Ora, a Chinese car manufacturer owned by GWM, is set to release its new electric saloon, the Ora 07, in the UK this summer. The Ora 07 will join the smaller Ora 03 hatchback in the company’s UK line-up. The goal of the Ora 07 is to attract customers from legacy brands such as Vauxhall and Peugeot by offering quirky styling and competitive features.
The Ora 07 will be available in four trims, with two battery options: a 64kWh LFP or an 83kWh NMC. The car has a claimed maximum range of 354 miles, which is comparable to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. It also offers impressive performance, with the top-spec GT version delivering 402bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds.
While the Ora 07 has already been launched in China as the Ora Lightning Cat, its arrival in Europe is highly anticipated. Ora is hoping that the success it achieved in China, where it helped turn around declining sales, can be replicated in Europe. In 2023, Ora sold just 9,000 units, leading to a drop in sales at the start of 2024.
Recently, Autocar had the opportunity to test drive a near-production UK-spec Ora 07. The first thing that stood out was the car’s unconventional design, which may be a challenge for Ora to sell based on looks alone. However, the brand plans to attract buyers through competitive finance deals and a range of standard features.
One area where Ora has made significant improvements with the Ora 07 is the driving experience. Previous reviews of the Ora 03 hatchback, which shares the same platform as the saloon, criticized aspects such as heavy regenerative braking, unrefined steering, and clunky infotainment. While the Ora 07 still retains some of these flaws, it offers better steering, smoother power delivery, and improved grip.
However, there are still areas where the Ora 07 falls short. The heavy regen issues, overzealous safety systems, and poor infotainment remain concerns. Additionally, the car experiences heavy body roll when cornering. The real-world driving experience and charging speeds have yet to be tested fully.
Despite these flaws, the Ora 07 has several strengths that make it an attractive option for buyers. The interior is spacious and well-designed, with plenty of storage space and comfortable seats. The aesthetic of the interior is impressive, considering the car’s price point. However, the position of the seats may be an issue for taller drivers.
Overall, the Ora 07 shows promise as a better version of its sibling, the Ora 03. It has the potential to attract buyers with its interior feel and standard features. However, the brand’s biggest challenge will be getting potential buyers into showrooms and behind the wheel. The unconventional design of the saloon may deter some buyers, but for those willing to give it a chance, the Ora 07 offers a compelling electric saloon option in the UK market.
In conclusion, the Ora 07 represents an interesting addition to the UK electric vehicle market. With its quirky styling and competitive features, it aims to attract customers from established brands. While it has some flaws, it shows improvements over its sibling model and has the potential to appeal to buyers looking for a unique electric saloon experience.