Ora GoodCat 500 Ultra first impressions
Last Friday we collected our Ora GoodCat Ultra 500 from the dealer. We ordered the car in March and could have it delivered in May, but waited while we spent the summer in Europe. Total cost including tinted foils, VCR, window deflectors and wall box was THB 1 Mio.
We purchased the car based on specs, Björn Nyland's videos, a short test ride, and in comparison with the Tesla Model 3 AWD Long Range 2020 which I drive in Europe and the Honda City 2015 which had been our car here to date. Other BEV with the same or more range are more expensive and mostly available in 2023 only.
The GUI is overloaded. Too many buttons and steps for my taste. Navigation is in Thai only but (1) I am more motivated to improve my Thai skills and (2) I can also use navigation apps with Apple CarPlay. Switching between Apple CarPlay and car menus requires a workaround. Voice commands are in Thai only.
Acceleration is good, regeneration braking acceptable. One pedal drive is harsh for parking and driving off and needs to be activated before each drive. I do not yet use it and brake to come to a complete stop. Adaptive cruise control and lane assistance work effectively, except at higher speeds when approaching stopped cars ahead. Apart from that, I consider drive assistants overall as good as in the Tesla. Blind spot detection is good. Lights for night driving would be good but we have tinted windows. Rear window view in heavy rain is acceptable despite the missing rear wiper.
AC is working with less draft than in the Honda. It has a heating function for Northern Thailand. The ride is more comfortable than in the Honda. If you are looking for a sporty ride, choose another car. Sound insulation could be better, but overall noise level is lower than the Honda. Seats are comfortable for me (185 cm). Seat memory is not usable because it requires cumbersome account change in the car menu. Not all functionalities as per manual are activated or installed (e.g. seat ventilation) for Thailand. The GWM app includes AC control, battery information, scheduled charging, charging map and booking services.
For our two person household without a farm, space is ample. The rear seats have more leg room than the Honda. However, luggage capacity is limited for 4-5 people traveling.
We have the two color white/turquoise version. Full white is more practical in hot weather but we did not like its dark interior. If looking for other colors, check with actual cars as the photos are misleading. We have good quality tinted foils and may not need and get rid of the wind deflectors.
After AC-charging to 90% over night the first time, the 12V-battery was dead at noon next day. Within an hour, a mechanic showed up at our house, as I did not have a jump starter. I know now that the AC-cable must be unhooked after charging to protect the 12V-battery.
I position the GoodCat, which costs 40% of the Tesla's European price, closer to the Tesla than the Honda. The drive feels good and is smoother than in a BMW X1 Hybrid. There are a some operating glitches which must be accustomed to and may require some enthusiasm for a BEV. I am happy with the Ora GoodCat and do not see an alternative for me for the time being.
Reporting on range and charging will follow.