Following the successful entry of GWM’s sub-brand Ora into the South African market in late 2023 with the electric Ora 03 hatchback, the company is now looking at introducing its second model to our roads in the form of the Ora Grand Cat sedan.
A spokesperson for the Chinese automaker confirmed to TopAuto that it is actively assessing the viability of launching the Grand Cat as well as a host of other products in the Ora portfolio in South Africa, but that it all depends on how market conditions pan out in the near future.
This includes whether demand for electric vehicles (EV) is sufficient and whether adequate supporting infrastructure such as publicly accessible charging points exists.
The company says it has experienced good reception to the Ora 03 from domestic customers thus far, especially companies that are focused on reducing their carbon footprint, retirees who want to cut down on their fuel bills, and young professionals who want something new and out of the ordinary to accompany them on their daily travels.
All this bodes well for a potential release of the Grand Cat, or maybe some other yet-to-be-revealed Ora vehicle that is better equipped to tackle our decaying roads, though we will have to wait until GWM itself makes an official announcement in this regard before jumping to any conclusions.
Grand Cat specifications
The Grand Cat was revealed in late 2022 and was renamed for international markets in 2023 to the more sober-sounding Ora 07.
It is due to launch in other right-hand-drive markets including Australia and the UK before the end of 2024, and like the Ora 03, the 07 offers enticing specifications.
Two powertrain options are available in the elongated EV comprising a single-motor option that generates 150kW and 340Nm and sees 100km/h attained in 7.5 seconds, and a dual-motor prospect that ups the ante to 300kW and 680Nm and cuts acceleration time to just 4.3 seconds.
The single-motor 07 is supported by a 63.8kWh battery that affords a driving range of around 550km according to the NEDC protocol, whereas the dual-motor derivative is equipped with an 85kWh pack which boosts range to 705km.
Inside the passenger compartment the electric four-door is as premium as they come, offering soft-touch surfaces, synthetic leather seating, various screens for the numerous in-car features, and minimalistic design language that is sure to resonate with many buyers.
Depending on the model, standard kit includes heated and massaging seats, a 12.3-inch central infotainment hub with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, smart entry and start, automatic LED lighting, and 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels.
With dimensions of 4,871mm long, 1,862mm wide, and 1,500mm tall, the 07 measures slightly larger than industry stalwarts like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
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