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Rented this VW Beetle-like EV in Bangkok for a week: Review with images

17th September 2024, 17:30 by Utkarsh Chaudhary

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It is called the ORA Good Cat which is the first ever electric vehicle by Great Wall Motors (GWM). It is marketed in different parts of the world with slightly different names.

BHPian BraveArc recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

The GWM ORA Good Cat is not on sale in India. But it is on sale in quite a few other countries.

Good Cat Pros:

Good range for a car of its size (400km & 500km) makes it suitable to be the primary vehicle in a single-car household
Good low-speed ride quality, and light steering wheel make it ideal for city driving
Ample rear leg room makes it very comfortable for four people
Plenty of storage options around the car
Green image & zero tailpipe emissions appeal to the environmentally conscious
Low running costs & cheaper long-term maintenance
5-star Euro NCAP rating

Good Cat Cons:

The name
Funky neo-retro exterior design may not be to everyone's liking. Looks like a mix of Mini and Beetle
Seats are uncomfortable and back starts to hurt after being in the car for prolonged periods
The steering is unresponsive at higher speeds, resulting in a disconnected driving experience
With only 141 hp, the car feels underpowered compared to other EVs
Small rear boot space of only 228litres and unlike some electric cars, the Good Cat lacks a front trunk
Some interior parts, like the center console, feel cheaply made
Sound system is average & lack of USB-C in today’s world is surprising

Rented it for a week during my visit to Bangkok

Introduction

The ORA Good Cat is the first-ever EV by Great Wall Motors (GWM). It is marketed in different parts of the world with slightly different names. In Australia, it’s sold as GWM Ora and in Thailand as ORA Good Cat. Its design pays homage to classic cars like the Volkswagen Beetle which is hard to miss. It comes with a 48kWh battery with a range of 400km and a 63kWh battery with a range of 500km. The model reviewed is the 400 Tech variant (Base model) sold in Thailand.

Exterior

Design & Styling

The ORA Good Cat’s design is a standout feature, blending retro influences with modern elements. Its curvaceous body, round LED headlights, and smooth contours give it a quirky aesthetic. The absence of a traditional grille and the clean integration of lights add to its futuristic feel. At the rear, the tailgate is sleek with hidden lights under the rear windshield for an ultra-clean look. With its small dimensions - 4,235mm in length, 1,595mm in width, and 1,596mm in height—the Good Cat is ideal for city driving and the occasional road trip.

Build Quality, Fit & Finish

The overall build quality of the ORA Good Cat is a pleasant surprise, defying common stereotypes about Chinese-made cars. There's very little flex if you press the metal and no uneven panel gaps. The car feels solid, and there are no rattles, although some interior plastic bits could have been better

Wheels & Tyres

The base variant comes equipped with 17-inch wheels, which are shod with 205/55 R17 tires. The hub-cap goes with the retro styling and gives the whole car a clean look.

Ground Clearance

The ground clearance is approximately 145mm, which is typical for a vehicle in this segment. It is sufficient for navigating most urban environments, including speed bumps and uneven road surfaces.

Safety

The ORA Good Cat places a strong emphasis on safety, with a comprehensive range of features designed to protect both passengers and pedestrians. It has a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The base variant comes with a few ADAS systems including Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Emergency Braking.

In terms of passive safety, the Good Cat comes with 6 airbags as standard, covering front, side, and curtain airbags. It also features Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Hill Start Assist, ensuring enhanced control in various driving conditions. For child safety, it includes two ISOFIX anchors, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers.

Interior

Cabin Design & Quality

The ORA Good Cat’s cabin design is a blend of retro with modern technology. The dashboard is sleek and minimalistic, with a simple all-black setup and a curved design that flows down and along the sides to the doors. The round two-spoke steering wheel feels quite big in diameter, and the satin silver accents add to the old-school feel. The 10.25-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital instrument cluster create a modern, tech-focused interface.

The materials used in the Good Cat’s cabin are of decent quality, with leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces on key areas like the dashboard giving it a premium look while sub par plastics in the center taking away from that feel. The fit and finish are solid and throughout my time with the car, there were no rattles. The rental car I got had done 45000km so it had to have seen some rough use.

Space & Comfort

Given its compact exterior, the Good Cat maximizes interior space effectively. It feels airy and the wide windows make it a nice place to be in. Passengers in the rear also benefit from decent legroom and a relatively flat floor, although headroom might be tight for taller individuals due to the sloping roofline. But, seat comfort in the front is not good at all. After about an hour of driving in Bangkok traffic, my back started to hurt.

Driving Position & Ergonomics

The high seating position gives the driver a good view of the road, improving visibility for city driving. The steering wheel felt very large when I first got into the car but I slowly got used to it. It is tilt-adjustable but lacks telescopic adjustment, which may be a drawback for some drivers seeking a more customized fit.

The instrument cluster is fully digital, featuring a 7-inch display that provides essential driving information clearly and is positioned to be easy to glance at without distraction. Controls for the infotainment and climate systems are all through the touch screen which makes it difficult to use when driving in the city and focus is key. Few controls have physical buttons like the AC on/off and fan on/off but blower speed, etc is through the screen which makes it a hassle

Cabin Storage

In terms of storage, the ORA Good Cat offers practical solutions for a hatchback. The front door pockets can hold water bottles and small items, while the center console features additional storage, including cup holders and a small tray for keys or smartphones. A storage box under the center armrest provides space for items like sunglasses or wallets. Rear passengers get seatback pockets. The glovebox is of good size as well.

