This confirms the imminent launch of the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia.
Fact, middle class Malaysians do not want to be left out of the electric car ownership and this is why the social media engagement for a lower priced electric cars (EV) has been strong in recent months.
However current new EV’s launched are mostly luxury or premium models and not within easy purchase for middle class Malaysians, especially in this current economic situation.
Meanwhile, most Malaysian drivers will already be familiar with Great Wall Motor, or GWM by now.
GWM is a privately owned Chinese EV manufacturer who also owns several other brands such as Haval, Tank and ORA. They are also the eight largest automaker in China and growing.
For the past month, there has been social media ‘chatter’ about its launch in Malaysia and the first model, the Ora Good Cat EV has had an estimated pricing of below RM150k which makes it affordable.
The Ora Good Cat looks very much like the iconic VW Beetle (which was retired 3 years ago), but with 4 doors and comes with a cabin that is spacious enough for 5 average adults.
The driver gets a typical modern instrument cluster sitting in a rectangular touch screen sitting along the dashboard.
There is a chunky multi-function steering wheel that keeps to the two tone interior look. Air-conditioning vents run along the length of the dashboard and the toggle A/C function switches.
Gear selection is simple. Like other electric vehicles there is just reverse, neutral and drive which the driver commands with a simple rotary knob located in the center console.
With compact, yet acceptable dimensions of 4235 in length × 1825 in width × 1596 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2650 mm this EV is large enough for the average Malaysian family or the single adult looking for a stylish new emissions free vehicle.
Ground clearance is good at 120mm. Up close, it is wider and taller than the 3-year old Nissan Leaf EV, but slightly shorter.
Riding on 215/50 tyres fitted on 18-inch wheels, this EV wants to be more a crossover than a car. With McPherson front suspension and the rear riding on a Torsion Beam, this ‘Cat’ should deliver sensible handling in the city.
The ORA ES11 is a front wheel drive vehicle with a 105kW electric motor. This 1510kg vehicle manages a 210Nm of torque which allows an acceleration time from rest to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds and a top speed of 150km/h which should be avoided as our highways allow a maximum legal top speed of just 110km/h. The Lithium Ion battery capacity is 47.8 kWh.
Nicknamed the ‘Good Cat’ it looks like Great Wall Motors in Malaysia will probably be launching this stylish EV in coming weeks.
