Ora 03 – a hatchback with a “cute” appearance and a hot engine

Chinese electric car... For some, a horror story. A double threat to die-hard skeptics and diehards. This category of motorists, however, is melting away every year. Relentless statistics show: the number of Russians ready to buy a Chinese product increased from 6,4% in 2017 to 53,1% in 2024.


The same applies to electric trains: four years ago, 4% of battery-powered cars flashed in our traffic, and in 2023 – 18%. True, 26,6 percent turned to the “Chinese” forcedly, due to limited choice. But the situation on the market has not changed dramatically, so we are considering goods from the Middle Kingdom.

Ora 03 hatchback review

The Great Wall manufacturer maintains a clear “division of labor”: one brand is responsible for crossovers (Haval), the other for SUVs (Tank). And Ora produces nimble, compact, electric-powered city cars. We met them last year.


The model under the index 03 has a friendly face that resembles a Fiat 500, “Mini"or German "Bug". Round headlights, a “vintage” roof and rear pillars immerse you in nostalgia for long-gone models. It’s tempting to take a photo with the cutie in the background.

In terms of size, the Chinese “three-ruble note” is not far from its counterparts:

✅ Length - 4235 mm
✅ Width - 1825 mm
✅ Height - 1603 mm
✅ Curb weight - 1655 kg
✅ Trunk – 228 l

The Chinese seem to have moved away from shameless copying, but no, no, they are returning to the beaten path. However, this is now a style in auto fashion – neo-retro.


The hatch's wheelbase of 2650 mm allows for 5 doors to be placed on the body and provides enough space for the crew. Ground clearance of 145 mm and a low-hanging rear bumper warn against encounters with curbs.

Walkability

This cute little car is a true city dweller. He doesn’t hesitate for a long time before accelerating and smoothly takes off. Maneuverable: easily integrated into a parallel row. Compact: does not crowd neighbors in the parking lot.


However, Ora 03, tested on Sochi roads, surprised us on turns. It handles independently, goes briskly, takes turns with minimal roll. The informative steering wheel understands commands and instantly responds to the driver’s demands.

The primer is also not a zone of discomfort for the three-ruble note. The high torsional rigidity of the body – 18 N*m/deg – adds confidence in driving. And passengers are assured of safety by 000 airbags and 7 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.

Salon

The interior matches the declared price - 3,9 million rubles. It’s nice inside, as well as outside: it’s not for nothing that the car is known abroad under the name Funky Cat – “funny cat”. I am pleased with the Alcantara, high-quality stitching, and the care for users in the smallest details is touching.


All the “modernity” is evident: a huge color display divided into the dashboard and multimedia, an illuminated makeup mirror, wireless charging. The car has adaptive cruise control, all-round cameras, and self-parking.

Front seats are heated and ventilated. The driver is assisted by numerous assistants and systems: lane keeping, reading road signs, etc.

Technical stuffing

The machine is built on the proven LEMON trolley. The layout is front-engine, front-wheel drive.

Vehicle technical parameters:

✅ Battery capacity – 63,1 kW*h
✅ Power of three-phase synchronous electric motor – 171 l. With.
✅ Torque – 250 N*m
✅ Passport distance on one charge – 500 km (in fact – 420-430 km)
✅ Speed ​​​​- 150 km / h
✅ Acceleration to “one hundred” – 8,6 seconds

The replenishment time for “bins” from a household outlet is 24 hours, at fast charging terminals – up to 50 minutes. The traction battery located under the bottom is protected by a shockproof shell. The thermoregulation system allows the battery to be operated at minus 27°C. The front suspension is MacPherson strut, and the rear is a semi-independent beam.


What can you find fault with in Ora 03? There is no wiper on the rear window, wheel arches without wheel arches. Not a long list. We hope it will not replenish itself: the “cheerful cat” will not give reasons.