Air-Conditioning

The Good Cat's air-conditioning system is effective. Even on hot days, the system manages to cool the cabin quickly. Adjustments are all through the screen. Sadly, for a hatchback of its size, there are no A/C vents for the rear passengers.

Features

Unique & Noteworthy Features

The Good Cat comes equipped with a decent array of features. One of the standout features is its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which in the base variant supports both wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Audio System & Sound Quality

The ORA Good Cat features a 6-speaker audio system that provides average sound quality. It’s not a premium system, but does deliver clear and balanced audio throughout the cabin, making it suitable for everyday listening.

Rear Passengers

Rear Seat Comfort & Space

The legroom is ample in the rear, making it very comfortable for tall passengers as well. It ain’t a Nissan Sunny but it’s properly good.

Boot Space

While the boot space is on the smaller side at 228 liters, it’s adequate for city use but may feel cramped for longer trips or large luggage. Foldable rear seats offer some flexibility for expanding cargo space when needed.

Driving the ORA Good Cat

The ORA Good Cat is equipped with a single electric motor delivering 141hp, with 210 Nm of torque available instantly. This instant torque makes the Good Cat feel zippy and responsive in city driving, with good acceleration from a standstill. It handles urban environments effortlessly, with its compact size allowing it to navigate traffic and tight spaces easily. When driven on highways, it can maintain decent speeds, but the power delivery is smoother and more consistent at lower speeds.

Despite its weight of around 1,510 kg due to the battery pack, the car was nimble and quite easy to manoeuvre. The steering is light, making it ideal for city use, though I found it a bit too light at higher speeds. Did not get the feedback I expected at three-digit speeds. The turning circle is tight enough to handle narrow streets and U-turns efficiently.

There are four driving modes to choose from and unlike some other cars, these aren't gimmicky except maybe one. They're mapped specifically for different driving styles and also change the steering weight.

Eco Mode: This is the default mode whenever I got into the car. It’s designed for maximum efficiency, Eco Mode reduces throttle sensitivity, minimizes the energy drawn from the motor and enhances regenerative braking to conserve battery power.
Normal Mode: This offers a balance between performance and energy efficiency. It provides moderate throttle response and regenerative braking. The steering is light in this driving mode.
Auto Mode: This “intelligently” adjusts the driving parameters based on real-time conditions, balancing performance and efficiency without requiring manual input from me. Used it most of the time with the car, felt like another normal mode to me. Could have been my driving style though.
Sport Mode: This sharpens the car's throttle response and reduces regenerative braking, allowing for quicker acceleration and a more dynamic driving experience. The dash turns red to show you want to be sporty. Does eat up battery faster. I used it on the highway to have some fun while driving. The steering weighs up slightly, but not as much as I wanted it.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking felt a bit weird on this car albeit I’m not an EV veteran. Every time I removed my foot off the accelerator pedal, it would coast for a second and then the system kicks in which made my wife feel a bit nauseous after a while. Don’t notice it in the city but on highways it did stand out and became a bit annoying.

Noise, Vibration & Harshness (NVH)

As with many EVs, the ORA Good Cat excels in terms of NVH levels, especially at lower speeds. The electric motor is whisper-quiet, and there’s minimal road or wind noise at lower speeds. At higher speeds, wind noise and tire noise become more noticeable, particularly when driving over rough surfaces.

Range

The ORA Good Cat 400 Tech has a claimed range of 400 km. In my use, I got around 330km, which is pretty good for city.

Suspension

Ride Comfort

The ORA Good Cat is equipped with a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam axle suspension tuned to prioritize comfort in urban environments.

However, at higher speeds or on rougher roads, the ORA Good Cat's suspension transmits larger bumps and potholes into the cabin more noticeably. The softness of the suspension, while great for comfort, can lead to a bit of body roll when cornering at higher speeds.

Handling & Dynamics

In terms of handling, the Good Cat is easy to maneuver. The steering is light and responsive, making it ideal for tight city driving and parking. The electric motor provides instant torque, making acceleration brisk and ideal for urban traffic conditions. The car feels nimble and easy to navigate through tight spaces, and it remains composed on smoother roads.

It’s an ideal car for city dwellers who need something easy to drive and park, with handling characteristics that support this use case

Steering

The Good Cat features an electric power steering that is tuned to be light, making it convenient for city driving. As speeds increase, the steering doesn’t firm up significantly, so while it remains easy to control, it does not offer the feedback or confidence.

Braking

The Good Cat is equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear, along with regenerative braking. The brakes provide adequate stopping power for typical city driving, with good modulation and feel. The car comes with an auto-hold feature so can remove the foot off the brake pedal while waiting on signals, etc and the car won’t move till the accelerator is pressed. Very convenient for heavy traffic.

ORA Good Cat Exterior Images

Front is reminiscent of the VW Beetle:

Rear is clean but the badges are a lot. Main company (GWM), brand (ORA) and model (Good Cat):

Charging port is placed on the LHS fender:

The Good Cat measures 4,235 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,596 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm and unladen ground clearance of 145 mm.