Title: Who's Laughing Now? The Ora Funky Cat: Toy or Compact Car Challenger?
The Ora Funky Cat is poised to turn heads with its amusing moniker and vibrant design, but can Great Wall Motor, the Chinese carmaker, win over the discerning German market with such an unconventional concept? ntv.de put the Funky Cat under the microscope for an exhaustive test.
In the labyrinth of contemporary cars, one might stumble upon a vehicle that looks eerily familiar but leaves you guessing. Enter the playful and curvaceous Ora Funky Cat, swimming in pastel hues and oozing resemblances to the Mini and Beetle. Yet, it manages to feel newer and retro all at once, and the design genius Emanuel Derta reportedly lent his Midas touch.
However, if your mind is still baffled, let the large "Ora" emblazoned on the trunk be your guide. The Chinese company has been toying with alternative names, as per media reports, but let's hope they keep it funny. As for the reception, an astounding 4,000 Funky Cats are already cruising German roads, albeit grumpily in Hamburg—a clue hinting at their rental status.
The curiosity surrounding the Ora Funky Cat is picking up pace, and so, we hopped in and rolled out. Settle in, and you'll be greeted by comfortable seats and a spacious cabin with a generous center console. The "GT" variant of the test car flaunts a vivacious red ditto on the dashboard, seats, and door panels, along with matching expressive seatbelts spread swathes of eye candy. But be prepared for an AV enthusiast's joy: a vast landscape screen comparable to Mercedes' widescreen dual monitor graces the dashboard.
However, let's not forget about the bottom line. Priced at 38,990 euros, the Funky Cat isn't exactly a bargain. But for the well-equipped "GT," GWM asks a hefty 49,490 euros. Now, how does that square with the six-figure connection to the BMW group? Mini will be adopting the same platform for its future electric small car version. But can the cat possibly surpass Mini's finish and sophistication?
To be frank, the Ora engineers still have a lot of work to do refining the operating system and infotainment. Why can't we exit CarPlay quickly? Why is the temperature control touchy-feely? Why is the radio reception so unreliable? These pressing issues need addressing before unhappy customers land a critique.
Moreover, even a prosperous charging session leaves the Stromer short of the mark. A reluctant 100-kilometer range wouldn't be such a bummer in the compact car segment, if the station wait wasn't horribly protracted. Presently, the suspensefully slow charging is no longer cutting-edge, even for the common Opel Corsa that starts at 34,650 euros, boasts 100kW peak charging power, and performs markedly better.
Nevertheless, we'll grudgingly concede that the Funky Cat can complete the 0-100km/h dash satisfactorily in a spritely 8.2 seconds, thanks to its 171hp and 250Nm torque. You can crank up the power, but the traction control could use a touch more finesse in full throttle situations. Rest assured, road poise remains a strong suit of the Funky Cat, which manages a firm grip on winding roads and encourages exhilarating city sprints with responsive handling.
While the lackluster range and charging performance may be deal-breakers, the Funky Cat's captivating design and city-friendly features continue to draw consumers in. The spacious interior truly shines, and the Platinum Trim finery features a wool-like upholstery weaving magic on your senses. But you'll also have to decide if the modified four switches in the center console add or detract from the overall style.
Technical specifications:
| Size (length-width-height) | 4,25m/1,85m/1,60m | | --- | --- | | Wheelbase | 2,65m | | Gross weight (including the driver) | 1,655kg | | Seat capacity | 5 | | Load volume | 228-858l | | Engine type | One permanent magnet synchronous motor | | Transmission | Single fixed gearbox | | Power (net) | 171hp (130kW) | | Drive type | Front wheel drive | | Torque (max) | 250Nm | | Acceleration 0-100km/h | 8.2 seconds | | Top speed | 160km/h | | Battery capacity (net) | 59kWh | | Maximum direct current charging capacity | 67kW | | Alternating current charging capacity (max) | 11kW | | Consumption (combined) | 16.8kWh/100km (WLTP) | | WLTP range | 400km (with extended battery) | | CO2 emissions (combined) | 0g/km | | Starting price | From 38,990 euros |
In conclusion, while the Ora Funky Cat's faults cannot be ignored, its appealing design, spacious interior, and exhilarating ride around town keep hopes alive. A worthy alternative for those who don't depend on rapid charging and are unfazed by the infotainment hiccups.
