Ora Good Cat arrives for testing but still no date for launch

The Ora Good Cat electric car is on the ground in Australia for evaluation and testing, Great Wall Motors (GWM) confirmed to The Driven after images of the budget electric hatch outside the carmaker’s offices in Melbourne came to light.

The quirky-looking hatchback – known as the Funky Cat in the UK – is being considered for the Australian market. It is due for launch in the UK in the northern hemisphere’s autumn, and it has been reported previously that it may be launched here in late 2022.

However, while the vehicle is now here for local evaluation, a spokesperon for GWM told The Driven that a firm date is yet to be locked in.

“I can confirm that there is indeed an Ora Good Cat in Australia which we have brought in for local testing and validation purposes,” the spokesperson said in a note by email.

“This forms part of our ongoing study into the launch of Ora in Australia although no final decision on timing has yet been made.”

While the timing is not decided, this comment appears to cement the fact the Ora Good Cat will – at some point – make it to Australian market.

What it will be called though could very much be up in the air. The China-headquartered brand in December lodged an application to trademark the name Good Cat. While the trademark was accepted in May, it has since been opposed.

Additionally, the Good Cat would most likely be sold under Great Wall Moto’s sub-brand Ora, trademark approval for which is still pending.

That said, when it does finally launch locally, it is likely to be met with enthusiasm by those after another electric small car option.

Exactly what price it will go on sale for though, is the question.

In the UK, the Funky Cat is set to go on sale starting at £30,495 (about $A52,000) after the (maximum £2,500) plug-in car grant is subtracted.

There has been some disappointment around the pricing – originally it was thought it would go on sale for around £25,000 ($A42,646 converted).

Available initially in a First Edition trim, the Funky Cat has a 48kWh battery with an electric range of 310km (WLTP). The front-wheel drive vehicle proffers 126kW power and 250Nm torque, with acceleration from 0-100km/hr in 8.3 seconds.

It can charge at home, work or the shopping centre on an AC charger at a top rate of 11kW, and has a maximum charget rate of 80kW on a DC fast-charger.

Safety features include blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane keeping and centering, and rear cross traffic alert.

It also comes with 360-degree cameras and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, electric front seats, wireless smartphone charging, LED headlights, and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

First edition colours include a pastel green, black, teal green and red.