Ora Cat: The Chinese electric car arriving in France soon

The Chinese manufacturer Great Wall is preparing to enter France, with the compact electric Ora Cat, which will be showcased at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.

SAIC with MG Motor, Aiways, Geely through Lynk&Co, or Dongfeng via Seres, the Chinese brands have already begun their entry into the French market. Others will also compete with traditional manufacturers, including Great Wall with the Ora Cat.

What is Great Wall?

Taking its name from the Great Wall of China in English, Great Wall Motors is one of the ten largest Chinese automakers. In 2021, it sold over 1.28 million vehicles, and more than 10 million since its inception.

The group is extensive, with a portfolio of numerous brands focused on SUVs. You can find: Haval for the entry-level, Wey in the premium segment, Tank for off-road vehicles, POER for pickups. The company recently launched Ora, a new electric vehicle brand. The first model is the Ora iQ, released in 2018, a four-door sedan. The city car R1 followed, mimicking the Smart Forfour. Recently, its cars have drawn inspiration from the Beetle, as seen with the Punk Cat and Ballet Cat models.

Is Ora available in France starting 2023?

But it is with the Ora Cat – named Hao Mao in Chinese or Good Cat in English – that the brand will attempt its adventure in France. This news has been confirmed in recent days: Great Wall will showcase this car at the Paris Motor Show next October. Like the other models, this vehicle is fully electric and has been available in China since late 2020.

Measuring 4.23 meters long, it is comparable in size to a Renault Megane E-Tech or a Volkswagen ID.3. Its style is a blend of Porsche 356 and Nissan LEAF, but the overall result is not unpleasant. The interior is more personalized, with a simple dashboard featuring retro touches, and a dual-screen in one unit.

Under its bodywork, the Ora Cat is equipped with a 107 kW (145 hp) motor and a 126 kW (173 hp) GT version. The electric vehicle offers a choice between 48 kWh LFP or 59 kWh NMC batteries, providing a range of 400 and 500 km in the Chinese cycle. Its charging power reaches up to 80 kW, allowing a 15% to 80% charge in about 40 minutes.

What is the price of the Ora Cat?

And when will it be available in France? Not yet certain, but it will already be in the UK this fall. Over there, it starts its career with the 126 kW, 48 kWh “Funky Cat First Edition,” well equipped. The price there is listed at 31,995 pounds, which is over 37,600 euros.

With more affordable finishes, its price in France should fall below 35,000 euros.

Also read: VinFast: the Vietnamese manufacturer arrives in France with 2 electric SUVs