The ORA Funky Cat 2024: A Funky Take on Urban Mobility

The ORA Funky Cat 2024, a product of Great Wall Motors' latest electric brand, Ora, is more than just an eye-catching name. It's an embodiment of innovative design and practicality, aimed squarely at the urban electric vehicle (EV) market. Known as the ORA 03 in some regions, this hatchback stands out not just for its quirky moniker but also for its blend of styling elements, affordability, and features.

ORA Funky Cat 2024: A Fresh Spin on Urban Electric Cars
In a market brimming with lookalike electric hatchbacks, the ORA Funky Cat 2024 doesn’t tiptoe in—it shows up dressed in pastel and chrome, looking like it time-warped from a ‘60s diner. Built by Ora, the electric arm of Great Wall Motors, it’s the kind of car that gets double-takes at traffic lights and nods of approval from curious pedestrians. Known as the ORA 03 in certain markets, it mixes familiar design nods—think Mini Cooper and a little VW Beetle—with a modern electric drivetrain designed for the city slog. At 4.2 meters long (13.9 ft), 1.8 meters wide (6 ft), and just over 1.6 meters tall (5.25 ft), it’s tailored for tight corners, narrow alleys, and that one tight spot everyone else avoids.

Zippy Yet Sensible: Performance Built for City Life
You won’t be drag racing Teslas with it, but that’s not the point. The ORA Funky Cat gets a single electric motor pushing 171 horses (about 127 kW) to the front wheels, enough to scoot from 0 to 62 mph in just over 8 seconds. Torque tops out at 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), which makes it feel punchy when darting through traffic. Ride quality leans on the firm side—great for responsiveness, less so for pothole-laced city streets. On wet pavement, traction control’s a bit too eager, requiring a light foot when launching from a stop. But overall, it’s agile and surprisingly fun to toss around at low speeds.

Plush Cabin With Tech That Belongs in a Class Above
Open the door and the ORA Funky Cat surprises again. For a car that starts around £30,000 ($37,000 / €34,400), the interior punches well above its weight. Leatherette seating, contrast stitching, and a stitched steering wheel elevate the space. The dual 10.25-inch displays sit side-by-side—one for driving data, the other for infotainment—and they’re easy to use. "Hello Ora" voice commands control a surprising array of features, from cabin temperature to navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard, finally answering the most common gripe from earlier models. You also get facial recognition, a 360-degree camera, and adaptive cruise—all rare in this price bracket.

Range and Charging: Good Enough for the Urban Hustle
There are two battery options, both lithium-ion. The entry Pure+ gets a 46 kWh (45.4 kWh usable) pack, officially rated for 193 miles (310 km), though real-world winter numbers clock closer to 134 miles (216 km). The Pro+ upgrade comes with 64 kWh (59.3 usable), pushing range to 261 miles (420 km). Neither will set range records, but they’re more than enough for the typical daily grind. Fast charging maxes out at 64 kW, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in about 42 minutes. Home charging via a 7.4 kW wallbox takes around 5.5 hours for the smaller pack—perfect for overnight top-ups.

Practicality and Ownership Costs: Better Than Expected
It’s a city car, so you don’t buy it to haul drywall. The Funky Cat’s 228-liter trunk (8 cu ft) is modest, and folding the seats gives a bit more, though it’s still tight for weekend hauls. Rear legroom’s surprisingly generous, even for taller folks. Pricing starts near £30,000 ($37,000 / €34,400), undercutting rivals like the Peugeot E-208 or Mini Electric when similarly equipped. The First Edition—now rebranded Pure+—comes standard with 18-inch alloys, LED lighting, wireless phone charging, and a long list of safety tech. Ora throws in a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 8 years for the battery, which beats what most mainstream brands are offering.

Who’s It For?
Young professionals tired of boring boxes on wheels. Empty-nesters who want something chic but not spendy. Or anyone just bored of black and gray EVs. Backed by Great Wall Motors and bolstered by a tech collaboration with BMW, Ora isn’t just tossing another electric egg into the market. The Funky Cat’s got personality, decent specs, and enough tech to make commuting a little less dull. And in an industry obsessed with efficiency and silence, sometimes standing out matters just as much.