ORA Funky Cat: The Retro EV With Serious Tech
ORA Funky Cat: The Retro EV With Serious Tech
Some EVs want to blend in. The ORA Funky Cat absolutely does not.
With its big round headlamps, curvy fenders, and cheerful face, the ORA Funky Cat looks like a vintage Volkswagen Beetle had a baby with a MINI Cooper and then went to design school in the 2040s. It's an EV that turns heads before anyone notices the lack of a tailpipe.
But here's the twist. Beneath that retro-inspired exterior sits surprisingly serious technology. Twin 10.25-inch displays. Facial recognition that adjusts your seat, mirrors, and climate settings the moment you sit down. A comprehensive ADAS suite that rivals luxury vehicles costing twice as much.
Why the ORA Funky Cat Stands Out
Best For: Style-conscious buyers, design enthusiasts, tech-savvy urbanites who want something different
Key Advantages:
- Unmistakable retro-modern design
- Twin 10.25-inch screens with facial recognition
- 310-420 km WLTP range (48 kWh / 63 kWh batteries)
- Comprehensive ADAS including automated parking
- Customizable two-tone interiors
- 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
Estimated Canadian Price: $38,000-$48,000 CAD
Great Wall Motors and ORA
ORA is the dedicated electric vehicle brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM), one of China's largest private automakers. Founded in 1984, GWM produces over 1 million vehicles annually and has expanded into Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
The vehicle has worn several names:
- ORA Good Cat in China (launched 2020)
- ORA Funky Cat in the UK and Europe
- ORA 03 in some European markets
Full Specifications
| Specification | Standard (48 kWh) | Pro (63 kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 48 kWh NMC | 63 kWh NMC |
| WLTP Range | 310 km | 420 km |
| Real-World Range | 250-280 km | 340-380 km |
| Motor | 126 kW (169 hp) | 126 kW (169 hp) |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | ~8.5 seconds | ~8.3 seconds |
| DC Fast Charging | 64-80 kW | 64-80 kW |
| 10-80% Charge | ~40 minutes | ~45-50 minutes |
| AC Charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Length | 4,235 mm | 4,235 mm |
| Cargo Volume | 228 L / 858 L folded | 228 L / 858 L folded |
| Est. CAD Price | $38,000-$42,000 | $44,000-$48,000 |
Design Philosophy: Retro-Modern Done Right
Exterior Design Elements:
- Signature round headlamps with modern LED technology
- Curved body panels contrasting modern angular styling
- Two-tone colour options echoing classic European designs
- Distinctive "face" with genuine character
Interior Design:
- Customizable two-tone colour schemes (cream/teal, cream/brown, all-black)
- Soft-touch materials throughout
- Retro-modern switchgear with physical controls where they matter
- Ambient lighting customizable to match your mood
Technology Suite
Twin 10.25-Inch Display Setup:
- Driver display: Customizable digital instrument cluster
- Centre display: Infotainment, navigation, and vehicle controls
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
Facial Recognition System: The headline feature. The vehicle recognizes up to five drivers and automatically:
- Adjusts seat position, mirror angles, and steering wheel
- Sets preferred climate control
- Loads personalized infotainment preferences
- Configures ambient lighting
- Monitors driver attention for safety alerts
ORA Pilot ADAS Suite:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Centering Assist
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- 360-Degree Camera System
- Automated Parking Assist
Competitive Comparison
| Feature | ORA Funky Cat (63 kWh) | Mini Cooper SE | Fiat 500e |
|---|---|---|---|
| Est. Price (CAD) | ~$44,000-48,000 | ~$48,000 | ~$45,000 |
| Range (WLTP) | 420 km | 215 km | 320 km |
| Power | 126 kW (169 hp) | 135 kW (181 hp) | 87 kW (118 hp) |
| DC Charging | 64-80 kW | 50 kW | 85 kW |
| Interior Quality | Above segment | Premium | Good |
The Mini Cooper SE Comparison: The Funky Cat offers nearly double the range (420 km vs. 215 km WLTP) for similar pricing. The Mini's 215 km range limits it to urban duty; the Funky Cat can handle weekend trips.
The Service Network Challenge
Great Wall Motors has no North American dealer presence. This is the Funky Cat's biggest practical hurdle.
Early adopters should expect:
- Potentially limited service options
- Longer wait times for parts
- Possible need to travel for warranty service
Best suited for buyers who:
- Have access to secondary vehicles
- Live in major urban centres
- Are comfortable troubleshooting
- Have home charging capability