GWM Ora hatch axed as line-up expands
Compact EV discontinued as larger Ora 5 SUV arrives with cheaper $33,990 drive-away pricingThe News
GWM has discontinued its Ora electric hatchback in Australia, with the new Ora 5 small SUV set to replace it by June. The Chinese brand has also locked in plans for a local expansion, with the promise of at least one new Ora model on the way.
The Key Details
- GWM Ora hatch production has ended, discontinued in Australia
- New Ora 5 SUV arriving in June from $33,990 d/a
- New platform but familiar styling for slightly longer Ora 5
- Ora portfolio to remain focused on EVs rather than petrol or hybrids
- At least one (possibly two) more Ora models coming to Oz this year
The Finer Details
The GWM Ora hatch – the brand’s only EV in Australia to date – has officially been axed, with production ending as the Chinese car-maker pivots to its new Ora 5 SUV.
Despite near-identical styling, the Ora 5 is 236mm longer than the outgoing hatch and sits on a different platform, signalling a shift toward the increasingly popular small SUV segment.
“The current Ora hatch has been discontinued. Production of the current Ora hatch is finished,” GWM Australia head of communications Steve Maciver told media in China this week.
“Our focus right now is on launching that Ora 5 SUV. We think it’s the right car at the right time.”
First customer deliveries of the Ora 5 are set to begin in late-May or early-June, where the compact SUV will be offered in two grades – Lux and Ultra – priced at $33,990 and $36,990 drive-away respectively.
For reference, the now-discontinued Ora hatch range kicked off from $35,990 drive-away and topped out with the sporty Ora GT ($38,990 d/a).
The Ora 5 will arrive powered by a front-mounted 150kW/260Nm electric motor paired with a 58.2kWh battery pack for a claimed 430km of range (WLTC).
An ‘AT-1’ local chassis tune is also currently under development for Australian conditions.
Globally, Ora 5 is available with petrol and hybrid powertrains and when asked whether GWM was still planning to offer Ora as a multi-powertrain brand Down Under, Maciver didn’t completely close the door.
“At this stage, Ora’s focused on EV [in Australia]. There may be hybrid options in there as well but we’re not committing one way or the other,” he said.
“We’ve got plenty of options. We’ve just got to work out what the right move for us is.”
The Road Ahead
GWM has also flagged the addition of more Ora models to come this year.
“There will be further expansion to come in the Ora range later this year as well, and you’re going to see another one, possibly two, additional Ora models to land in this Australia this year as well,” Maciver added.
“There are other vehicles which we have seen, which we are keen on, which have not yet been revealed publicly, which are very much on our radar.”
Related: GWM Ora 2023 Review
Related: GWM Ora 5 SUV Australian pricing
Related: Ora could become multi-powertrain brand
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
