Purr-fect pitch?
Auto Express
|January 11, 2023
The GWM Ora Funky Cat blends electric drive and stand-out style in a value package. Can it beat the MG4?
-
Testers' notes
"While Ora is a new brand to the UK, commercial vehicle drivers might recognise the name of its parent company. GWM is short for Great Wall Motors, which sold the Steed pick-up truck here between 2012 and 2017." Sean Carson Associate editor
TAKE a look at the Chinese Zodiac, and 2023 is due to be the year of the Rabbit. However, if one newcomer to the UK car market has its way, then we could be heralding the year of the Cat instead.
The GWM Ora Funky Cat is the latest in a wave of new metal to emerge from China, with far more set to come along from a variety of brands which, to most UK buyers, will seem unfamiliar. The overwhelming majority of these will be fully electric - and the Funky Cat is no different. Having sampled the newcomer already, we've seen that it shows some promise, so it's now time to subject it to an in-depth twin test.
And there's no stronger rival for the Funky Cat than the MG4. While it wears an historic British logo on the nose, like Ora, MG is under Chinese ownership - but it's already proven itself to be a car which could rejuvenate the marque. While previous MGs have offered value for money as a key selling point, the MG4 also has genuine ability. So can the Funky Cat become another promising new EV, or will the MG4 prove to be too strong?
Ora Funky Cat
Curvy newcomer lays on the retro charm, but does it have the talent to back up its head-turning looks?
MODEL TESTED: GWM Ora Funky Cat First Edition
PRICE
This story is from the January 11, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Auto Express
Auto Express
VW REGAINS ITS EV SPARK
ISSUE 1,873 NOT satisfied with promising a sub-£25,000 EV next year with its new ID.
2 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
NEW KIA SPORTAGE
ISSUE 1,885 WE already considered the latest fifth-generation Kia Sportage to be among the best SUVs on the market, and we're certainly not the only ones.
2 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
DACIA HIPSTER CAUSES A STIR
SOMETIMES, a concept car can make waves not because of its crazy design or futuristic interior, but because of what it represents.
2 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
MIKE RUTHERFORD
PURE-ELECTRIC CARS ARE - AND ALWAYS WILL BE - FOR SOME, NOT ALL, DRIVERS. THE SOONER EVERYONE ACKNOWLEDGES AND ACCEPTS THIS FACT, THE BETTER
2 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
BLOCKBUSTERS
The nineties saw some big changes culturally, but also plenty of star cars. We brought together some of the decade's icons
4 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
USED BUYER'S GUIDE Tesla Model Y
FROM £18,000 Yes, Tesla's products can polarise opinion, but if you can live with a button-free cabin and a firm ride, then a used one makes a real bargain
5 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
BIG CHANGES INSIDE FOR MK2 VW T-ROC
ISSUE 1,897 AN integral part of Volkswagen's line up, the T-Roc was given a thorough overhaul for its second generation in 2025.
1 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
Toyota bZ4X
The original bZ4X was behind the curve in terms of its electric range, but facelifted model turns that on its head
3 mins
December 17, 2025 ( Double Issue )
Auto Express
GRANDE PANDA DOESN'T DISAPPOINT
ISSUE 1,868 THE Fiat Grande Panda was one of 2025's most hotly anticipated new models, so when the opportunity came about to drive it so early in the year, we simply couldn't wait – we were on that flight to Italy faster than you can say “Ciao, Bella!”
2 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Auto Express
ON COVERT OPERATIONS WITH CHESHIRE'S COPS
THERE are some of us who believe they can easily pick out an unmarked police car on a busy motorway.
1 mins
December 17, 2025 (Double Issue)
Translate
Change font size

