manoeuvres. 

Vivid and cheerful are feelings you’ll find in the cabin of the ORA Good Cat. Front runners get electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage functions, a wireless smartphone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and a pair of 10.25-inch displays, with Apple CarPlay built into the infotainment system.

“Based on recent market research, 67% of existing petrol vehicle car owners indicated that they will likely sell their current ride by 2025, of which half of them are considering switching to an EV or a hybrid car,” said Mr Wilfrid Foo, Managing Director – Direct Motor Interests, Jardine Cycle & Carriage.

“We are thrilled to introduce the ORA Good Cat 03 Electric into the Singapore market and we look forward to unveiling more sustainable options in partnership with GWM as we embrace the electric revolution together.”

Mr Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont, Vice President of Marketing for ASEAN of Great Wall Motor added, “GWM is a global intelligent technology company with 32 years of automotive manufacturing experience, and a rising brand among Chinese automotive brands in the global market. We are confident that the stylish design, remarkable performance, and advanced features of the ORA Good Cat 03 Electric will captivate Singaporean drivers as it did in other parts of the region such as Thailand and Malaysia.”

For those who wish to check out this feline for yourselves, it’s now available and sitting pretty in the ORA Singapore showroom. 

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This new partnership, complete with a grand signing ceremony, will see the ORA brand being distributed on our shores in time to come, distributed by Cycle & Carriage. The signing was also flanked by the first ORA model that will be launched here, aptly named the Good Cat.

ORA, which is the acronym for ‘Open, Reliable and Alternative’, is a brand that aims to target the youth and hip segment of the market. If this screams cute to you, you’re probably their target demographic.

Aside from being adorable, Great Wall Motor wants to make these models comfortable, stylish and emission-free, opening more avenues for EV ownership.

And don’t think that ORA is a small brand either. Backed by Great Wall Motor, the corporation has established a presence all over the world and has also founded several research and development centres in various territories, focusing on EV technologies. As the world shifts into electric overdrive, brands like ORA are becoming increasingly popular with consumers.

The biggest appeal of ORA cars are their attractive price point and stylish looks, without losing any of their EV benefits. The Ora Good Cat is a great example of this.

Designed by former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta, the Good Cat has noticeable elements inspired by Porsche models of the past. A bubbly exterior gives way to a retro-futuristic interior, and the Good Cat is well-equipped with modern everyday conveniences. These include electric memory seats, a suite of safety features, and screens galore for all your connectivity.

Cycle & Carriage has not revealed the exact specifications of the Good Cat that will be arriving in Singapore yet, as these details are still pending discussions with ORA. But, what we do know is that the Good Cat will most likely fall under Cat A COE, which should allow it to be priced more competitively. 

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