Selecting a new electric car to buy can seem daunting, particularly for a segment as crowded as that for small EVs. Yet with so many similar models on the market, the GWM ORA 03 (Commonly known as the Funky Cat or Good Cat) manages to surprise. Retro style meets retro futuristic styling, soft curves, bold & modern accents, and the car definitely stands out. Tidy, crisp and a little lo-fi, it comes in three very different variants catering for different needs: the Launch Edition, Pure+, and Pro+. This comparison isn’t about who has the most specs on a page; it’s about which one will provide the best combination of style, tech, and performance for your particular lifestyle.

Having driven all three trims extensively, I can say with confidence that each one is tuned toward a slightly different type of driver. The Launch Edition is a strange and well-equipped starting point, making it a great companion on city streets and urban life. The Pure+ is the sensible middle ground with a good selection of features and a price that can easily be justified. The Pro+ is the luxurious top-tier trim with the longest range, the most features and every comfort imaginable to turn daily commutes into a genuine pleasure. H—hands-on experience. Having the chance to drive the vehicles, I have a unique perspective on how these distinctions relate to Actual Road Conditions.

This manual is an in-depth analysis of the design, driving feel,  performance, interior comfort, technology and running costs for each version of the ORA 03. Armed with the experience of thoroughly driving all models, this review lets you look beyond the brochure to see how every version stacks up on your daily commute, your occasional jaunts to the Interstate, and everything in between. In the end, you should know exactly which ORA 03 suits your needs best, and you can rest assured that you are making a choice that you will be happy with for years to come.

Quick Recap

• Find out which ORA 03 version, Launch Edition, Pure+ or Pro+, is right for you
• Get perspective from full test drives of all three models
• Compare the distinct combination of style, features, and functionality that each of these models possesses
• Get a full analysis of design, driving dynamics, running costs and more
• Choose with your head, not your heart, from this comprehensive, real-world review.

ORA 03 Driving Dynamics: A Tale of Three Trims

On the road, the ORA 03 flares into a wholly unique experience. No matter the trim, the car is peppy and fun, but also friendly enough for a first-time EV driver to feel comfortable behind the wheel. This is the Only Car You’ll Ever Need for Urban Driving: Tight city blocks, bustling town centres and packed multistorey car parks, this car suddenly feels like these challenges are par for the course. Light and direct steering, a surprisingly tight turning circle and negotiating morning traffic take on the effortless, dare I say joyful, levels of a task. This city-savvy character runs through the Launch Edition, Pure+, and Pro+, making them excellent daily commuters regardless of which model you choose.

The dynamics are sharp, and the one-pedal driving mode is a great urban trip stop-start killer. When you take your foot off the gas, the car gently brakes and recovers kinetic energy, a feature that not only improves the efficiency but also makes driving more relaxing. The Pure+, which is all about utility, has real joy on busy roads. The Pro+ adds yet another dimension to the experience, with even smoother regen and improved cabin insulation for even better noise suppression, long drives now, even more exhausting (a good thing, though).

On the motorway and dual carriageway, the trim distinctions become more noticeable. And this is where the Pro+ really shines with its big 63 kWh battery. Long distances feel completely stress-free, with little range anxiety and a tranquil cabin that makes it easy to talk. On a long run from London to Manchester, the Pro+’s adaptive cruise control proved to be the standout, smoothly adjusting speed and distance to the vehicle in front to help reduce fatigue on the driver. The Pure+ continues to be a capable cruising companion for those extended drives yo,u’ll simply need to better plan your charging stops. For the driver who routinely deals with stop-and-go city traffic and then hits the open road for long-distance travel, the extra range and polish of the Pro+ make it an enticing offering.

• Tight turning circle and light steering make driving in the city a breeze.
• Quick throttle response and instant torque make weaving through traffic a thrill.
• One-pedal driving gives you smooth braking and high-efficiency energy recovery, too.
• The Pro+ trim is also better suited for long-distance travel with a quieter, more refined ride and extended range capabilities.
• The Pro+ adds adaptive cruise to reduce tiredness on long motorway drives.

ORA 03 Performance: Zippy Agility Meets Composed Handling

As GWM ORA 03 isn’t intending on building a hot-hatch image, setting expectations around performance is a big mistake. With a vivacious 169 bhp electric motor delivering 250 Nm torque, the car has brisk acceleration, which is later enhanced with more variants. Real world, that means a 0-62 mph time of just over 8 seconds for the Pure+ and Launch Edition, while the slightly heavier Pro+ still manages a very respectable sprint. The real magic, though, is in the instant torque delivery that electric vehicles are known for. A slight depression of the gas pedal begets a seamless jolt of power that makes dashing away from stop lights or pulling off a quick pass on a Brooklyn road feel as easy as it is exhilarating.

