Electric car feature: Five things we love about the ORA Funky Cat

Before we start, let’s address the elephant in the room… or rather the cat. Yes, we get it, the ORA Funky Cat name is a bit silly but then again, it’s got everyone talking. So who’s the real winner here?

The 193-mile Funky Cat is a new all-electric compact hatchback from EV newbie ORA – owned by Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GWM). You might not be overly familiar with the name but they’re huge and BMW has partnered up with them to make the next MINI in China. So, get past the feline name and what you have is a serious impressively debut. Here’s why…

1. The 1960s called… it wants its styling back

Funky by name, funky by nature. The Funky Cat looks cool, with more than a nod to the 60s-inspired design of the MINI Electric and Fiat 500e (there’s even a hint of Porsche in the bonnet lines), while the two-tone colour scheme is reminiscent of the old-school VW splitscreen campervans. Totally rad, man.

2. The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen award for interior design

Rounded edges, soft touch faux suede, diamond-stitched seats, two-tone colour scheme. The ORA Funky Cat has emptied the wardrobe when it comes to design – and it all works. The First Edition model that you’ll currently find on our Test Drive fleet at our Braintree Electric Forecourt® has a teal and cream interior that’s more Instagram home goals than car cabin. Book your test drive today. 

3. Camera. Action

Switch on the Cat and the headlights turn on like it’s waking up from a doze in the sun, while the brake lights are built into the rear screen adding to the cool styling. Move inside and the technology only gets better. There’s a pair of large screens that are synced with facial recognition to apply all your preferred settings. Say “Hello, Ora” and a virtual assistant will pop up to take your voice instructions. Once you’re purring along the road, the Cat’s eyes come to life, with cameras giving you a live side view when turning and a 360-degree camera for parking. This tech list punches well above its weight at this price.

4. Kick back and relax in the rear

The five-door Funky Cat might look small on the road, but the dimensions are actually bigger than you think – on a par with the Volkswagen ID.3 rather than the smaller Fiat 500e or MINI Electric. That means you get rear seats that can comfortably accommodate two adults, while the flat floor means you can even get three across the back. There’s also all the ISOFIX connectors you need and a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, making this suitable for a small family.

5. Gone fishing

Ok, that’s the last animal joke we promise. Although in our defence it’s not our fault. There’s an Easter egg when you turn on the Cat after it’s been switched off for a while. A pair of fish swim across the dual screens while futuristic spa music plays in the cabin. Purr-fect (ok, sorry, that one’s on us) for those early morning commutes when you need to ease into the day.

ORA Funky Cat First Edition Key Specs

• 0-62mph: 8.3 seconds
• Top speed: 99mph
• Battery: 48kWh
• Range: 193 miles
• Max charging speed: 64kW
• Boot space: 228 litres

Interested in the ORA Funky Cat? Why not check out our latest deals with GRIDSERVE Car Leasing now. We can deliver to your door in, and with three months of free EV charging included (on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway)

ORA FUNKY CAT DEALS

Test Drive the Funky Cat 

Want to try it for yourself? Book at test drive at our Braintree Electric Forecourt®.

BOOK A TEST DRIVE