ORA 03 named as finalist in 2024 SA Car of the Year
It was selected in the Family category, alongside the BMW X1 and is one of 18 finalists in the overall competition.
The GWM ORA 03 is a finalist in the 2024 South African Car of the Year, hosted and adjudicated by the Guild of Mobility journalists.
It was selected in the Family category, alongside the BMW X1 and is one of 18 finalists in the overall competition.
Bianca van Staden, Head of Marketing, Brand and Public Relations at GWM South Africa explains that while the ORA made headlines as the most affordable electric vehicle in South Africa, it’s overwhelmingly been compared to traditional city and family vehicles, as opposed to electric vehicles only.
Price
The GWM ORA 03 is also a contender for the top spot in the category for affordable electric vehicles in the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards. It has already won an award as the Bargain of the Year in the Top Gear South Africa Awards in December 2023. This is another award that considered both NEV and ICE vehicles.
At less than R700 000 for the entry-level model, it is a bit steep for someone who wants an all-electric vehicle. However, with more electric vehicles landing on South Africa’s shores, there is hope that prices can be driven down.
Weighing only 1 555 kg, the GWM Ora 03 dashes from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of just under 160 km/h.
Battery
The vehicle is powered by a 48 kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery that gives the entry-level standard-range 300 Super Luxury GWM ORA 03 an average electric consumption figure of 16.7 kWh/100 km for a range of up to 310 km (WLTP cycle).
This makes the new GWM Ora 03 the best range-per-rand of any EV in South Africa.
Interior
Inside the GWM ORA 03 it has two 10.25-inch touchscreens (instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system) integrated into the front panel, with every function just a fingertip away. Add to this a rotary-style gear selector and up to 228 litres of luggage space.
GWM said there also 20 dedicated ORA dealers countrywide offering GWM 7kW home-charging wall box solutions in case your Ora wants a full charge before you hit the road.