The handling is surprisingly well-mannered for a city EV. The chassis feels rock solid, and there is almost no body roll, even when taking roundabouts and ti ht corners. The steering is deliberately light, a decision that makes sense when you are manoeuvring into tight spaces in a tiny city car park, although drivers looking for a sportier, more communicative experience might find it a little too soft on the twisting country roads. The suspension is set up with a distinct bias towards comfort, which soaks up the typical British road inhomanity and vibrations rather than exacerbating their effects inside the cabin. This attention to a supple ride makes the ORA 03 a Chill pill companion on the road every day. In addition, the regenerative braking system is also adjustable, to let you select a smooth coasting effect or a more aggressive one-pedal driving experience mode for optimal energy recuperation in stop-and-go traffic.

The ride and handling on all three trim levels feel the same at their core, but there are small differences that you can feel. Thanks to the modestly larger wheels and premium suspension tuning, the Pro+ feels a little bit more solid and refined on the motorway. It also just feels like it has a little more planted and zen attitude when cruising on the long haul, even compared to the highly comfortable Pure+ and Launch Edition variants. In the end, the ORA 03 delivers a tamed, safe, and capable driving experience that is a breeze for new drivers to handle, yet it has sufficient engagement to keep more experienced EV pilots entertained. It finds just the right balance between zippy agility and well-mannered comfort.

• The 169 bhp engine with 250 Nm of torque ensures quick and punchy acceleration.
• A 0-62 mph time of just over 8 seconds translates into a lively everyday drive.
• A stable chassis and front-wheel drive provide predictable, confident handling.
• Comfort-tuned suspension buffers expertly out the bumps in the road.
• Adjustable regenerative braking improves efficiency and allows one-pedal driving for those who prefer that.

ORA 03 Interior: Premium Design Meets Everyday Practicality

Get inside the GWM ORA 03, and the first thing you notice is a calm sense of quality and consideration that feels substantially more premium than what its price tag would lead you to expect. The interior design is simple yet contemporary, allowing the soft-touch materials and tasteful details placed atop the dashboard to be the focal point. Even in basthe e Launch Edition flaunting cosy yet rugged fabric seats, the level of polish here hints that much of the cheap plastic material that taints many competitors in this class was purposefully avoided. The tactile toggle switches and minimalist centre console enhance a clean and welcoming ambience that is carried from top to bottom.

Comfort is undoubtedly a priority here, with spacious and well-cushioned front seats that make no matter how brief or long the journey. The experience gets even better further up the range. The Pure+ version features soft eco-leather upholstery, while the Pro+ raises comfort to a certain recognisable near-luxury level. On a cold British morning, the road evaluation, the Pro+’s heated seats and steering wheel were a luxury. And then there are the cooling and massaging capabilities for the front seats, a nice touch typically found in far more expensive cars, making a mundane drive a relaxing one. For the driver, these features already reduce fatigue significantly during a long drive.

After the front seats, the ORA 03 shows that a small electric vehicle can be truly useful in everyday life. A pair of adults can fit comfortably in the rear, as there is sufficient legroom and headroom, which is impressive for a car with such a small footprint. The boot, which holds 228 litres, is just the right size for the weekly shop or a couple of carry-on bags. Just in case you need additional space, folding down the back seats increases the room to a staggering 858 litres, big enough to fit flat-pack furniture or luggage for a weekend away. Thoughtful, family-friendly touches such as wide-opening rear doors and easily accessible ISOFIX child seat anchors further cement the car as a practical and versatile daily rider.

• Modern cabin uses high-quality materials, which are soft to the touch in all trims.
• For the best comfort, the Pro+ trim provides heated, ventilated and massaging front seats.
• The flexible luggage space of a two-stage 228-litre boot, which expands to 858 litres.
• More family-friendly features include easy-to-reach ISOFIX points and clever storage solutions.
• There’s a comfortable ride and supportive seats for those sitting in the front and rear.

ORA 03 Tech and Safety: Smart, Seamless, Secure

Areas of strength where the GWM ORA 03 really surprises, even at its most basic level, are technology and connectivity. Each trim features a stylish twin 10.25-inch display arrangement that combines the digital driver display and the main infotainment functions. These displays are vibrant, crisp, and surprisingly easy to use, so you can always see important things like your speed, battery status and navigation instructions at a glance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the whole range for smartphone integration. During my drives, which made it easy to listen to my favourite casts and take calls without having to fumble with my phone, making for connected, relatively distraction-free commutes. The base Launch Edition is as thoroughly 21st-century as you can get, showing that you don’t need to go up to the highest trim level for a high-tech driving experience.

