New Ora Funky Cat First Edition+ ups range and price

It’s been almost a year since Chinese carmaker GWM Ora launched in the UK, so the brand is congratulating itself with a special edition version of its Funky Cat electric hatchback called the Funky Cat First Edition+.

Funky Cat aficionados out there will know the quirky MG4 and Volkswagen ID.3 rival has been available in First Edition trim since it launched. But the plus symbol hints at the big upgrade under the metal: a larger 63kWh battery, compared to the 48kWh unit used to power the existing version. 

The bigger battery has helped boost the car’s official WLTP range from 193 miles to 260 miles, which is just shy of the similarly priced MG4 Long Range’s claimed figure.

The Funky Cat First Edition+ only gets a marginally faster charging speed of 67kW however, rather the 64kW that smaller battery models can reach. Either way, a 15 to 80 per cent top-up of the 63kWh battery takes 48 minutes. The Funky Cat’s single electric motor doesn’t produce any more power either; there’s 169bhp and 250Nm of torque on tap, with 0-62mph taking 8.2 seconds. 

Just 50 examples of the new Funky Cat First Edition+ are destined for UK shores, with prices to start from £33,795 – up from £31,995 for the existing 48kWh model – or personal leases from £243 per month with a £2,151 deposit. But as you’d expect for a limited-run version of any car, every Funky Cat First Edition+ will come generously equipped with heated, cooled and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. They’ll also get special edition badging, mats, keys and a Type 2 charging cable.

Wireless phone charging, facial recognition and the brand’s ‘Hello Ora’ voice assistant are also standard-fit, along with two 10.25-inch displays, a 360-degree parking camera and numerous other safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and driver fatigue detection.

Buyers will be offered a choice of two paint schemes: Aroura Green with a Moonlight White or Starry Black roof, or Mars Red with a Starry Black roof. Red cars get a black interior with blue contrast stitching, while opting for the green paint unlocks the option of a green and beige two-tone interior in addition to black.

The Funky Cat First Edition+ goes on sale on 12 October. The Chinese brand has also launched eight new test drive centres across the UK, and is planning to introduce a new Ora saloon over here at the beginning of 2024.

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