The Cutest EV Money Can Buy: GWM ORA Good Cat Review — Retro Design That Turns Heads
The EV market is flooded with sleek, futuristic machines that all look essentially the same — aggressive grilles, sharp angles, and mile-long light bars. Then there’s the GWM ORA Good Cat, a compact electric hatchback that deliberately throws that playbook out the window.
With its rounded curves, cat-eye headlights, and stubby proportions, the ORA Good Cat looks like a vintage MINI cooper mated with a Volkswagen Beetle and raised in a Chinese design studio. It’s either brilliant or bizarre — but most importantly, it’s interesting.
And the best part? In SE Asia, you can drive one home for as little as $22,000 USD.
The Design: Retro-Futurism That Actually Works
Where It All Began
Great Wall Motors (GWM) launched the ORA brand in 2018 as its dedicated EV sub-brand — because apparently, naming cars after cats was the natural next step. The ORA Good Cat arrived in 2020, designed by Emanuel Derta, and immediately divided opinions.
Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it.
The Face That Stops Traffic
The most recognizable element is the front — specifically those circular LED “cat-eye” headlights. Each unit contains 40 individual LED light sources, creating an intelligent lighting system that adapts to different driving conditions. Between them sits a clean, closed-off nose panel — no grille needed, because EVs don’t breathe through their face.
The 2025 facelift tightened the front bumper, ditching chrome accents for a sportier look with corner air inlets and an active grille shutter.
The Profile: Compact Cute
At just 4,235mm long and 1,825mm wide, the Good Cat is smaller than a Toyota Yaris — perfect for SE Asia’s crowded cities. The round wheel arches house 18-inch alloy wheels, while the high-backed rear hatchback design echoes the Beetle’s silhouette without crossing into knockoff territory.
The GT variant gets more aggressive bodykit, a larger rear spoiler, gloss black trim, and yellow brake calipers for buyers who want their cute car to look a bit more menacing.
The Interior: Retro Meets Modern
Inside, the Good Cat wraps you in a curious mix of vintage charm and modern tech. The earlier models featured a wide dashboard with a 7-inch instrument cluster + 10.25-inch infotainment screen integrated into a single panel.
The 2025 update upgraded these to floating units — a 10.25-inch digital instrument and a 14.6-inch touchscreen running GWM’s Coffee OS 3 software. It’s a massive leap forward in technology while keeping the quirky aesthetic.
The steering wheel was redesigned too — dropping from three spokes to two for a simpler look. Colors inside include Green-Grey, Brown-Rice, and Green-Rice — thoughtfully coordinated with the exterior retro theme.
The Cool Feature: More Than Just Looks
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) — Power Your Life
Here’s where the Good Cat punches above its weight class. The Ultra and GT models feature V2L capability — essentially turning your car into a massive power bank.
- Standard output: 3,300W
- Real-world use: Power laptops, camping equipment, small appliances, or emergency backup during outages
- Duration: Depends on remaining battery, but sufficient for hours of device charging
This feature is extremely rare in the sub-$30,000 EV segment. Most budget EVs focus on range and transportation, not mobile power. The Good Cat asks: why can’t your car be useful even when parked?
PRO TIP: “Planning a beach trip or outdoor event? The Good Cat can power a portable speaker, mini-fridge, and lighting setup for hours.”
Intelligent Safety Suite
The Good Cat comes packed with Level 2 ADAS features including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Intelligent Cornering
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Centre Keeping
- 360° Surrounding Camera
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert & Braking
Performance & Range
| Specification | Standard (Ultra) | GT |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 143 PS (105 kW) | 171 PS (126 kW) |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Battery | 57.7 kWh LFP | 57.7 kWh LFP |
| Range (NEDC) | 480 km | 460 km |
| Range (CLTC) | 430 km | 430 km |
| 0-100 km/h | ~9 seconds | ~8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h | 150 km/h |
| Charging (DC) | 60 kW (30-80% in 38 min) | 60 kW (30-80% in 38 min) |
| Charging (AC) | 6.6 kW (0-100% in 9 hours) | 6.6 kW (0-100% in 9 hours) |
Key takeaways:
- The GT offers more power but slightly less range due to the sportier tune
- LFP batteries are more heat-stable — important for SE Asia’s tropical climate
- Charging times are decent but not class-leading
SE Asia Price Comparison
| Country | Variant | Price (Local) | ~USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Pro | ฿799,000 | $23,000 |
| Thailand | Ultra | ฿899,000 | $25,800 |
| Thailand | GT | ฿1,099,000 | $31,500 |
| Malaysia | Ultra | RM109,800 | $24,500 |
| Malaysia | GT | RM119,800 | $26,800 |
| Indonesia | Standard | IDR 369,000,000 | $23,000 |
| Indonesia | GT | IDR 379,000,000 | $24,000 |
Prices exclude local incentives, registration, and insurance. All models are currently imported (CBU) from Thailand or China.
Value Analysis
The Good Cat undercuts direct competitors significantly:
- vs BYD Dolphin: Similar price, but the Good Cat’s unique design stands apart
- vs MG 4: Comparable pricing, but MG lacks the Good Cat’s character
- vs Nissan Leaf: Way cheaper but also way more established
The pricing makes the Good Cat one of the most affordable new EVs in SE Asia — an entry point to electric motoring without the premium.
Owner Reviews: What Real Drivers Say
Based on aggregated reviews from Malaysian and regional owners:
Overall Rating: 4.22/5 ⭐
Pros ✅
- “Chic retro styling” — Owners consistently praise the unique design. Strangers ask about the car constantly.
- “Feature-rich for the price” — The 360° camera, wireless charger, and ADAS are highlights.
- “Comfortable seats” — Long drives are manageable with supportive seating and good insulation.
- “Smooth, quiet ride” — Instant torque makes city driving effortless.
- “Reasonable range” — 400-480 km covers most daily needs.
Cons ❌
- “Lifeless steering at speed” — The steering stays light even at highway speeds, providing little feedback.
- “Software glitches” — Earlier models had Android Auto issues; updates via OTA are rolling out.
- “Rear seat tight for tall adults” — The back seat suits kids and small adults best.
- “Interior rattles develop over time” — Expect some squeaks after 6+ months on rough roads.
- “Only front-wheel drive” — No AWD option limits capability for truly adventurous owners.
REAL OWNER QUOTE: “This car defies stereotypes about Chinese-made vehicles. Build quality surprised me, and the design makes me smile every time I walk toward it.” — Malaysian owner, 6 months in
Verdict: Who Should Buy the ORA Good Cat?
The Good Cat isn’t trying to be the fastest EV or the one with the longest range. It’s trying to be the most approachable, personality-filled EV you can buy for under $30,000.
Buy it if:
- ✅ You want an EV but can’t stomach Tesla/MG prices
- ✅ Design and character matter to you more than raw specs
- ✅ You mainly drive in the city (parking is easier with compact dimensions)
- ✅ You want V2L capability for camping or backup power
- ✅ You appreciate retro-futuristic aesthetics
Skip it if:
- ❌ You need rear seat space for adult passengers regularly
- ❌ You prioritize driving dynamics and sporty handling
- ❌ You want established brand cachet and proven long-term reliability
- ❌ You need faster charging infrastructure
Where to next? If this quirky cat caught your attention, check out our Best EVs in Thailand 2026 guide for more budget-friendly options.