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GWM ORA R1 Neo-Retro electric hatchback revealed at Auto Expo 2020

Written by Nizam Shaikh

Apart from the Haval SUV line-up that the Chinese brand Great Wall Motors displayed at the Auto Expo 2020, the brand also showcased its own GWM ORA R1 electric small hatchback. ORA which stands for Open-Reliable-Alternative is a sub-brand from the Chinese automotive giant, GWM. 

On the exterior, the GWM ORA R1 features a minimalist neo-retro design with a dotted textured closed grille on the front which extends to the rounded projector headlamps and peripheral daytime running lamps. The charging door is located in the centre of the grille which has sockets for both the fast charging system and the normal charging system. The bumper has a small meshed air dam and white inserts. Coming to the side, the ORA R1 features 15-inch steel rims with full wheel covers, turn signal integrated Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs), blacked-out B-pillars and rounded wheel arches. The rear gets a set of squared combination tail lamps, GWM logo in the centre of the boot lid and the R1 badging.

On the inside, the ORA R1 features a push ‘Power’ button and push-button drive mode selectors on the central tunnel, a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system which integrates the air-conditioning controls, rounded air-con vents, twin-pot rounded digital instrument cluster, rake adjustable steering with media control buttons etc.

The car is based on GWM’s ME platform which is an exclusive pure electric platform and the car’s external dimensions measure in at 3495mm in length, 1660mm in width, 1560mm in height with a wheelbase of 2475mm and a 140mm ground clearance.

The ORA R1 comes with a 33kW electric motor that generates 48PS of power and 125 Nm of torque coupled to a 28.5kWh lithium-ion battery which returns a claimed range of 301 km on a single charge and an optional 33kWh lithium-ion battery which gives it a claimed range of 351 km on a single charge. 

The ORA R1 also offers multiple airbags, ABS (Antilock Brakes), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control, Hill Ascent Control, Adaptive Braking etc., for safety.  

The ORA R1 in the Chinese market retails starting at CNY 59,800 which converts to approximately INR 6.20 lakh. But the price will only be relatable in the Indian market if the brand highly localises the small EV. As of now, GWM plans to bring the Haval line-up in the Indian market by 2021 and may introduce the electric vehicle at a later stage.