A new electric vehicle brand, Great Wall Motors (GWM ), and its first model has been launched into the Irish market.
Among the first three official dealership appointed is Connolly Motor Group in Galway.
The importer, International Motors (IM ) Group, which also imports Subaru, has big ambitions, including going up against current electric car market leaders here in Ireland.
The Ora Funky Cat from Great Wall Motors (GWM ) of China was officially launched last week and it certainly features a stand-out hatchback design.
IM Group says it will have no issue with stock, and aims to sell 1,000 units of the Ora Funky Cat before the end of this year.
Starting from €31,995, the fully-electric Ora Funky Cat arrives in Ireland in two trims – the 300 Pro and the 400 Pro+. The latter is powered by a 63 kWh battery with a promised range of 420km, while the entry 300 Pro can deliver up to 310km from its 48 kWh power source.
It has a very good standard specification. It offers facial and voice recognition, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, internet radio, electric front seats, and 18? alloy wheels.
Features exclusive to the 400 Pro+ version, which starts at €39,995, include an opening panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, auto park assist, massaging and heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Ora Funky Cat also boasts Euro NCAP’s best-in-class 2022 award in the Small Family Car category, due to what was quoted as being “exceptionally well equipped”.
Using a DC charger, the Ora Funky Cat can be charged to 80 per cent in around 48 minutes.
In total, there will be four colour schemes available in Ireland, with metallic paint a €495 extra and the contrasting roof an additional €195. Optional interior colours at €345 include cream/red and green/beige.
Inside, the car offers plenty of space and could comfortably fit up to five adults. Rear leg room is particularly impressive. Boot capacity is on the small side however, at just 228 litres.
