You've likely heard that China is now making excellent cars. GWM's Ora GT is a prime example. It started as an oddball but has evolved into a mature and desirable vehicle. When you first see one on the road, it grabs your attention with its unique design. But is it more than just a looker?

Uncover the Hidden Gems of China's Electric Car Scene

Design and Aesthetics

The GWM Ora GT is a visually captivating machine. Its elegant curves, chrome headlights, and character lines give it a retro remake look, similar to the New Fiat 500 or the reimagined Volkswagen Beetle. Yet, it's entirely bespoke, with no reference to existing automaker designs. Emanuel Derta's design work is evident, perhaps inspired by the vintage 911's chrome-ringed headlights. The flirty bodykit, low air dam, and painted rims add a touch of excitement to the exterior. Inside, the cabin is elegant and minimalist, with chunky bespoke switches and red leatherette accents. It gives a premium feel from the controls to the steering wheel.

Driving Experience

The Ora GT isn't a hot hatch in the traditional sense but a warm one. In sport mode, it zips away nicely, with a bit of tire chirp over bumps. However, it lacks the raw character of a Fiat 500e Abarth. It's solid as a daily driver, able to navigate traffic easily. The steering wheel is a few sizes thinner than the norm, but it commands the front wheels well. The ride has a pleasant firmness common in modern hatches.

Performance and Power

The Ora GT offers 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from a single electric motor driving the front wheels. This is a notable lift over the 143 hp base model sold in other markets. It's powered by a 63.1 kWh battery, providing a healthy 249 miles of range. While not racy, it's enough for daily commuting. The kerb weight of 3,843 pounds is typical for an EV with a sizable battery, and it can achieve a zero to 60 mph sprint in under 8.5 seconds.

Equipment and Features

As the top-of-the-range model, the Ora GT comes with many luxurious features. It has a full-on massage seat for the driver and front passenger, which does a great job of kneading the musculature and can be configured. The combined instrument cluster and infotainment screen looks nice, but the infotainment system can be confusing. Some features like Android Auto are missing, but Apple CarPlay is present. The manual switchgear feels nice, except for the strangely difficult-to-use indicator stalk. There's also a sunroof that adds extra light to the cabin.

Value and Comparison

The Ora GT is a great-looking vehicle starting at $41,990 AUD ($27,000 USD), but it's not the best value. The Ora Standard Range starts at $33,990 AUD (~$22,000 USD) with the same power and performance as the GT and only 55 miles less range. It's also cheaper. The Extended Range model, with a 261-mile range and costing $34,990 AUD right now (~$22,700 USD), might be the most attractive option. Overall, the Ora GT delivers on practicality and family transportation, but the lower trims offer more value.

Conclusion

The Ora GT is a decent car that drives well and looks great. It's not an expensive EV and is suitable for daily use. However, it's not a true electric hot hatch. If you want a straightforward EV hatchback for family and grocery runs, the Ora GT is perfect. But for those looking for better value, the cheaper models might be a better choice. The Ora GT caters to the everydriver who wants affordable and reliable transportation with space for kids and stuff.