Review of the ORA 03

by: Fergus Gray

Fergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.

ORA 03 Review 2023

The new ORA 03 (the renamed Funky Cat) boats a quirky name and promises of a unique sonic journey. The Feline-inspired synthesizer immediately turns heads on the road captivated by its sleek and modern design.

Rivals to the ORA 03 include the Volkswagen ID3, Peugeot e-208 and Mini Electric.

Our ORA 03 review covers:

• Key Features
• ORA 03 Pros and Cons:
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

ORA 03 Key Features

• Captivating exterior with sleek and modern design
• Interior look and quality are a strong point plus its spacious both front and rear
• 228-litre boot, expanding to 858 litres with rear seats down
• One 48kWh battery option unit, providing a range of up to 193 miles on a single charge
• Two trim level available: Pure+ and Pro+

ORA 03 Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Stylish
• Spacious interior
• Lots of driver assistance tech

Cons:

• Small boot
• Slow charging
• Alternatives have more range

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

The ORA 03 (previously named the Funky Cat) inspired by felines, has a sleek and modern design with an eye-catching metallic finish. It features unique accents and a playful aesthetic, embodying the spirit of a funky cat. The funkiness doesn't stop with the elaborate headlight and taillight display that activates when you unlock the vehicle. Additionally, there's a charming touch of fish swimming across the screens upon opening the door which adds a cute and playful element to the overall driving experience.

The interior of the vehicle showcases a sophisticated design, featuring high-quality materials throughout. It exudes a premium feel, surpassing even the ID3 model. The twin 10.25-inch displays offer crisp visuals and user-friendly navigation, complemented by an integrated voice recognition system capable of understanding various accents. Passengers in the back seats will also enjoy ample space, ensuring comfort comparable to the luxurious front. The inclusion of cup holders in the armrest adds a convenient touch. However, one downside is that the 03 interior is relatively narrow, making it a bit tight for accommodating three adults.

On the other hand, the 03 boot area seems to be its weak point. With a capacity of 228 litres, it's slightly larger than the Mini Electric's 211 litres. However, it falls short compared to the ID3's 385-litre boot space. While there is some under-floor storage available, it might not be sufficient for storing cables, leaving them in the main compartment. Additionally, the significant load lip makes it challenging to load and unload heavier items from the boot.

Interior and Trims

Stepping into the Ora 03, it's challenging to find any flaws. The interior features soft and premium materials that exude a sense of luxury. While there might be a few areas with scratchy plastics, they are hardly noticeable unless you specifically seek them out.

Buyers have the option to choose from three different colour combinations, with dark grey upholstery as the standard choice. For a little extra cost, one can opt for a red and cream or green and cream cabin to match the exterior paint colour.

The twin 10.25-inch displays offer clear visuals and smooth responsiveness to user inputs. However, navigating some of the menus might not be as intuitive, requiring a bit of learning to locate specific functions. One would almost prefer simple physical buttons to access certain features.

The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at launch might be a slight inconvenience, but the automaker plans to rectify this via over-the-air updates, making it a less significant concern in the future.

Two trim level available: Pure+ and Pro+.

The Pure+ version is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an integrated rear light bar, and a luxuriously appointed ORA 03 interior, ensuring it stands out in any setting. This model also includes the innovative 'Hello ORA' voice assistant, wireless charging for smartphones, 18 months of data and app integration, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies such as 360-degree cameras, intelligent cruise control, emergency braking, and blind-spot detection.

The Pro+ variant enhances the offering with a superior battery, capable of delivering up to 260 miles of electric range as per WLTP standards, and an array of additional features. These enhancements include tinted privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, seats that not only heat but also offer a massage function, and a heated steering wheel to provide comfort on cold mornings. The Pro+ also remembers your preferred settings with its memory function. Further conveniences include an automatically opening tailgate, additional front sensors to aid in navigating tight parking spots, and an automated parking assistant for seamless reversing.

Power and Performance

Upon its initial release, the ORA 03 offers a single battery and motor configuration. The vehicle utilizes a front-wheel-drive system powered by a 171hp motor. However, the 48kWh battery's range of 193 miles falls short compared to many other alternatives available in the market. However, in urban driving conditions, the regenerative brakes help recharge the battery on the move, providing a significantly better range than motorway driving alone.

When accelerating from a standstill, there is a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and the car responding. Nevertheless, once it gains momentum, the ORA 03 demonstrates quick acceleration, achieving 0-60mph in approximately 8.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 99mph.

Behind the wheel, the ORA 03 truly shines in urban environments. The suspension effectively absorbs road bumps, and the steering feels light, enabling easy manoeuvring in tight spaces. While acceleration might be sluggish from a standstill, the car becomes quick and responsive once it gains momentum. However, when driving at motorway speeds, significant wind noise becomes noticeable, which can be bothersome during long journeys.

Overall, the ORA 03 serves as a valuable addition to the family car market in the UK. It offers a high-quality and spacious alternative to more traditional brands, excelling in various aspects. However, it falls short in terms of boot space and motorway driving experience, which may be considered as drawbacks when making a purchasing decision.

Leasing vs Buying

The ORA 03 is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £31,340.00* or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £214.53.

If you're considering leasing an ORA 03, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing an ORA 03 can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest Audi retailer.