Ora Funky Cat to start at £30,495

Ora has announced pricing, specification details and a controversial new name for its first foray into the UK car market. The Funky Cat model has previously been known merely as the 'Cat', and will go on sale in autumn this year as a ‘First Edition’. Prices will start from £30,495 after government's grant has been deducted.

The Funky Cat First Edition will be available with a 48kWh battery giving a WLTP range of 193 miles. It features 11kW three- phase AC charging and 80kW DC rapid charging using a CCS socket. Based on 15% - 80% charge, 6.6kW home charging will take users around 5 – 6 hours while 80kW rapid charging will take around 40 minutes.

The strikingly-styled Funky Cat is 4,235mm long, roughly half way between a Vauxhall e-Corsa and a Nissan Leaf in size. The cheapest Leaf is £26,995 while an e-Corsa starts at £27,055.

The Funky Cat's spec list includes 360 Degree Cameras, LED Headlights and 18” Alloy Wheels. Customers will also benefit from integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging and electric front seats.

The Funky Cat is well equipped.

The First Edition spec is unique for this year and the company plans to offer additional trim levels from 2023. These will include a larger 63kWh battery size and a cheaper, less well equipped entry level model.

The Funky Cat First Edition will be available in a choice of four colour variations, chosen by a customer poll earlier this year. As standard, the car will have a Nebula green exterior paint finish and a black interior. Buyers can also opt for a Starry black exterior paint. Additionally, Mars red (with a red and grey interior) and Aurora green (green and grey interior) variations will be available at launch and feature a black or white contrasting roof.

It will be backed by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty on the car, with cover on the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles.

Rapid charging at the 80kW maximum rate will get the 48kWh battery to 80% in 40 minutes

In addition, ORA has announced a 'Queue Jump' scheme to be launched in June, which will give customers the opportunity to place a £100 refundable deposit, granting priority access to stock when it arrives.

Ora is a new name in the UK, but is part of the Great Wall Motor (GWM) brand which has been selling cars in China since 1984. It aims to conquer Europe with the WEY and GWM ORA brands.

The Funky Cat will also be used as the basis of the next generation of MINI Electric following a joint venture between the two companies.