The brand that sells Australia’s cheapest electric car is likely to bring another sportier focused version that’s sure to undercut Tesla.
GWM Ora Sport.
Chinese brand GWM is planning an electric car onslaught.
The fast growing car maker has just launched its first EV and Australia’s cheapest zero-emissions car – the Ora. It is now considering bringing a second version Down Under.
GWM is looking to expand its electric car range with the Ora Sport.
It’s known as the Ora Lightning Cat overseas, but in Australia it is simply called the GWM Ora Sport.
The coupe-style four-door brings silky looks and the promise of red-hot performance.
Pitched at the popular Tesla Model 3 and the coming Hyundai Ioniq 6 the Ora Sport is available in single and dual motor variants.
GWM hasn’t confirmed whether the model will be sold here, but it is under strong consideration.
It comes in single or dual motor layouts.
The single motor version makes 150kW/340Nm and the dual motor brings all-wheel drive and 300kW and 680Nm. The dual motor can hit 100km/h from a standstill in 4.8 seconds.
GWM claims the driving range is 555km for the single motor variant and 705km for the dual motor. Both of those distances are calculated on the more generous NEDC testing regimen, so expect those numbers to drop significantly if it goes on sale locally.
The interior is luxury focused.
The EV comes with some sparkly paint colours including Amethyst Purple and Diamond Pink, the latter resembling a tall glass of frozen rose or frosè.
Frameless windows and 19-inch alloy wheels add a touch of class.
Inside there is a big centre screen, leather upholstery and the driver’s instrument are broken up into three cylindrical segments.
The car even makes a “meow” sound on start-up.
There is also a wide array of active driver aids and safety tech as standard.
GWM hasn’t given an indication on what the car would cost if it came to Australia, but expect it to undercut its main rivals such as the $67,000 drive-away Tesla Model 3.
We got a quick sample of a left-hand drive Chinese-spec single motor version on closed roads at the Australia Automotive Research Centre in Anglesea, Victoria.
The short loop showed the Ora Sport doesn’t live up to its name. Its single electric motor provides sluggish acceleration and lacks responsiveness when you put your foot down.
Fake engine noise pumped through the cabin didn’t match the shove delivered in real life.
Overly soft suspension paired with a hefty weight meant the car had considerable lean through corners and felt floaty over road undulations.
Keyword: GWM Ora Sport electric car under consideration for Australia