Launched: GWM ORA Good Cat EV lands! - from RM139,800 onwards!

Fans can now breathe a sigh of relief as GWM Malaysia has finally launched the highly anticipated Ora Good Cat into the local market. One of the most highly anticipated new Electric Vehicle (EV) to hit our shores arrives with two variants, each with plenty to offer avid local EV fans. 

The model underpins GWM’s advanced new L.E.M.O.N. platform architecture that’s been developed with both full and partial electrification in mind. For Malaysia, GWM offers the Ora Good Cat in both 400 Pro and 500 Ultra forms, the numbering in their names signifying their respective claimed maximum range in kilometres (KM) on a single full charge.

This difference in range between the two stems from the differing battery types and capacity each is primed with. In the 400 Pro variant, this electrified hatchback is juiced by a Lithium Iron Phosphate type battery that’s rated at claimed 47.8 kWh. The 500 Ultra, on the other hand, benefits with a Ternary Lithium Battery type instead, offering a higher capacity of 63.1 kWh instead.

As for charging, DC fast-charging is accepted in both variants, thus allowing 0-80% charge in around 46 minutes (400 Pro) or 60 minutes (500 Ultra). Regular AC charging is also accepted, however this takes far longer to attain full charges - up to 8 hours (400 Pro) or 10 hours (500 Ultra).

No matter which variant you choose, both are powered using the same permanent magnet synchronous motor type mounted up front that drives the front wheels with 143 PS (105 KW) and 210 NM. This, in turn, grants 0-100 KM/H sprints in 7.9 seconds (in Sport mode), whereas top speed is governed at 152 KM/H so as to preserve the battery life.

Notable aesthetic highlights include its novel cat-themed design motif, which is matched with a total of six equally funky colour scheme options - 3 single-tone plus a further 3 dual-tone choices. Completing the exterior too are a tasty set of five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

Like the exterior, the Ora Good Cat’s innards can also be specified with either a single- or dual-tone interior colour motif, the latter featuring both a green-grey and a beige-brown option. Apart from that, there are plenty of luxuries to look forward to inside such as plush faux-leather upholstery with suede-like trims.

In terms of tech, this cute-looking EV is also brimmed to the core with plenty. Highlights include a 7-inch digital instrument display panel, 10.25-inch interactive touchscreen infotainment display, as well as power-adjustable driver seat amongst many. Opt for the higher-specced 500 Ultra variant and it boasts additional features such as driver massage seats, plus a 6-speaker audio hi-fi system.

Complementing this further is the full swing of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) primed in both variants, effectively granting the Ora Good Cat with Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving abilities.

Highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane-Keep (LKA) and Centering (LCA) Assists, plus something called Wisdom Dodge System (WDS).

Opt for the 500 Ultra variant and the ADAS package is bolstered further with Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Lane-Change Assist (LCA), Blind-spot Detection (BSD), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), as well as both Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Braking (RCTB) paring.

All these comes on top of basics primed at standard such as ABS brakes, Traction (TCS) and Stability (ESC) controls with cornering brake control (CBC), Hill-Start Assist (HSA), six airbags lining the cabin, as well as ISOFIX childseat anchors.

On the onset, it’s plain to see this Chinese EV is built, styled and specced-out to sell, more so given the tempting price tags of RM139,800 for the Good Cat 400 Pro, and from RM169,800 for the Good Cat 500 Ultra. Said prices include both a 5-year, 150,000 KM vehicle warranty plus a separate 8-year, 180,000 KM battery warranty, as well as complimentary portable and home chargers too.

So, what do you Think of the GWM Ora Good Cat then? Are you tempted by this budding Chinese-built electric hatchback then? Hit the comments below with your thoughts…