FIRST DRIVEOra's seco nd model for the UK isn't a cat but it's funky enough - cind surprisingly good to drive
Jordan Katsianis Jordan_Katsianis@autovia.co.uk
ONE of China’s more eccentric brands is about to land its second model here in the UK, with GWM Ora’s new four-door 07 almost ready to hit the road. But before it comes to us, we’ve had an early drive inside the brand’s vast proving grounds a few hours outside of Beijing. It’s worth noting that despite being in China, the cars we were driving are to European spec, and feature their own unique chassis tune.
What you need to know about this curious-looking mid-size electric saloon is that it’ll arrive in the late summer and rival cars like the BYD Seal, Volkswagen ID.7 and even the Tesla Model 3. It’ll launch with two battery sizes and single or dual-motor options, but here we’re driving the fully laden 402bhp GT model with the larger 83.5kWh battery and circa-320-mile range.
Despite being pitched at high-volume rivals, it’s curious to note that even Ora acknowledges the 07 will be a niche seller, purely on account of its design. But after speaking with some of those involved in the project – including Ora’s new head of design, who has worked for 25 years in the USA and Europe, leading some of the biggest design teams in the business – the Ora 07 starts to make a little more sense.
Yes, its styling looks a little gawky from some angles. Viewed head on, the round headlights almost get pulled around to the side, and the retro-styled fastback roofline and pastel colours only accentuate this odd aesthetic. But the 07 has been designed to be friendly and approachable, which is a refreshing change from the scowling brows and light bars that seem to dominate most cars on the road.
The same calming effect has been attempted inside, too, with a simple design that places the centre console up high, with a few commonly used controls at its centre. The touchscreen is well laid out and clear, and remains relatively easy to use and quick to react. Ora’s hoping to have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready for UK launch, or following soon after if not.
Ahead of the driver is a second display that hides underneath a triple-cowled covering, giving the illusion of three separate screens – a nice touch when most rival set-ups look and work so similarly.
In general, the fit and finish is quite impressive, with engineers and designers keen to banish the cliche of Chinese car interiors with questionable quality. Something
