GWM ORA 03 Review (UK): The Ultimate Test of This Retro-Chic EV

Introduction

The UK’s small electric car market is busier than ever before. The GWM ORA 03 has entered the scene as a fresh competitor. It wants to win over drivers with its striking retro-futuristic design.

But does its visual appeal make it a truly good car for British roads? We’ve tested the ORA 03 thoroughly. We want to discover exactly what it brings to UK buyers who know what they want.

Our conclusion: the ORA 03 makes a strong case for style-focused city drivers. It delivers impressive technology and feels well-built. Yet it has some unusual traits and must compete against well-known brands.

This detailed review UK will examine its distinctive design and interior usefulness. We’ll look at real-world driving performance and safety features. We’ll also compare its overall value against main UK competitors to help you decide if this EV suits you.

Head-Turning Exterior Design

The GWM ORA 03’s most obvious strength is its design. It deliberately avoids the sharp, angular lines that dominate today’s market. Instead, it chooses a softer, more distinctive look that grabs attention.

A Retro-Futuristic Look

Large, round headlights dominate the car’s front end. Smooth, curved body lines make it instantly recognizable. This styling brings back memories of classic car design. It reminds you of famous European cars from past decades.

The GWM interpretation feels different from direct retro copies like the Fiat 500e or MINI Electric. It mixes these classic touches with a clean, modern rear profile. The result looks both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

UK buyers can choose from vibrant colors that highlight the car’s playful design. Bright shades emphasize the smooth curves. They make the chrome details stand out, strengthening its fun-loving character.

Build Quality Impressions

Seeing the car in person creates an immediate “wow” moment. The paint finish looks deep and even. Panel gaps are remarkably tight for a car in this price range. This suggests high manufacturing standards.

The doors close with a solid, reassuring sound. This small detail greatly improves the first impression of quality. The same feeling applies to the tailgate and other exterior parts.

We noticed well-designed LED lighting at both front and rear. The stylish alloy wheels are specific to UK versions. These complete the premium look.

People often ask what makes the GWM ORA 03’s design so special. It’s the careful mix of classic, almost Porsche-like curves at the front with a stark, modern rear profile. This sets it apart from everything else on the road.

Inside the Premium Cabin

Stepping inside the ORA 03 shows an interior that aims for a premium feel. It goes far beyond what its price point suggests. The design is clean and minimalist. Technology dominates, creating a modern and welcoming space.

A Premium Atmosphere

A large, floating dual-screen panel defines the cabin layout. It combines the driver’s display and central entertainment system into one smooth unit. This approach clears the dashboard, leaving a clean and open feel.

Our hands-on testing revealed impressive material choices in key areas. The quilted synthetic leather on seats and door panels feels genuinely upmarket. Soft-touch materials across the upper dashboard add to this impression.

Some cost-cutting is obvious to meet the price point. Harder, more durable plastics appear lower in the cabin. But they’re well-hidden and don’t harm the overall high-quality atmosphere.

The entertainment system itself is bright and clear. We found its menu structure reasonably easy to understand after a short learning period. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work smoothly for seamless phone connection.

Practicality and Space

Front passengers enjoy spacious and comfortable seating. Plenty of adjustment in seats and steering wheel helps find a good driving position. The minimalist dashboard design enhances the feeling of openness.

Rear space works well for children or adults on shorter city trips. Taller passengers might find headroom and legroom tight on longer journeys. This is normal for a car in this compact class.

Boot capacity matters for daily use. This is where the ORA 03 faces its biggest challenge from competitors. We’ve created a table to show its practicality against key rivals.

The ORA 03’s 228-litre boot works fine for weekly shopping or a couple of weekend bags. However, it’s much smaller than the 363 litres from its key rival, the MG4. This is important for buyers needing more space or those with young families.

Driving on UK Roads

Stylish design and a premium interior are appealing. But the driving experience truly defines a car. We tested the ORA 03 extensively on various British roads to see how it performs in real conditions.

Zippy City Performance

The ORA 03 feels most comfortable in city environments. Its electric motor provides instant power. This creates quick acceleration from a standstill that’s perfect for city traffic and pulling away from junctions.

The steering is light and direct. This allows easy maneuvering through tight streets and into difficult parking spaces. A tight turning circle further improves its city-friendly nature.

We found the one-pedal driving mode particularly effective in stop-start traffic. It lets you speed up and brake using only the accelerator pedal. This is both efficient and relaxing once you adapt to it.

Ride quality is generally comfortable. The suspension does a good job absorbing most minor road problems. However, on typically broken British roads, sharp-edged potholes and larger speed bumps can send a noticeable shock through the cabin.

