Ora Funky Cat / 03 Review

Is there only one version of the Ora Funky Cat and how much does it cost?

At launch, customers only have one choice, which is the First Edition priced at £31,995. There are only four colours too and no options except metallic paint. This helps keep the ordering simple and the waiting lists low, according to Ora.

Who are Ora owned by?

Ora is part of GWM, or Great Wall Motors. That company is a huge Chinese conglomerate which has been seen in the UK before, selling some shoddy pick-up trucks which tried – and failed – to win the hearts of builders and farmers from 2013-2016. Ora is a different proposition. The all-electric spin-off brand and is a 50:50 joint venture with BMW, and some big bits of the Funky Cat will be shared with the next generation MINI Electric. They will be built in the same factory too. This electric hatchback is the first in a new range which will be sold under the Ora brand, all with cat names. In China - where the Funky Cat is just called the Good Cat - Ora also sells the Punk Cat, Black Cat and White Cat. There’s a four-door saloon called the Lightning Cat coming soon to the UK.

What is the range of the Ora Funky Cat?

The Funky Cat currently has just one choice of battery, with a capacity of 48kWh and an official WLTP range of 193 miles. A bigger battery version is due in late 2023.

What are the rivals for the new Ora Funky Cat?

The Ora Funky Cat sits in a little bit of an odd niche. Despite it's MINI-like looks its actaully the same size as a Volkswagen ID.3 and Hyundai Kona. The Nissan Leaf starts from £28,495 but comes with a smaller 40kWh battery, while the cheapest Volkswagen ID.3 is £33,435 - and is currently unavailable. The Citroen e-C4 starts at £30,500 with a 50kWh battery and 219 mile range. The Renault Megane is pricier too, but an obvious rival is the bargain priced MG4.

Is the Ora Funky Cat a safe car?

Yes, according to the independent EuroNCAP organisation which conducts crash tests and assessments. It awarded the Funky Cat a full five stars. Besides doing well in the physical tests, they also praised the crash prevention technology fitted as standard.