Common GWM Problems

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is one of China's largest privately owned automotive manufacturers, and launched in the UK in 2022 with the Ora Funky Cat (now renamed Ora 03). The brand focuses on retro-styled electric vehicles with high standard specifications and competitive pricing. GWM also produces the Haval SUV range and the Poer pickup, though only the Ora EV range is currently sold in the UK. In the UK, GWM is distributed by International Motors (the importer of Subaru and Isuzu), and serviced through a network that overlaps with Subaru dealers. Reliability has been mixed—early reports praised the interior quality and equipment levels but highlighted software glitches, 12V battery drain, and charging flap failures. The brand offers a comprehensive warranty, but long-term data on battery degradation and component durability is still limited given the car's recent launch. UK-specific considerations include a modest dealer network (around 30–40 service points), parts availability that can be slow for body panels and electronic components, and insurance groups that are reasonable for an EV of this size. The Ora 03's modest 193-mile WLTP range makes it more suited to urban and suburban use than long-distance touring, and real-world range can drop significantly in cold UK winters. Depreciation has been steep—the Ora Funky Cat/03 has lost value quickly on the used market, which represents a bargain for second-hand buyers but a concern for new purchasers. The brand is best suited to urban commuters who value equipment levels and distinctive styling, and less suited to those needing long-range capability or a dense service network.