GWM ORA 03 review: China knows how to make cars

3

Although GWM is not a well-known brand in Latvia, it arrived with a bang and proved that Latvians were waiting for an electric car of the right price and quality.

Gwm Ora 03

GWM TIME 03

Although GWM is not a well-known brand in Latvia, it arrived with a bang and proved that Latvians were waiting for an electric car of the right price and quality.

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is one of China's largest and oldest automobile manufacturers, founded in 1984. Initially focused on trucks, GWM has since evolved into a diversified automotive conglomerate with a significant portfolio in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

This time our story is about ORA, which means "open, reliable and alternative" ("open, reliable, and alternative"). GWM has now expanded globally and ORA is a key brand in the promotion of electric vehicles. The GWM portfolio is diversified with specific brands for different market segments. ORA is dedicated to stylish electric cars, WEY aims for luxury and Haval focuses on SUVs. In this way, GWM tries to satisfy the various desires of people in the EV market.

Gwm Ora 03 0
GWM TIME 03

GWM recognized the potential of electric vehicles early on, making significant investments in research and development, particularly in what they call the “three electric” technologies: batteries, motors and electric control systems. This commitment aims to sell around 2025 EVs by 700.

The way I was tested in GWM ORA 03 is also worth mentioning. I could not get a test with the local representative. However, a friend of mine had bought a used ORA 03 from Germany and was kind enough to give it to me for a few days. Yes, as it turns out, although GWM is new in Latvia, it has been around for years in other parts of Europe and you can also find a used car offer. At the time of writing, the lowest price on mobile.de is €18, which looks like a demo machine rather than a used one.

GWM ORA 03 design and aesthetics

After a long time, I had an electric car that really attracted the attention of other people. They came to me to inquire about it - how much it costs, how far you can go on one charge, complimented the car on its appearance. And honestly, deservedly so. If any other manufacturer known to us had put their badge on the front of this car, keeping its price, this would be the hottest electric car potato that everyone would want to get their hands on.

GWM TIME 03
GWM TIME 03

GWM ORA 03, also known as Funky Cat, attracts attention with its cute and retro-futuristic style. In terms of size, it is a typical hatchback, which to me personally visually reminds me of a combination of a Porsche 911 and a VW Beetle, but with more modern and fluid lines and LED lighting. It has also been heard to be compared to the AlfaRomeo MiTo. Available in a variety of colors and two-tone finishes, the ORA 03 stands out on our crossover-filled streets with unique design features, making it easily recognizable on the road, both with its prominent oval LED lamps at the front and the unusual brake light line at the rear.

The interior is not so unique and everything seems familiar when you sit inside. I had read a lot of criticism about the complexity of the user interface, so I was surprised to find that the 10,25-inch multimedia screen offered everything in a way that was easy for me to find. The only thing that was not convenient was the activation of the one-pedal driving mode (when you let off the accelerator, the car brakes enough to stop, instead of continuing to roll at a lower speed), which has to be found through 4 screen presses and done every time you get into the car. By the way, Apple Carplay and Android Auto have been available since 2024. summer.

For those who is crying the fact that all buttons are ported to screens is something to cheer about, as GWM have kept the most important buttons that look like the knobs seen M, and there's a decent amount of buttons on the steering wheel as well. It's not for nothing that I mention the MINI at this point, because it turns out that GWM also produces it in cooperation with BMW.

Technical specifications

The ORA 03 measures 4235mm in length, 1825mm in width and 1603mm in height, with a 2650mm wheelbase and a 228-litre boot, making it a compact yet roomy vehicle. If we compare it with another popular electric hatchback – Volkswagen ID.3, then the ORA 03 is 26 mm longer, 16 mm wider and 39 mm higher, while the wheelbase is 120 mm shorter and the boot volume is 157 liters smaller. What difference does it make to the common man? Nothing at all. It might seem that the ORA 03 is far behind the ID.3 due to the volume of the trunk, but it is large enough to fit a suitcase without a lot of planning.

Smaller trunk space means that the second row of seats gains extra space. This is my biggest criticism of European and Korean manufacturers. I prefer a smaller trunk but more space in the second row. That's why I think ORA 03 is more practical than ID.3. Sitting behind me in the second row, I was surprised at how much room I had for my legs. The legroom was almost from my knees to the front seat, which means that even taller people will feel comfortable in this car.

