Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Melinda Ferguson
Published on 2024-03-21 18:43:54
As a motoring journalist, I often find myself answering various questions related to cars. One common question I get asked is, “What’s the fastest car you’ve ever driven?” Well, the answer to that would have to be the Audi R8 V10, in which I won a drag race against a seasoned driver on the Sandton City rooftop in 2021. You can watch the video to see for yourself. I was driving the blue R8 that day.
Once the topic of speed comes up, the next inevitable question is, “What’s the fastest car in the world right now?” Currently, the title of the fastest car belongs to the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut. This hypercar, produced by a Swedish manufacturer, set a world speed record in February of this year, reaching a top speed of 531km/h with an astonishing 0-100km time of just 2.6 seconds. However, the Jesko Absolut might soon be overshadowed by the Devel Sixteen, which is gearing up to break all existing records with a claimed top speed of around 550km/h, thanks to its Quad Turbo 12.3L V16 engine.
Shifting gears, another question I frequently hear is, “What’s the cheapest electric vehicle in South Africa today?” Up until recently, the Mini SE from BMW held that title with a price tag of R783,500. However, a new player has entered the scene – the Chinese-produced Ora, priced R100k lower than the Mini. The Ora, introduced by Great Wall Motors in 2018, is part of their electric sub-brand. It boasts an intriguing design that draws inspiration from a mix of iconic cars like the VW Beetle, Mini, and Fiat 500.
The Ora lineup includes models named after cats, such as the Good or Funky Cat, Punk or Ballet Cat, and the Lightning Cat. This naming convention pays tribute to a quote from Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. Locally, the Ora is known simply as the GWM Ora, with four models available in Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury trim lines.
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a week with the Ora 300 Super Luxury, the entry-level model in the lineup. Compared to competitors like the Mini SE and Volvo EX30, the Ora offers a claimed range of 320km with its 48kWh battery. The interior of the Ora impressed me with its plush finishes and advanced dual-screen infotainment system.
On the road, the Ora 300 handled smoothly with a powerful 128kW and 250Nm output. Its solid suspension, quick acceleration, and safety features like lane-departure warning and traffic-jam assistant contributed to a comfortable driving experience. The Ora also boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and a range of advanced safety systems.
In conclusion, the GWM Ora offers an affordable and stylish option for those looking to go electric. With its impressive range, comfortable interior, and sleek design, the Ora proves to be a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
