A brand new electric vehicle has just been launched into the Irish market, which aims to go up against the likes of the VW ID.3, Hyundai Kona, Fiat 500e, and the Cupra Born.
The Ora Funky Cat from Great Wall Motors (GWM) of China was presented to the Irish motoring media earlier this week in Co Meath, and it’s certainly a head-turner.
Imported into Ireland by International Motors (IM) Group, the dealer network for the Ora Funky Cat is already growing, with the announcement of Linders Motor Group in Dublin 7 as the first official dealership being followed by Connolly Motor Group in Galway and Blackwater Motors of Cork.
IM Group said that it will have no issue with stock, and aims to sell 1,000 units of the Ora Funky Cat before the end of the year.
Charles Hurst’s Boucher Road dealership in Belfast is the first GWM Ora retailer in Northern Ireland.
Starting from €31,995, the fully-electric Ora Funky Cat arrives in Ireland in two trims – the 300 Pro and the 400 Pro+. The latter is powered by a 63 kWh battery with a promised range of 420km, while the entry 300 Pro can deliver up to 310km from its 48 kWh power source.
So what do you get? Well, this quirky-hatch comes with an impressive amount of tech as standard. It offers facial and voice recognition, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, internet radio, electric front seats, and 18″ alloy wheels, .
Features exclusive to the 400 Pro+ version, which starts at €39,995, include an opening panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, auto park assist, massaging and heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Ora Funky Cat also boasts Euro NCAP’s best-in-class 2022 award in the Small Family Car category, due to being “exceptionally well equipped”.
Using a DC charger, the Ora Funky Cat can be charged to 80 per cent in around 48 minutes.
In total, there will be four colour schemes available in Ireland, with metallic paint a €495 extra and the contrasting roof an additional €195.
Optional interior colours at €345 include cream/red and green/beige (pictured above).
Inside, the car offers plenty of space and could easily fit up to five adults. Rear leg room is particularly impressive.
Boot capacity is on the small side however, at just 228 litres.
