I had the privilege of taking the GWM ORA out for a spin, and let me tell you, diving into the world of fully electric vehicles was nothing short of a thrilling experience. The ORA, a new contender in our local market, left an indelible mark on me during our time together. Here's a glimpse into what unfolded during my electrifying rendezvous with this sleek machine.
First impressions matter, and the ORA's exterior design struck a chord with me, blending elements of a Porsche 911, a Mini Cooper, and even a touch of the Nissan March. It might sound like an odd mash-up, but surprisingly, it works seamlessly for the ORA. The smooth and sleek body panels, devoid of sharp or aggressive curves, exude confidence without screaming for attention. Wider fenders and hood notches add a bold touch without going overboard, and the F1-styled rain light at the rear makes a subtle yet stylish statement, complemented by the prominent GWM and ORA badging.
Slipping into the driver's seat, the interior of the ORA is a realm of impeccable craftsmanship. The premium feel throughout the cabin, reminiscent of a classic Fiat with a modern twist, is a testament to the attention to detail. The digital gauge cluster and the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system make for a futuristic cockpit. Navigating menus is a breeze, and the tech features are a feast for any gadget enthusiast. Touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel and chrome control switches reminiscent of a Mini add a touch of elegance. The seats offer a range of adjustability, ensuring optimum comfort, while practicality shines through with well-sized glovebox and center console pockets.
In the rear, the ORA surprises with ample head and foot room, thanks to the absence of a gearbox or transmission hump. The lack of a front trunk might be a downside for extra storage, but it streamlines maintenance and servicing for the electrical components. The trunk space is adequate for everyday use, though a bit limited.
Time to hit the road, and the ORA doesn't disappoint. The simplicity of depressing the brake and selecting a gear with a rotating dial and the instant power delivery from the 126kW (169 horsepower) and 250Nm torque (FWD) electric motor make driving a breeze. Not to mention 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds. Floating around in the ORA is a genuinely pleasant experience, with firm yet light steering, soft suspension, and excellent soundproofing.
Tech features take center stage, with lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert seamlessly enhancing the driving experience. The one-pedal driving feature, adjusting regenerative braking to suit traffic conditions, adds a touch of innovation. On a full charge, the ORA boasts a commendable 420km range, and charging options include an 11kW three-phase AC (6.5 hours for 10%-80%) and rapid 30kW DC charging (50 minutes for 10%-80%).
When I collected the ORA it was not fully charged due to time constraints. Therefore, the estimated range given the battery percentage was only 364km. I covered a total of 204km on a single charge, with 33% battery remaining and an estimated range of 140km at the end of the demo period. Despite the demands of traffic, continuous driving for photos, and some acceleration tests, the battery performance impressed me, burning only 20km more than the actual mileage.
As a first-time encounter with an EV, the ORA left me thoroughly impressed. The performance, the range, and the overall experience have me yearning to make the switch. Living with an EV might take some getting used to, but it's a change I'm more than ready to embrace. The GWM ORA has undoubtedly made a lasting mark on this automotive enthusiast, leaving me eager to plug in and hit the road to a greener future.
For more information on the GWM ORA visit Car Trinidad.
Contact: (868) 609-1227 or info@cartandt.com
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