Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors has revealed the Ora Cat, the first model from its Ora brand to be launched in Europe and the UK.
Shown at the Munich motor show, the Cat is the beginning of a western offensive for the Chinese giant, which has also launched a second electrified brand, called Wey, at the event. The Wey Coffee 01 is a plug-in hybrid SUV intended to rival BMW.
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Great Wall is already known in the UK for commercial vehicles including the Great Wall Steed pick-up truck, but this announcement marks its first foray into the passenger car segment, following other Chinese brands including Nio and Xpeng.
The Cat is due to arrive in Germany early 2022, while UK orders are expected to open in the following months.
The Ora Cat (the Good Cat in China) "has the potential to be a game changer", according to its maker. It's based on Great Wall's Lemon platform and promises a maximum range of around 249 miles.
It's powered by a single electric motor producing 169bhp and 184lb ft, which can send it from 0-31mph in 3.8sec, and comes equipped with numerous driver assistance systems not "seen before in the lower mid-segment".
Great Wall intends for Ora to become a "completely new lifestyle brand", and despite its compact size and accessible billing, the Cat comes with much of the advanced technology of the Wey Coffee 01.
Prices for the Ora Cat will be confirmed closer to launch.
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I like it very much but wonder whether it was designed by AI - Feed in the shapes of the world's iconic cars and out comes this shape. If this is designed by humans, then the references to one car merges seamlessly to the next is masterly.
Looks like a mix of so many things, but somehow works for me! Its cute yet purposeful.