Great Wall Motor (GWM) is pivoting its electric vehicle strategy in Australia. The company has officially discontinued the Ora small electric hatchback, replacing it with the Ora 5, a small SUV that arrives with a more versatile lineup and a highly competitive price point.
While the two vehicles share a similar aesthetic, the Ora 5 represents a significant technical and structural shift for the brand.
From Hatchback to SUV: Key Differences
The Ora 5 is not merely a facelift of the outgoing model. Despite their visual similarities, the new SUV features several critical upgrades:
– Increased Dimensions: The Ora 5 is 236mm longer than the discontinued hatchback.
– New Platform: It is built on a different platform designed to accommodate its SUV stance.
– Powertrain Variety: In a departure from Ora’s “EV-only” identity, the Ora 5 will offer petrol, hybrid, and fully electric options.
The transition from a pure EV brand to a multi-powertrain approach suggests GWM is responding to market realities. While the push for electrification is growing, many consumers still seek the familiarity and convenience of hybrid or traditional petrol engines.
Pricing and Availability
In a strategic move to maintain market share, GWM has matched the pricing of the outgoing hatch. The Ora 5 will start at $33,990 drive-away, the same entry price as the final Ora hatchback models.
Customer deliveries for the Ora 5 are expected to begin in June.
The Powertrain Lineup
GWM is offering a diverse range of engine configurations to capture different segments of the market:
1. Full Electric (EV): Features a 150kW electric motor and a 58.3kWh LFP battery, delivering an estimated 430km range (WLTC).
2. Hybrid (HEV): A 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a direct hybrid transmission, producing 164kW and 476Nm of torque.
3. Petrol: A 1.5-litre turbo engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, offering 105kW of power.
Navigating a Crowded Market
The decision to move toward an SUV model is a calculated response to the intense competition in the small vehicle segment. The outgoing Ora hatch struggled to keep pace with dominant rivals like the BYD Dolphin and the MG 4, which saw significantly higher delivery numbers last year.
By launching the Ora 5, GWM is entering a battleground occupied by the BYD Atto 2 and Chery E5. The SUV body style is traditionally more popular in the Australian market, and GWM is betting that the increased utility and varied engine options will help the Ora brand regain momentum.
Strategic Brand Alignment
GWM is also refining how its various sub-brands interact to avoid internal competition. Under the current roadmap:
* Ora: “Fun” and electrified models.
* Haval: Accessible, mainstream family vehicles.
* Wey: Premium offerings.
* Tank: Professional off-road specialists.
This restructuring aims to ensure that as the Ora range expands—with one or two additional models expected later this year—each vehicle serves a distinct purpose for the consumer.
“We think it’s the right car at the right time,” says Steve Maciver, Head of Communications for GWM Australia and New Zealand.
Conclusion
GWM is trading a niche electric hatchback for a more versatile, multi-powertrain SUV to better compete in a crowded market. The Ora 5’s success will depend on whether its aggressive pricing and diverse engine options can finally allow the Ora brand to challenge established leaders like BYD and MG.
