GWM has relaunched the Ora brand in South Africa with the Ora 5 compact SUV. It runs on the GWM One flexible platform with various powertrain offerings, such as petrol, hybrid and electric.
Previously, with the introduction of the Ora 3, a compact hatch that was once the cheapest EV in SA at launch, Ora was an EV-only brand. Now it covers ICE, HEV, and EV.
Floyd Ramabulana, head of Marketing at GWM South Africa says that by offering three powertrains at launch, they are giving South African motorists genuine choice within a highly competitive compact SUV segment.
“The Ora 5 combines modern design, advanced technology and everyday practicality in a package that we believe will resonate strongly with local customers,” says Ramabulana.
New design and colours
The company said it took customer feedback from the Ora 3 seriously, which was addressed on the Ora 5. It is now a compact SUV that’s 4,471mm in length with a 2,720mm wheelbase and a larger 362L boot.
The cabin space inside is notably larger than the Ora 3 but features the same signature round LED headlights and design. The vehicle has roof rails and a spare wheel as standard.
Apart from a standard black, white, silver, matte and shiny grey, it comes in three additional popping shades: emerald green, lake blue and pink, with green being its launch colour that can be seen at GWM dealerships.
Tech and safety
When it comes to technologies, the Ora 5 offers great value throughout the range, with standard features like 360-degree parking cameras, tyre pressure monitoring system, reverse radar parking sensors, voice controls, 6 speakers and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s also a 14.6-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, USB-A and C slots in the front and another USB-C in the back.
Safety features include, but not limited to, six airbags (dual front, side curtain, front side), ABS, hill hold control, speed-sensing door locks, automatic unlock after collision, tyre pressure monitoring system and intelligent braking force distribution.
ICE, HEV and EV
The base ICE model 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine delivers 105kW and 210Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed DCT transmission, while the HEV is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a combined output of 164kW and 476Nm of torque.
It is the most powerful in the line-up; the system automatically switches between electric, hybrid, engine and regenerative braking for maximum efficiency.
The BEV offering has an electric motor with an output of 150kW and 260Nm of torque. It has a 58.3kWh lithium-ion battery with 520km of range (NEDC figures). It has an intelligent battery management system to regulate temperature, charging and cell performance for maximum efficiency.
Super Luxury vs Ultra Luxury
All 3 models come with two trim levels, which are denoted in the Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury pricing. They are as follows:
What GWM has done is structured so that customers who buy the base petrol model can still get the luxury benefits instead of choosing a top of the range EV, considering most customers are not ready to make the switch. Every model has a base price, while an additional R50 000 will get you the extras.
Pricing and Warranty
The Ora 5 is currently available at select GWM dealerships nationwide and comes with a 7 year/200 000km warranty, 8 year/150 000km high-voltage battery warranty and a 7 year/75 000km service plan.
Service intervals are at 12 months or 15 000km while roadside assistance is a standard 7 years.
For more information, visit the GWM South Africa website.
GWM Ora 5 has launched in SA
Recharged is an independent site that focuses on technology, electric vehicles, and the digital life by Nafisa Akabor. Drawing from her 19-year tech journalism career, expect news, reviews, how-tos, comparisons, and practical uses of tech that are easy to digest. Nafisa is a traveller at heart, having been to 46 countries and counting. Find her edutainment videos covering tech, EVs and travel on TikTok.