I like simplicity in choice and GWM offers exactly that. All you can choose for the car are two battery options: 48 kWh for the base model, which provides 310 km in the WLTP cycle, and 63 kWh for the 03+ version, with a range of up to 420 km on a single charge. In real life, you could expect 250 km and 320 km, respectively.

And the only other option given to the buyer when choosing a car is its color. I would choose either red, which is close to the red of the Latvian flag, or dark blue-green, which is most often used in advertising campaigns. I think the white and black colors look strange on this car.

GWM ORA 03 charging curve
GWM ORA 03 charging curve

Both versions are equipped with a 126 kW front-wheel drive motor that achieves 0-100 km/h in just over eight seconds. With fast charging, both models (max 67 kW) can charge from 15 to 80% in about 45 minutes. The slow charge with 11 kW will be able to perform a full charge in 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of the battery.

Security and technology

The ORA 03 has achieved a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, demonstrating that if the European manufacturer Renault is not ready to give the Zoe the necessary amount of stars, then the Chinese can. The Chinese are serious about safety and actively ensure that the driver keeps his attention on the road. Even when driving along the Vanšu Bridge, you cannot look at the ships for more than 1 second, because the car will immediately report that you need to pay attention to the road. This could be annoying for drivers who can't stay focused.

Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping were good, but I was surprised that it sometimes turned off when traffic stopped at a traffic light.

Market position and price

GWM ORA 03 has already proved that there is a demand in Latvia for a good price electric car that offers more than moving the bottom from point A to B. In its first months, ORA 03 managed to get more than 100 buyers, which is a lot for Latvia.

GWM ORA 03 among Latvian e-car 2024/25 candidates
GWM ORA 03 among Latvian e-car 2024/25 candidates

It must be said that when it came to the Latvian market, this machine had a more attractive price and much less competition. However, with a starting price of €26, the GWM ORA 995 is one of the few electric cars currently offering a very good value for money. It competes with electric cars such as the Volkswagen ID.03 (starting price €3), the MINI Cooper SE (from €36) and another Chinese DongFeng Box (from €100), as well as other compact EVs. At the same time, it will be interesting to compare Hyundai Inster (from €25) and Renault 5 (from €27) success when they arrive in Latvia.

Is it worth fearing the Chinese?

GWM ORA 03 is a notable newcomer to the Latvian electric car market, offering an iconic design, decent technical parameters and a good price. Although many are skeptical about the Chinese and in the current political situation, many throw a bow at such a large monetary support for a Chinese product, as a car it is very competitive and for car manufacturers such as Stellantis group, I would say to be very careful.

And the most important proof of quality – every time she sees one of the GWM ORA 03 on the street, the wife remembers how comfortable it was and says that it was one of the most pleasant cars she has driven, comparing it to the Volkswagen ID.3.

GWM TIME 03
GWM TIME 03

GWM Ora 03 technical parameters:

  • Autonomy: 310 or 420 km (WLTP)
  • Battery: 45.4 or 69.3 kWh (net)
  • DC charging: max 67 kW
  • AC charging: 11 kW
  • Engine power: 126 kW, 250 Nm
  • Run-in (0-100 km/h): 8.3 sec
  • Seats: 5 (2 isofix)
  • V2X: None
  • Battery architecture: 400V
  • Wheel Drive: FWD

If you notice an error in the article, let us know about it by highlighting the reverse text and pressing Ctrl + Enter. Thank you!

5 1 vote
Evaluation of the article
Sign up
Notice from
guest
3 Comments
the youngest
the oldest the most voted
Internal feedback
View all comments
Drunk
Drunk
Guest
13/01/2025 11:14

I'd rather take a KIA Eniro a few years old with a warranty still in effect than this Chinese one. Safer, more predictable, cheaper. Greater range.

ttt
ttt
Guest
12/01/2025 18:13

The mask factor, then Teslas no, Chinese yes, because they like to be red...

3
0
Share your thoughts/comment!x

Spelling error report

The following text will be sent to our editors: