After joining the GWM team at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year, we had the opportunity to get a closer look at some of the brand's latest developments and experience a number of exciting models destined for South Africa.
One of the vehicles that stood out during that trip has now officially arrived on local shores. Meet the GWM ORA 5, a compact crossover looking to shake up the segment and challenge some well-established rivals.
The new ORA 5 marks a fresh chapter for a nameplate that never quite found its footing in South Africa. Its predecessor was offered exclusively as a fully electric vehicle at a time when local buyers were still warming to the idea of EV ownership.
According to GWM South Africa's Floyd Ramabulana, the ORA was simply ahead of its time. While the product itself was well received, the market wasn't quite ready for an all-electric offering.
As we've seen time and again from many Chinese manufacturers, they're quick to listen to customer feedback and adapt. That's exactly what GWM has done with the ORA 5. Instead of offering it solely as a fully electric vehicle, buyers can now choose between a hybrid powertrain, BEV and a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE), making the range more accessible to a wider audience.
As part of the revision the car now not only gains more powertrains but physically grows in size. The ORA 5 sits on the GWM ONE platform which means it now measures at 4,471 mm in length, has a wheel base of 2,720 mm and is now taller than a Haval Jolion with a height of 1641 mm.
How does the new ORA look?
As far as styling goes, the cab is still as funky as ever. At the front, you get the familiar teardrop-shaped headlights with circular daytime running lights tucked inside. They sit on either side of the closed-off grille, while a lower crease extends into the side vents, creating what looks like a slightly "smelly face" expression. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
Move around to the side, and you'll notice the addition of roof rails and a taller stance, with 175 mm of ground clearance. This is also where you can really personalize the car, thanks to a choice of eight exterior colours. These include Emerald Green, Hamilton White, Sterling Silver, Ayers Grey, Matte Grey, and Night Black. If you're after something that stands out a little more, Lake Blue and Brilliant Rose are available with a contrasting roof, giving the car a striking two-tone finish.
And finally, we get to the rear, where opinions may be divided. A full-width light bar, housing the turn signals and brake lights, is integrated into the rear windscreen to create what GWM calls the "Smile." That design leaves the reverse lights positioned much lower down, integrated into the rear bumper within the fog light cluster.
The interior is quite good
Step inside, and you'll quickly notice that this cabin has had some German inspiration. Thanks to sharing a platform with a certain German brand known for its blue-and-white propeller badge, the interior feels solid and well-built. Better still, GWM has kept physical buttons for the climate controls instead of hiding everything in the touchscreen.
Taking centre stage is a 14.6-inch infotainment display running GWM's latest Coffee OS. The system is said to be quicker, more responsive, easier to customise, and simpler to pair with your smartphone. Ahead of the driver sits a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that displays all the essential information and can be configured to show the data that matters most to you.
The two-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel is clean and uncluttered, with physical buttons and a programmable shortcut key that lets you access your favourite function without having to dig through menus on the touchscreen.
Speaking of leather, the seats are trimmed in leather upholstery, while the front seats can be heated or ventilated at the touch of a button. The cabin is also finished with eco-friendly soft-touch materials, and if you opt for the panoramic sunroof, you also benefit from UV-protection-coated glass to help keep the interior cooler.
Power of Choice: Three Disruptive Powertrains
You can choose between not one or two but three engines. The first pick of the range will introduce you to a 1.5T petrol-powered engine that delivers 105kW and 210Nm, paired with a DCT and not a CVT which the GWM personnel were quite happy about, second from the petrol is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle that is paired to the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Here the application is paired with a a high-output electric motor that works in tandem with the ICE components to produce 164 kW of power and an impressive 476 Nm of torque.
The powertrain is paired with GWM's advanced two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), and depending on driving conditions, the system automatically switches between electric drive, hybrid drive, engine drive, or regenerative braking. The latter opens you up to Battery Electrical Vehicle BEV which uses a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces 150 kW and 260 Nm. Energy is supplied by a 58.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, engineered to provide a NEDC driving range of up to 520 km on a single charge.
"By offering three powertrains at launch, we 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 Floyd Ramabulana, head of Marketing at GWM South Africa.
Range Pricing
ORA 5 1.5T SUPER LUXURY DCT R364,900.00
ORA 5 1.5T ULTRA LUXURY DCT R409,900.00
ORA 5 1.5T HEV SUPER LUXURY DHT R424,900.00
ORA 5 1.5T HEV ULTRA LUXURY DHT R474,900.00
ORA 5 SUPER LUXURY BEV R549,900.00
ORA 5 ULTRA LUXURY BEV R599,900.00
Warranty and ownership package
The GWM ORA5 ranges will be sold through selected GWM South Africa dealerships nationwide and is backed by a comprehensive ownership package. Coverage includes a 7-year / 200 000 km warranty, an 8-year / 150 000 km high-voltage battery warranty, and a 7-year / 75 000 km service plan. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15 000 km. Standard seven years of roadside assistance adds further peace of mind for owners.