Ora Funky Cat €31,995 in Ireland

Though its distinctive styling suggests otherwise, the five-door Funky Car is about the same size as the Volkswagen ID.3 and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Two models, generous specification

Irish buyers can initially choose from two different versions of the Ora Funky Cat. The 300PRO costs €31,995 after incentives and uses a 48kWh battery for a WLTP-ratified range of 310 kilometres. It's exceptionally well-equipped for the price, including navigation, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone charger, internet radio, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, 18-inch alloy wheels, 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, climate control, auto wipers, electrically-folding door mirrors, quilted synthetic leather upholstery, Alcantara trim on the dashboard, electric adjustment for the front seats, rear parking sensor and camera, 360-degree camera system, LED lights all round and a lot of active safety features.

A sportier-looking GT model is in the pipeline, but for now the range-topper is the 400PRO. It's priced at €39,995 (again, after all incentives) and its 63kWh battery is good for an official 420km. Extra equipment above and beyond what you get in the 300PRO includes a panoramic glass roof, privacy glass, front parking sensors and Auto Park Assist, heated steering wheel, automatic tailgate, heated and vented front seats with massage function and more.

All cars get an unlimited mileage warranty for five years, plus an eight-year/160,000km warranty on the drive battery and electric motor. What's more, the Funky Car recently achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests.

Electric-only platform

Both versions of the Funky Cat are powered by a 171hp electric motor, driving the front wheels. Ora quotes a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds for the 300PRO and 8.5 seconds for the heavier 400PRO. AC charging at up to 11kW is standard, with DC charging at a rapid charger of up to 64kW.

Part of Great Wall Motors

Ora is a Chinese brand, part of the massive Great Wall Motors conglomerate. The Irish importer is International Motors (the IM Group as it's known), part of a wider network that distributes cars in the UK, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and China, and also handles the Subaru marque in Ireland.

Announcements will soon be made in terms of dealerships across Ireland, starting with one Dublin outlet and expanding in time in line with the Ora model range.