GWM Ora 03 UK Review

The GWM Ora 03, formerly known as the ORA Funky Cat, is a small electric hatchback that entered the UK market as a challenger to established competitors like the MG4 and Renault 5 E-Tech. After a rocky start with confusing branding and high initial prices, significant discounts in 2025 have made it a more compelling proposition. The car offers distinctive styling, impressive safety credentials, and generous equipment levels, but suffers from a tiny boot, fiddly infotainment, and an unsettled driving experience. This review examines whether the Ora 03 deserves a place on your shortlist.

The Ora 03 comes from Great Wall Motors (GWM), one of China's largest automotive manufacturers. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Baoding, Hebei Province, GWM has transformed from a domestic pickup specialist into a global player with significant international ambitions. The company reported global sales of 1.32 million vehicles in 2025, with overseas sales growing by 11.6% to over 500,000 units. ORA is GWM's dedicated electric vehicle sub-brand, positioned to compete in the global EV market. While GWM's scale and export growth are impressive, the company's net profit fell by 21.7% in 2025, raising questions about pricing pressure and market competitiveness.

The Ora 03 is available in three trim levels: Pure (48kWh battery), Pro (63kWh), and GT (63kWh). Official WLTP ranges stand at 193 miles for the Pure and 248–260 miles for the Pro/GT, though real-world expectations are around 150–160 miles and 200–220 miles respectively. Pricing after the 2025 discount is attractive: Pure from approximately £21,245, Pro from ~£25,245, and GT from ~£29,245. GWM offers an impressive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty on the vehicle and 8-year/100,000-mile battery cover. However, charging speeds are capped at 64kW DC, making rapid charging slower than many rivals – expect 42 minutes (48kWh) to 48 minutes (63kWh) for a 15–80% charge. The car achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022, with outstanding adult occupant protection (92%) and safety assist (93%), though the vulnerable road user score was more modest at 74%.

In its home market, the Ora Goodcat (the Chinese name for Ora 03) has established itself as a value-oriented electric vehicle priced between 83,800–103,800 RMB. Owner reviews on Autohome give it a solid 4.59/5 rating, with drivers praising its ease of driving, parking agility, excellent 540° panoramic camera system, and light steering. However, the car has not been without controversy. In 2021, GWM faced a scandal over the onboard computer chip – vehicles were advertised with a more advanced chip than what was actually installed, leading to customer complaints and eventual manufacturer intervention. Complaint databases show recurring issues including battery module failures, tyre cracking, infotainment system glitches, and discrepancies between marketing claims and actual specifications. The vehicle has been sold in 32 countries and territories, indicating global availability but also raising questions about how well regional issues are tracked and addressed.

The Ora 03's cabin features dual 10.25-inch screens – one for the driver display and one for the central infotainment system. Graphics are sharp, but text is frustratingly small, and the touchscreen response can be inconsistent. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added via an OTA update in spring 2024, addressing a significant omission. The car boasts an impressive suite of ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control with steering assistance, lane centring, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera. However, the system frequently bombards drivers with audio warnings and verbal messages that quickly become tiresome. The "Hello ORA" voice assistant supports multi-round dialogue and dialect recognition (Sichuan and Cantonese), though this feature's relevance in the UK market is limited. Notably, some early model year vehicles in other markets lacked OTA hardware compatibility, raising questions about software update longevity.

The Ora 03's 5-star Euro NCAP rating is a significant strength, with particularly strong adult occupant protection (92%) and safety assist systems (93%). The car's eCall system and multi-collision brake provide additional post-crash protection. However, the small boot (228 litres) is a major practical limitation, significantly less than competitors like the BYD Dolphin (364 litres), Citroen e-C3 (310 litres), and Renault 5 (285–326 litres). Rear seat space is surprisingly generous, with impressive legroom, though headroom is compromised by the sloping roofline. Build quality is a mixed bag – the dashboard and door inserts feature pleasant soft-touch materials and classy chrome toggle switches, but lower areas feel cheap with plastic components. The ride is comfortable on straight roads but the car displays body lean in corners and feels unsettled on undulating surfaces. Budget Giti tyres can struggle with traction in wet conditions, contributing to a less composed driving experience.

The GWM Ora 03 presents a compelling case on paper: excellent safety credentials, generous warranty coverage, and after the 2025 price cuts, competitive pricing against the Citroen e-C3 and Renault 5 E-Tech. The spacious rear cabin and distinctive styling add to its appeal. However, fundamental practical limitations undermine its case. The tiny 228-litre boot is a dealbreaker for many buyers, significantly less than all key rivals. The infotainment system's usability issues and verbose driver assistance systems become irritating in daily use. The capped 64kW charging speed means longer rapid charging stops than competitors, while the unsettled driving dynamics and budget tyres limit driver confidence.

For UK buyers prioritising value, safety, and rear passenger space over boot capacity and driving engagement, the Ora 03 is worth considering – particularly at discounted prices. However, those needing practical luggage space, who prioritise faster charging, or who value polished driving dynamics should look elsewhere. The MG4 offers better value and performance, the Renault 5 provides greater charm and practicality, and the BYD Dolphin balances space and refinement more effectively. The Ora 03 is not a bad car, but its compromises are significant enough that it struggles to stand out in an increasingly competitive small EV segment.