New Ora Funky Cat First Edition+ ups range and price
It’s been almost a year since Chinese carmaker GWM Ora[1] launched in the UK, so the brand is congratulating itself with a special edition version of its Funky Cat[2] electric[3] hatchback[4] called the Funky Cat First Edition+.
Funky Cat aficionados out there will know the quirky MG4[5] and Volkswagen ID.3[6] rival has been available in First Edition trim since it launched. But the plus symbol hints at the big upgrade under the metal: a larger 63kWh battery, compared to the 48kWh unit used to power the existing version.
The bigger battery has helped boost the car’s official WLTP[7] range from 193 miles to 260 miles, which is just shy of the similarly priced MG4 Long Range’s claimed figure.
The Funky Cat First Edition+ only gets a marginally faster charging speed of 67kW however, rather the 64kW that smaller battery models can reach. Either way, a 15 to 80 per cent top-up of the 63kWh battery takes 48 minutes. The Funky Cat’s single electric motor doesn’t produce any more power either; there’s 169bhp and 250Nm of torque on tap, with 0-62mph taking 8.2 seconds.
Just 50 examples of the new Funky Cat First Edition+ are destined for UK shores, with prices to start from £33,795 – up from £31,995 for the existing model – or personal leases from £243 per month with a £2,151 deposit. But as you’d expect for a limited-run version of any car, every Funky Cat First Edition+ will come generously equipped with heated, cooled and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. They’ll also get special edition badging, mats, keys and a Type 2 charging cable.
Wireless phone charging, facial recognition and the brand’s ‘Hello Ora’ voice assistant are also standard-fit, along with two 10.25-inch displays, a 360-degree parking camera and numerous other safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and driver fatigue detection.
Buyers will be offered a choice of two paint schemes: Aroura Green with a Moonlight White or Starry Black roof, or Mars Red with a Starry Black roof. Red cars get a black interior with blue contrast stitching, while opting for the green paint unlocks the option of a green and beige two-tone interior in addition to black.
The Funky Cat First Edition+ goes on sale on 12 October. The Chinese brand has also launched eight new test drive centres across the UK, and is planning to introduce a new Ora saloon over here at the beginning of 2024.
Click here for our list of the cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK[8]...
References
- ^ GWM Ora (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ Funky Cat (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ electric (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ hatchback (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ MG4 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ Volkswagen ID.3 (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ WLTP (www.autoexpress.co.uk)
- ^ cheapest electric cars on sale in the UK (www.autoexpress.co.uk)