ORA GOOD CAT 2023 Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's B-Segment electric vehicle market has gradually intensified. Consumers not only seek distinctive designs but also value practical range and cost-effective configurations. As a popular choice in this segment, the 2023 ORA Good Cat 400 Pro, priced at RM139,800, with an official range of 400km and standard configuration of six airbags + active safety systems, has become an alternative for many family users. This test drive will focus on whether its static design meets public aesthetics, its space can meet daily needs, and the actual performance of power and range during dynamic driving to provide a reference for prospective users.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2023 ORA Good Cat 400 Pro leans towards a rounded retro design. Its closed front face is paired with oval-shaped LED headlights, and the daytime running lights extend along the upper edge of the light assembly to the edge of the hood, offering high recognizability. The side of the car features smooth lines, and the floating roof design, paired with 215/50 R18 alloy wheels, makes the 4235mm-long body appear more elongated. At the rear, circular taillights echo the front, and the rear fog lights are embedded under the bumper, giving the overall design a coordinated look without unnecessary flamboyance.

Sitting inside, the dashboard features an asymmetric layout with a light-colored interior theme, complemented by a 10.25-inch touchscreen central control screen and a fully digital instrument cluster, providing a good sense of technology. In terms of materials, the door armrests and seats are wrapped in leather, offering a soft touch; the multi-function steering wheel supports button controls and is comfortable to use. As for features, HUD head-up display, keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents are all standard, providing decent convenience for daily use. In terms of space, the 2650mm wheelbase results in spacious rear legroom; a 175cm passenger will have a two-fist distance from the knees to the front seat. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold, and while the trunk capacity is not labeled, folding the seats allows room for items like strollers or suitcases. The front seats are six-way electrically adjustable with sufficient support, ensuring comfort even on long journeys.

For power, the 400 Pro is equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 105kW (143PS) and a peak torque of 210N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission. The power response is immediate during acceleration, providing a noticeable push-back feeling with a light press on the accelerator; overtaking or lane-changing on urban roads is confident. When switched to Eco mode, the power delivery becomes smoother, more suitable for daily commuting. The chassis employs MacPherson independent suspension in the front, which effectively absorbs small road bumps, and the vehicle shows minimal body bounce when passing speed bumps. While body roll is moderate during high-speed cornering, it is adequate for a family car. We tested the range under mixed road conditions: 40% urban congested roads, 30% highways, and 30% suburban roads, with the air conditioning consistently set to 24°C. The final actual range was approximately 340km, achieving 85% of the official range, which met expectations. With a battery capacity of 47.788kWh, fast charging takes 8 hours, and slow charging is recommended using a home charging station overnight.

In terms of noise control, the motor noise is not noticeable at low speeds in urban environments. At a highway speed of 110km/h, wind noise enters from the A-pillar but does not affect normal conversations. The tire noise performs well on asphalt roads but becomes slightly noticeable on concrete roads. The energy recovery system offers two adjustable levels; the lower level feels similar to the coasting of fuel vehicles, while the higher level provides significant deceleration, reducing the frequency of braking. For safety features, six airbags, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree panoramic camera are all standard configurations, providing sufficient protection during everyday driving.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 ORA Good Cat 400 Pro are its charming retro design, space that meets family needs, comprehensive safety configurations across all models, and a price of RM139,800, which offers better value for money in terms of active safety and comfort features when compared to competitors in the same class (such as the BYD Dolphin Premium). However, its fast-charging time is relatively long, so if you frequently take long trips, it may require planning for charging points.

This car is suitable for family users who value cost-effectiveness and safety, or young people with a daily commute within 50km and occasional short trips. Overall, it is a well-balanced B-segment electric family car that strikes a good balance between design, configuration, and range.