Climbing aboard the Pure+ and Pro+ trims, the cabin feels like it’s approaching premium. The Pro+ is downright impressive, adding desired amenities such as a wireless charging pad, a panoramic roof that lets natural light bathe the interior, and a 360-degree camera rig. The latter came in handy when we had to negotiate a tight underground parking lot, offering us a clear, bird’s-eye view that made parking on a crowded four-wheeler space (for a sec I thought it was a scooter bay!) stress-free. They also introduce more sophisticated driver aids, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control that combine to take quite a bit of the work out of long motorway journeys. The infotainment screen is responsive and crisp, and the menus are simple to follow once you get familiar with the layout, which helps make the ORA 03 feel more premium than many competitors in the compact EV class.

And safety is considered a fundamental non-negotiable priority, not a bonus. Every ORA 03 model comes with a host of safety equipment, such as multiple airbags, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It gives a tremendous boost of confidence, whether you are weaving through heavy city traffic or running at full speed on the motorway. The Pro+ takes this even further with a full ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System) suite that includes parking assist and traffic sign recognition. They are such intelligently and discreetly operated systems nowadays that you can be lulled into a false sense of security and sometimes blinded by the constant warnings. This kind of thoughtful integration is what is going to make both new EV owners and experienced journey-takers feel safe behind the wheel.

• Twin 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and driver information come standard.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on all trims for seamless connectivity.
• The Pro+ adds wireless charging, a panoramic roof, and a 360-degree camera.
• Advanced safety, including airbags, AEB, and lane assist, is standard across the range.
• A full ADAS suite on the Pro+ enhances driving confidence with intelligent assistance.

ORA 03 Ownership: Affordable Running Costs and Long-Term Value

Among the many strengths of the GWM ORA 03, its running cost is the most attractive, becoming even more obvious when compared with common petrol or diesel vehicles. The biggest saving is on fuel. Electricity is unbelievably inexpensive, particularly if you’re charging at home overnight on an off-peak plan. For most families in the UK, charging the battery for a week of commuting costs just a few pounds, so those daily jaunts are dirt cheap. In my testing, I saw that even at normal electricity prices, the miles were already so cheap that I would save a lot of money each month compared to any gas-powered equivalent, and that was before taking maintenance savings into account.

Outside of home charging, the ORA 03 also impresses on the public DC fast-charging network. The Pure+ charges from 15% to 80% in about 45 minutes, and the larger-battery Pro+ reaches the same charge level in only 40 minutes due to the higher charging speed. This capability renders longer journeys perfectly feasible. Heading on the motorway for a coffee stop yo,u have just enough time to gain a significant amount of range, which effectively takes away that anxiety for the majority of trips. This mix of easy home charging and fast public charging makes EV ownership far easier and cheaper than a lot of would-be buyers might expect.

Insurance and tax are also important areas where the ORA 03 shines. Its sophisticated safety features, good five-star Euro NCAP result and relatively low power output help to keep the insurance premiums competitive, even for young drivers and those new to electric vehicles. In addition, being a zero-emission vehicle, the ORA 03 is also exempt from road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) in the UK, which translates to an immediate reduction of annual running costs. Add the low energy costs, insurance benefits and government incentives, and the ORA 03 is one of the most budget-friendly electric cars you can buy today.

Dependability and peace of mind are inherent in the ownership experience from day one. The ORA 03 is covered by a comprehensive five-year unlimited mileage warranty, and the vital battery pack is protected for a comforting eight years or 100,000 miles. This extensive warranty coverage is GWM’s way of expressing its confidence in the quality of its product and providing its customers with peace of mind for the long term. The maintenance is usually simpler and often cheaper than a regular car, too, since there are fewer parts. There are no oil changes or exhaust systems to fret over, and the ORA 03 simply makes the switch to electric driving easy, cost-effective and pleasantly worry-free.

• Operating costs are lower than for petrol vehicles, as good as rural rates at home, just a few pounds a night.
• Efficient DC fast charging: The Pure+ charges up to 80% in just 45 minutes, the Pro+ in 40 minutes.
• Road tax and insurance premiums are competitive, making it an insurance-friendly environment.
• A full five-year car warranty ensures peace of mind in the long term.
• Eight-year battery warranty demonstrates reliability and protects your investment.

