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Ora Good Cat Driving Experience in Malaysia — Pros and Cons

Samuel Ting

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Ora good cat thumbnailLet’s be honest: electric vehicles are no longer “the future.” They’re very much “the now”. And if you’ve scrolled through enough Malaysian car forums or walked through a mall parking lot recently, chances are you’ve come across the Ora Good Cat. The name might raise eyebrows, but this cute, retro-inspired EV from GWM (Great Wall Motors) is turning heads—and not just for its looks.

After spending some time with the Ora Good Cat, I want to break down what it’s really like to drive in Malaysia. Not brochure talk—real city traffic, charging anxiety, and weekend drives. If you’re considering going electric, here’s my take, including the Ora Good Cat price in Malaysia, features, and what you need to know before you plug in.

What Is the Ora Good Cat—and Why Are Malaysians Talking About It?

   Interior colour variationLet’s start with the basics. The Ora Good Cat is GWM’s compact electric hatchback designed with a retro-modern style that somehow looks like a VW Beetle and a Mini had a futuristic baby. Cute but not kiddish.

It entered the Malaysian market in 2022 and quickly caught attention thanks to its quirky charm, decent performance, and (relatively) affordable price tag for an EV.

Ora Good Cat Price in Malaysia (As of 2025)

Ora Cat price in Malaysia varies depending on the model variant and optional tech packages. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Variant Battery Range Estimated Price (RM)
400 Pro 47.8 kWh 400 km (NEDC)

310km (WLTP)

RM139,800
500 Ultra 63.1 kWh 500 km (NEDC) RM169,800

Do note that Ora Good Cat price may include additional EV incentives, depending on the state (e.g. Selangor offers rebates), but road tax is waived for EVs nationwide.

Note: NEDC stands for New European Driving Cycle. It’s a laboratory test, like CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test) rather than a real-world driving test. However, as NEDC was historically found inaccurate due to the car’s testing procedure being unrealistic, it’s currently being replaced by the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedures) which is a longer cycle that represents real world driving better. The WLTP results obtained are found to align customers’ actual experience more compared to NEDC. Just for your information, NEDC cycle is around 20% less on the WLTP test protocol. 

Ora Good Cat Key Features That Stand Out

Here’s what the spec sheet doesn’t say—but should:

  • Full panoramic sunroof (yes, even in Malaysia’s heat, it’s a vibe). 
  • Facial recognition unlock system (works better than expected). 
  • Wireless phone charger + intelligent cockpit with voice control. 
  • 360-degree camera (very useful for tight KL parking spots). 
  • Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control and lane centering. 

For an EV under RM170k, this tech stack is generous.

Driving the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia: The Real Experience

Now, to the part you can’t Google easily: What does it feel like behind the wheel?

City Driving

Ora good cat on the roadPerfectly built for Klang Valley chaos. Silent acceleration at traffic lights feels oddly empowering. The Ora Good Cat 400 Pro has about 141hp and 210Nm torque, which makes overtaking easy, and zipping through narrow roads smoother than expected. Steering is light (some might say too light), but great for beginners or those who dislike heavy driving.

Note: Torque is a measurement of how much rotational force an engine can produce, which is related to its ability to accelerate when moving heavy loads or climbing hills. 

Highway Cruising

Ora good cat interiorSolid but not thrilling. At higher speeds (above 110 km/h), the cabin gets noticeably noisier—not from the motor, but from wind and road feedback. Lane assist and adaptive cruise control perform well, though it’s not Tesla-level automation.

Regen Braking (efficient way to slow down a vehicle for EV)

Mild and adjustable. You won’t get that sharp one-pedal feel like in some EVs, but it’s sufficient for stop-go traffic.

Pros and Cons: My Personal Take

Let’s lay it out honestly.

Pros:

✅ Affordable EV entry point
✅ Well-equipped with features (for its price class)
✅ Cute and recognisable design (expect strangers to ask about it)
✅ Reasonable EV range – 400-500 km NEDC
✅ Comfortable seats with soft-touch interiors

Cons:

❌ Software glitches — Android Auto support was missing in earlier models (now being updated via OTA)
❌ Charging network anxiety — not the car’s fault, but real problem in Malaysia
❌ Interior rattles on rough roads after ~6 months (from personal experience)
❌ Only front-wheel drive — sporty drivers may miss that rear-wheel feel

Charging the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia: What You Need to Know

So here’s where things get practical.

  • AC charging (Type 2): 0–100% in 8–10 hours at home (7kW wallbox). 
  • DC fast charging: 0–80% in ~40 minutes (at compatible chargers). 

While Ora Good Cat review sites rave about the efficiency, you still need to plan. Currently, there are about 600+ public charging stations across Malaysia (and growing), with major locations covered by JomCharge, ChargEV, and Shell Recharge.

Pro tip: Install the Go-To-U or ParkEasy app to locate chargers in real-time.

Ora Cat vs Other EVs: A Quick Comparison

Model Range (WLTP) Price (RM) Notable Feature
Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra ~420km 169,800 Retro design + ADAS
BYD Dolphin ~340-490km 99,900+ Best for budget
Hyundai Kona EV ~484 km 156,538+ More premium feel
Tesla Model 3 RWD ~554-584km 181,000+ Brand + Supercharger access

In terms of value and features, the Ora Cat price in Malaysia makes it a strong contender—especially for first-time EV buyers.

Verdict: Worth It?

So—would I recommend the Ora Good Cat?

If you’re someone who drives mostly in the city, values tech features over brute performance, and wants to make the EV leap without paying Tesla money, then yes. It’s a solid daily EV companion. Just don’t expect perfection—the Ora Good Cat review is glowing in many areas, but the software issues and local charging challenges remind you it’s still a work in progress.

That said, it delivers on its promise: a stylish, fun-to-drive, and feature-packed EV that doesn’t break the bank.

FAQs

Q: What’s the Ora Cat price in Malaysia now?

A: Between RM139,800 and RM169,800 depending on model and spec.

Q: Is the Ora Good Cat a good first EV?

A: Yes—great for urban use, easy to drive, and decently affordable.

Q: How long does it take to charge?

A: Around 8–10 hours on AC (home) and ~40 minutes on DC fast charge.

Q: Does the Ora Good Cat support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

A: Apple CarPlay is supported; Android Auto was added in later updates (check with dealer).

Q: Is it reliable for long-distance travel?

A: Yes, with planning. Use apps to track chargers if heading outstation.

If you’re the kind of person who likes being slightly different from the crowd—but still practical—the Ora Good Cat might just be your kind of purring companion. Just be sure to update the software, charge overnight, and enjoy the EV life.