Real-World Range and Charging

A common question we see online is, what is the real-world range of the GWM ORA 03? The official WLTP figure for the Pro+ model reaches 193 miles. But real-world driving tells a different story.

In our mixed testing, we used city streets, A-roads, and short motorway sections. We consistently achieved a more realistic range of around 160-170 miles in mild weather.

We also conducted a documented winter test. With temperatures around 5°C, we observed a real-world range of approximately 140-150 miles. This represents roughly a 25% drop from the official figure. This reduction is typical for most modern EVs in colder weather. This insight matches long-term tests from publications like Electrifying.com, which report similar seasonal changes across all-electric vehicles.

For charging, the ORA 03 supports up to 11kW AC charging and around 64kW DC rapid charging. In practical terms, a full charge at home on a 7kW wallbox takes overnight. A 10-80% top-up at a typical 50kW public rapid charger takes a manageable 45-50 minutes.

Technology and Safety

The ORA 03 arrives in the UK with standout style and an impressive collection of technology and safety features. This is a key area where GWM wants to build trust with new buyers.

Five-Star Safety Record

One of the most important trust signals for a new brand is its performance in independent safety tests. The GWM ORA 03 achieved a full 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating when tested in 2022. This is a huge endorsement of its underlying engineering.

This top-tier rating comes with a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment on UK models. Key features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Keep Assist

• Blind Spot Detection

• 360-degree camera system

Including such a high level of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard is a major selling point. Many rivals offer these features only on higher trims or as optional extras.

Living With The Tech

Listing features is one thing. Living with them is another. During our time with the car on UK roads, we found the ADAS suite to be mixed. The 360-degree camera is excellent. It provides a clear view that makes parking simple.

However, we found some other systems to be over-eager. The lane-keeping aid can be quite intrusive. It tugs at the wheel firmly on narrow country lanes. The driver monitoring camera was also overly sensitive. It frequently issued alerts if the driver looked away for a moment.

This is a common discussion point on owner forums like SpeakEV and in the r/electricvehicles UK subreddit. New owners share tips on adjusting the system’s sensitivity. While these aids can be turned off through the entertainment menu, it’s a process that needs repeating on every journey. This honest feedback is important for setting real-world expectations.

Price, Rivals, and Ownership

The decision to buy any car often comes down to the numbers. We’ll now analyze the ORA 03’s value by comparing its cost and features against key rivals. We’ll also look at the broader ownership experience.

The Value Equation

So, is the GWM ORA 03 good value? Considering its standard equipment, the answer is definitely yes. The UK’s Pro+ trim is priced competitively against the entry-level MG4, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, and higher-spec Fiat 500e.

When you include the standard 360-degree camera, heated synthetic leather seats, and full safety aids, the ORA 03 presents a strong feature-per-pound case. It feels more luxurious inside than its direct price competitors.

GWM also supports its product with a comprehensive warranty package. This includes a 5-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. This provides significant peace of mind for new owners.

To show the car’s appeal, we spoke to an early adopter, ‘David’ from Bristol, who chose the ORA 03 over an MG4. He mentioned the “premium-feeling interior and standout looks” as the deciding factor. He said he was willing to trade a small amount of boot space for a car that felt “more special” day-to-day.

The GWM Brand

It’s important to remember that GWM (Great Wall Motor) is not a small startup. It is a major global car company that is now seriously establishing its presence in the UK and European markets.

While the ORA 03 is GWM’s charming entry into the UK’s city car segment, the brand also has a rugged side with vehicles like the impressive Tank 300. For owners of their wider range, finding parts and accessories is straightforward. Dedicated suppliers like GWM-parts – EVparts4x4 offer a comprehensive selection of components for GWM’s off-road models. This shows the brand’s commitment to supporting its entire product range.

Our Final Verdict

After extensive testing, we have a clear picture of where the GWM ORA 03 fits into the UK’s competitive electric car landscape. It’s a car of distinct character with clear strengths and some notable compromises.

Here is a summary of our findings to help you make your final decision.

• Pros: Unique and stylish design that stands out. High-quality interior feel for the price. Packed with standard technology and safety features. Reassuring 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

• Cons: Smaller boot than key rivals like the MG4. Real-world range that is adequate but not class-leading. Over-eager driver aids that can become annoying in daily use.

The GWM ORA 03 is an excellent choice for the style-conscious buyer who mainly drives in city areas. If you value interior atmosphere and technology over maximum practicality and long-range touring ability, it is a fantastic option.

If you want an EV that breaks the mold, feels special to sit in, and will turn heads everywhere you go, the ORA 03 is absolutely worth a test drive. However, if maximum boot space and the longest possible range are your absolute top priorities, rivals like the MG4 may present a more logical, if less charismatic, choice.