ORA 03 vs The Competition: A Unique Character in a Crowded Field

GWM ORA 03 is now competing in the hotly contested compact EV market against well-known rivals like the MG4 EV, Peugeot e-208, and Hyundai Kona Electric. These rival products promise pretty good efficiency, excellent range, and they’re all fairly practical for everyday use. But the ORA 03 has something else to offer, an intangible quality you sense right away: character. Its retro-futuristic design with fun and charming elements and an emotive design language makes it a car that stands out. Competitors can often feel like they’re designed by spec sheet to excel in one category, battery efficiency, range, or cargo volume, but the ORA 03 strikes a nice balance between those essential numbers and having enough character to make every drive a slightly more engaging and memorable experience.

In addition to its eye-catching design, the ORA 03 also provides a comfortable ride and ease of use, whether you are in the cabin or on the road. Ride quality is exceptionally settled and compliant, able to soak up broken asphalt and jolts that might upset rivals such as the more-harsh-riding Peugeot e-208. All trims feel well built inside, and the easy-to-understand design has spares and technology located for use here on Earth. The MG4 EV is a formidable range and value contender, but its interior comes across as more practical. The ORA 03, especially in Pro+ trim, feels almost premium with features such as massage seats and a panoramic roof that are uncommon in this class, enabling driver and passengers to enjoy any trip more on the road.

But the ORA 03 really makes its own space in the combination of driver-oriented technology and city nimbleness. A lot of small EVs have difficulty including advanced tech without cluttering the cabin or confusing the driver, but the ORA 03 pulls it off brilliantly. The standard dual screens, snappy infotainment system, and well-executed driver aids such as the 360-degree camera system provide the driver a feeling of control and convenience that is hardly ever found in base models or similar vehicles. This combination of brains, tight turning circle and precision in traffic makes it feel more agile and fun to drive in the city than a few others. All told, the ORA 03 isn’t just another electric hatchback; it’s a small EV that delivers a masterful balancing act between range, comfort, and practicality, and does so with a personality that no other rival can match.

• The retro-futuristic styling allows the ORA 03 to stand out in a sea of sameness.
• Ride quality and cabin quietness are equal to or better than those of important rivals in the class.
• The Pro+ trim provides a decent range, so you don’t have to worry about long-distance trips.
• A small turning circle and light controls mean it thrives in the city.
• High-tech, driver-centric technology makes the interface usable rather than cluttered.

ORA 03 Trims: Which One is Right for You?

Having driven all three GR ACE 03 variants for a long time, it is apparent that the Pro+ is the top-tier model, which says a lot about what this brand-new midsize SUV has to offer if this driver is your reference point for the “best you can get” in your price range. It effectively packs the longest range thanks to its bigger 63 kWh battery, a luxury interior, and a full suite of modern amenities. None of the travels feel tiring, whether you are in a rush on city streets, driving on the motorway for a business trip, or heading out for a weekend trip. Heated seats and a steering wheel are a real luxury on a cold morning, while the ventilation and massage options can actually make long drives relaxing. And for those who may be long-distance travellers or just want the pinnacle of luxury and convenience, the Pro+ brings an experience you’d expect from vehicles far, far beyond its price class, solidifying its position as the ORA 03.

The Pure+ trim hits a smart and compelling value-to-capability ratio, which makes it a great choice for most drivers. This is especially relevant for people who mostly drive in cities and have access to dependable charging at home. The Pure+ offers all the essentials that make the ORA 03 so attractive: instant EV torque for zippy city driving, quirky and memorable styling, simple infotainment, plus high-level safety features. It misses out on some of the Pro+’s indulgences, such as the panoramic roof and massage seats, but it never seems compromised. It’s still a blast to drive, practical, and good-looking EV that delivers exceptional value, so it’s a wise pick for thrifty buyers who won’t compromise on character or usability, either of which is a good enough reason to buy one.

Still, the Launch Edition acts as a perfect and affordable starting point for first-time EV buyers or those in need of a straightforward, capable city car. We are not saying it is the simplest of the trio to take on, but it does have the essentials of ORA 03 experience, which include nimble handling, easy manoeuvring in tight corners and some clever and user-friendly extras like complimentary Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s the type of driving it’s designed for daily, running to and from school, and for little errands, making going electric driving seem completely natural. In the end, no matter which trim you go for, the ORA 03 strikes a good balance between practical and an engaging, fun-to-drive personality. It shows that a tiny electric vehicle can be really good, fun, stylish, and genuinely satisfying to drive. The Best Way to Really Find Out is to schedule a test drive and try it out.

Want to go for yourself? Schedule a test drive at The.Car today!