BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Urban nomads are in for a treat in GWM’s ORA. Not only is it currently South Africa’s most affordable EV, but it is also one of the cutest vehicles to grace our metropolitan roads. After a week behind the wheel, I summed up the ORA experience as being about living an environmentally friendly lifestyle and wearing those credentials like a badge of honour.
First impressions
The first thing that struck me when I laid my eyes on the ORA was its youthful energy. It is unapologetic in its quirkiness. I spent a good 5 minutes enamored and trying to figure out what it reminded me of. Eventually, I settled for a combination of the Beetle and Boxter nose, the body of an enlarged Mini Cooper and the rear of a Suzuki Swift. I could be completely off the mark with my analogy, but one thing I’m certain of is that it is one of the cutest cars on our roads.
I was not surprised to learn that it was designed for stylish, urban youth who don’t follow crowds. I could see ‘trendsetters’ from the retro-meets-the-future interior. Every element seemed to have been carefully curated to appeal to the senses of the new generation who are overly confident about life.
Interior
The interior of the car appears much larger when compared to the exterior. The majority of the space is dedicated to the driver and their ‘co-pilot’. However, the backseat is also generous and comfortably fits a short-ish adult. As soon as you step inside, all your senses get activated by the bright colours, the wide screen that extends across the console, and the vivid graphics. The various cameras that surround the car feed in constant visuals and warning sounds. I found these quite unsettling at first. Also, as a mother, I was not in love with the cream-white interior. But then again, I am not the target market – the stylish, single individuals whose existence seems to be carefully curated for Instagram feeds. However, the car was an instant hit in the schoolyard. It had an audience during drop-offs and pickups. This soon extended to the shopping centre, piquing the interest of a few, yummy-mommies.
The performance
With a range of about 300km, there is very little cross-provincial travel that can be attempted with an ORA. Yet, it is a beast on urban roads. When you suffer from range anxiety like myself, you ensure that your trips are carefully planned and occasionally include charging stations on your route – in case you need them. Once my anxiety wore down, I thoroughly enjoyed the ORA’s performance. It is quick to accelerate and nimble on the bends. It was a great drive, thoroughly enjoyed it once I stopped focusing my gaze on the diminishing range.
Would I buy the ORA? Possibly not since I do not identify as a ‘new generation of urban youth who have an open, friendly, happy and confident attitude to life’. However, I could not fault it. I love how it has increased the choice for urban environmental warriors to wear their green credentials without cramping their style.
Price: From R686 950
