2023 ORA Good Cat 500 Ultra Review

The B-segment electric hatchback market has become increasingly competitive locally, where consumers not only demand solid range but also expect uncompromising features while taking daily practicality into account. The 2023 ORA Good Cat 500 Ultra is precisely aimed at addressing these needs. Its core selling points are straightforward: an official pure electric range of 500 km, fully equipped intelligent safety features, and pricing that is more affordable than its competitors in the same segment (RM 169,800). Upon its launch, it has already attracted significant attention from families and young professionals. During this test drive, my main focus is to verify its achievable range, dynamic driving quality, and the practicality of the high-end configurations.

At first glance, the Good Cat 500 Ultra’s retro rounded design indeed stands out. The overall lines are soft with not many sharp edges. The front end features a closed grille paired with round LED headlights, retaining the brand’s signature "cute" style. However, the lens and daytime running light details within the headlights add a touch of sophistication. The side profile showcases a standard hatchback design, with a waistline extending from the front to the rear and 18-inch alloy wheels (tire specification 215/50 R18), offering visually balanced proportions. The rear design is relatively minimalistic, with through-type taillights that are highly recognizable when lit, and a diffuser-like design at the lower part of the rear bumper adds a slight sporty touch. It's worth mentioning that its lighting system is fully configured, including LED headlights, automatic headlights, front fog lights, and rear fog lights as standard, making everyday use very convenient.

Inside the car, the interior style is in tune with the exterior, leaning toward a simple and cozy theme. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, which feel decent, complemented by silver trim accents that prevent it from looking cheap. The central layout is very clear, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen serving as the visual focal point. The system operates smoothly, and commonly used functions like navigation and music can be accessed quickly. Below, a row of physical buttons for air-conditioning and volume controls remains, making it convenient for blind operation. As for features, it truly lives up to the “Ultra” name: a HUD head-up display, digital multifunction instrument panel, a 6-speaker Sound Plus system, and 220V/230V power outlets are all standard. These configurations are rather rare in cars of the same class. When it comes to seating, the driver’s seat is 6-way electrically adjustable, while the passenger seat has a 4-way manual adjustment. The seat cushions are relatively soft yet offer sufficient support, so long drives won’t feel tiring. The rear seats can fold down in a 60:40 split, and while the official trunk capacity hasn't been provided, based on actual experience, it can easily fit two 20-inch suitcases. It’s suitable for everyday shopping or handling occasional large items. Space-wise, its 2650mm wheelbase is considered average in the B-segment. Front-row passengers who are 175cm tall have about a fist's worth of headroom after adjusting the seating position, while rear-row passengers of the same height have two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring a non-cramped experience. Rear air vents and power outlets are also available, catering to rear passengers’ needs.

In terms of power, the Good Cat 500 Ultra is equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 143 PS and a maximum torque of 210 N·m, driven by front-wheel drive. During daily driving, the car accelerates briskly, with a linear throttle (pedal) response. Even in normal mode, acceleration is sufficient for urban traffic. Switching to sport mode allows for a more direct power output, making overtaking easy. While the push-back sensation isn’t very strong, speed increases promptly. Maintaining a steady cruise at 100 km/h on the highway is stable. As for handling, the steering effort is on the lighter side, and the response is fairly precise with no noticeable dead zones, which means even female drivers won’t find it strenuous. The chassis uses a front MacPherson independent suspension setup, tuned for comfort. It can filter out most small vibrations when driving over speed bumps or bumpy roads. However, during quick cornering, the body lean becomes slightly noticeable, which is understandable given its family-oriented design.

This time I focused on testing the range: starting with a full charge, I covered approximately 420 kilometers in total, with city driving accounting for 70% (including congested and normal conditions), and highway driving for 30%. The air conditioning was set to 24℃ on automatic mode throughout the trip. By the end, about 10% of the battery remained, which translates to a range achievement rate of approximately 85%. This performance is considered decent given the local weather conditions. As for fast charging time, the official figure is marked at 10 hours? That’s incorrect; fast charging from 30% to 80% should take about 1 hour (perhaps the data is mislabelled). During actual use, using a DC fast charging station, it does indeed recharge to 80% within an hour, which is enough for daily emergencies. In terms of power consumption, it averaged around 14kWh/100km, which aligns closely with the official figures.

The noise insulation deserves praise. At low city speeds, tire noise and wind noise are well-controlled. On the highway at 110km/h, wind noise becomes slightly more noticeable but does not affect normal conversations. The regenerative braking system has three adjustable levels. In the lowest level, it feels almost like a gasoline car with no noticeable drag, which is suitable for beginners to adapt. On the highest level, the drag is more pronounced, reducing brake usage and improving range. As for seat comfort, previously mentioned, the floor in the rear is almost flat, providing space for the middle passenger’s feet, which is a thoughtful design.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 ORA Good Cat 500 Ultra are evident: First, it has reliable and high range achievement rates, sufficient for daily commuting and short weekend trips. Second, it is packed with features, providing more intelligent safety and comfort configurations than competitors in the same class (such as the BYD Dolphin Premium and MG4 EV), making it highly cost-effective. Third, it offers practical space, making it suitable for family users. However, it does have minor drawbacks, such as the powertrain being not very aggressive in sports mode, noticeable body roll, and the trunk capacity not being officially specified.

The target audience is very clear: If you are a family user focusing on practicality or a young working professional in need of a well-equipped commuter vehicle, the Good Cat 500 Ultra is a great choice — it has no obvious weaknesses, and its range, features, and space meet the demands well. The price is also relatively affordable. Overall, this is a "bucket-type" electric hatchback that appeals to consumers seeking a car that delivers well-rounded performance and allows for a "one-time purchase with no compromises."