GWM Motors, a prominent player in South Africa’s automotive industry, has introduced the eagerly anticipated GWM Ora 03, marking a significant milestone in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Priced competitively, starting at R686,950, the Ora 03 stands as the most affordable electric vehicle currently available in South Africa, poised to transform the automotive industry and drive the nation towards a greener, sustainable future.
Bianca van Staden, Head of Marketing, Brand & PR for HAVAL Motors South Africa, expressed the company’s vision, stating, “With ORA 03, we are introducing a new era for GWM locally, as we want to be part of the shift towards EV and a greener, sustainable future. We want to offer our customers a range of mobility solutions, from ICE, HEV to EV, and ORA is the product that will be driving our EV ambitions.”
Features Redefining Excellence
The hatchback model of the GWM Ora 03 boasts four distinct versions, categorized into two battery packs and three trim levels. It offers a rich array of standard features, ensuring exceptional value for prospective buyers.
Prominent features across the Ora range include:
- All-round LED lights
- Electric wing mirrors
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Keyless entry on the driver’s door
- Leatherette seats with electric adjustability for the front row
- Advanced technology suite comprising a wireless phone charger, a surround-view camera system, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, ABS, tyre-pressure monitoring, and six airbags
- A 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay functionality (Android Auto compatibility is expected soon)
The Ultra Luxury specification elevates the experience with additional features like an electric tailgate, front radar activation at low speeds, a panoramic sunroof, memory functions for the driver’s seat and wing mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions.
Top-tier GT Ultra Luxury models offer an extensive array of features, including automatic parking, traffic-sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, cruise control enhancements, traffic jam assist, and a comprehensive suite of safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-change assist, and a 360-degree panoramic camera.
Performance and Specifications Setting New Standards
The GWM Ora 03 is available in four different models, all equipped with a front-mounted electric motor generating 126kW and 250Nm of torque.
Accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 8.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160km/h, this EV, weighing 1.5 tonnes, offers five driving modes – Auto, ECO, ECO+, Standard, and Sport. The electric power steering system comes with three settings – Comfort, Light, and Sport. Additionally, buyers can select between two battery options: the standard-range 300 variant and the extended-range 400.
The 300 variant incorporates a 48kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, providing a driving range of 310km. Meanwhile, the 400 variant utilizes a 63kWh nickel-manganese cobalt battery, extending the range to an impressive 420km (400km on the GT Ultra Luxury).
Addressing charging costs, GWM mentioned, “Considering a rate of around R3.50 per kWh for AC home charging, it will cost an owner approximately R170 to R250 to fully charge his or her GWM Ora 03.” For DC fast charging at R5.00 to R5.80 per kWh, the cost for a full charge ranges from R250 to R300.
Practical and Spacious Design
Measuring 4,235mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,603mm tall, the GWM Ora 03 offers 228 litres of luggage space with the rear seats fixed, expanding to 858 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Pricing and Warranty Information
The GWM Ora 03 lineup in South Africa is priced as follows:
- GWM Ora 03 300 Super Luxury – R686,950
- GWM Ora 03 400 Super Luxury – R775,950
- GWM Ora 03 400 Ultra Luxury – R805,950
- GWM Ora 03 400 GT Ultra Luxury – R835,950
Each purchase is accompanied by an extensive warranty package, including a 7-year/200,000km vehicle warranty, 8-year/150,000km warranty on high-voltage parts, 7-year/105,000km service plan, and 7-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.
The arrival of the GWM Ora 03 represents a leap forward in the South African automotive market, offering a compelling and accessible option for those embracing the electric vehicle revolution. With its range of features, performance capabilities, and competitive pricing, the Ora 03 stands poised to redefine the future of sustainable mobility in the nation.
