ORA Funky Cat vs MG4 EV: Which electric hatchback is right for you?

It's the quirky electric hatchback showdown: Should you go for the GWM ORA 03 or the MG4 EV?

Two Chinese hatchback electric vehicles (EVs) making waves in the UK market. Both offer distinctive styling and impressive value, making them excellent choices for your next electric lease.

While SUVs continue to dominate showrooms, hatchbacks remain the smarter choice for many drivers - offering better efficiency, easier parking, and lower entry prices without sacrificing practicality. And in today's cookie-cutter market, the unique personality of these two models provides a refreshing alternative to the mainstream.

We've pitted these two head-to-head to help you decide which quirky electric hatchback deserves a spot on your driveway.

GWM ORA 03 vs MG4 EV

GWM ORA 03

Known as the ‘Good Cat’ in China, once known as the ‘Funky Cat’ here in the UK, now simply known as the GWM ORA 03.

The original name matched the quirky look, and while a bit of a boring downgrade for the name, rest assured it has the same endearing design.

And the 03 is one Funky Cat, with looks likely inspired by iconic cars like the MINI, K12 Nissan Micra, and Porsche 911. For reference, it’s about the same size as the Volkswagen ID.3 – not too big, not too small.

It’s the perfect size for zipping around the city and crawling into that tight parking space that everyone else has been driving past.

MG4 EV

The MG4 EV is a step-up style-wise for MG. While the MG ZS EV and the MG5 can be accused of blending into the background, that’s not an issue for this electric model. And they’ve not sacrificed anything for looks either.

The MG4 is still an excellent blend of affordability, good range and sporty dynamics – and you’ll remember where you parked it when you go to the supermarket. It’s also about the same size as the VW ID.3.

But should you opt for an GWM ORA 03 lease or an MG4 EV lease? Read on to find out more.

Which has the best interior?

GWM ORA 03

The interior of the 03 is really something special. 

It continues the retro flair of the exterior styling, and there’s a bright two-tone option available for the trim. This, along with the large windows and flat floor, give it an airy feel inside, despite its smaller hatchback stature. 

The soft-touch materials on the dash and chrome toggle switches give the 03 a more premium finish than its price tag suggests, akin to something you’d find in the traditional luxury brands.

There’s plenty of space in the cabin too, with GWM prioritising passenger comfort over boot space.

Those over six foot will fit comfortably in the back, while those in the front have more than enough space for heads, shoulders and knees. 

MG4 EV

The interior of the MG4 isn’t quite as exciting as the 03, but it does the job very nicely and serves as a comfortable place to spend a long journey.

It’s more affordable than the 03, and this is evident in the slightly less luxurious cabin. But everything is screwed together very well, it’s extremely practical, and it feels hard-wearing, like it can withstand all life has to throw at it.

There’s enough room for four adults to sit comfortably, plus a smaller person in the middle seat. Plenty of space for those in the front, and enough space for those in the back.

It makes for a brilliant small family car, and because it’s slightly taller than a regular hatch, you get a good amount of head room throughout.

WINNER: For the added cool points alone in the retro styling, this one goes to the GWM ORA 03.

Which is more practical?

GWM ORA 03

The 03 lacks on the practicality front.

The boot is smaller, clocking in at only 228 litres, but the sacrificed space in the boot does mean extra leg room for your passengers.

Still, for many it’s enough for daily life, and with the ability to fold the seats down in a 60:40 split you’ll be able to manage a tip run with relative ease. Families, however, may struggle a bit.

There’s a good amount of storage space in the cabin though, with plenty of little cubbies dotted throughout the cabin to stash all your bits and bobs in, a couple of cupholders and decent door bins.

MG4 EV

The MG4, though not the biggest car in the world, is still very practical. 

The boot is about what you’d expect from a hatchback at 363 litres, which is plenty enough for a buggy or the weekly shop. Big family holidays might prove a little trickier, but if nothing else, you’ll get very good at playing car Tetris. 

Storage inside the cabin is also good.

There’s a couple of cupholders, a good-sized glovebox and storage in the central armrest, as well as the usual door bins that’ll take a water bottle.

You also get a little spot for your phone under the infotainment screen (with wireless charging available on the Trophy trim), and a lidded bin to keep your valuables out of sight. 

Simple, practical, usable.

WINNER: The MG4 beats out the 03 on this occasion, with the bigger boot a must for many.

Technology, safety and specification

GWM ORA 03

The GWM ORA 03 packs impressive technology across three distinct trim levels:

• Pure
• Pro
• GT

All variants feature twin 10.25-inch displays, 360-degree cameras, and LED headlights as standard. The car earned top marks in Euro NCAP safety testing, beaten only by premium Tesla and Lexus models.

Facial recognition technology remembers driver settings and monitors alertness, while the responsive voice command system helps overcome the occasionally laggy touchscreen interface.

Despite different battery chemistry (Lithium Ion Phosphate in Pure, Ternary Lithium in Pro/GT), all models deliver identical 126kW/171PS power output and 250Nm torque, with only marginal differences in acceleration (8.3 seconds vs 8.2 seconds 0-62mph).

For the price point, the ORA 03 offers exceptional value with premium technology features that would cost significantly more from European rivals.

MG4 EV

The MG4 EV is crammed with the sort of tech you’d expect to see in a much pricier vehicle.

There are three models on offer here, ranging from the Standard Range SE model to two Long Range editions.

The entry-level SE model is generously packed with tech, including automatic LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, climate control and a Bluetooth ‘key’ for your phone.

SE Long Range comes with the same tech and a bigger battery, but also gets active grille shutters in the front that improve its efficiency.

Trophy Long Range is where it gets a bit more exciting. This gets you a black roof, double spoiler, tinted windows, heated leather front seats, sat nav, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging and additional safety features.

There’s a touchscreen infotainment system on all models, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities, and you also get handy buttons underneath the screen to control the most used functions.

Both cars have a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, and come with basic safety features like adaptive cruise control. You’ll need to opt for the Trophy trim on the MG to get all the safety kit, including blind-spot monitoring and lane-change assistance, while the GWM ORA 03 comes with traffic sign recognition and a driver monitor system as standard.

WINNER: It’s a tricky one, this. Both cars come with some of the best tech on the market. But for the most choice and the best value, it has to go to the MG4. 

What's the range like?

GWM ORA 03

The GWM ORA 03 comes in three distinct variants with different battery options and ranges:

• Pure: 48kWh battery delivering 193-mile WLTP range
• Pro: 63kWh battery offering enhanced 260-mile WLTP range
• GT: 63kWh battery with sportier setup providing 248-mile WLTP range

While the entry-level Pure's 193-mile range isn't class-leading compared to some rivals, it's perfectly adequate for urban driving, commuting and weekend trips. The larger battery options in the Pro and GT models provide considerably more flexibility for longer journeys.

All versions feature the same 126kW/171PS power output and front-wheel drive configuration, with only marginal differences in acceleration (8.2-8.3 seconds 0-62mph).

For city dwellers and those with typical commuting patterns, even the Pure's range will prove more than sufficient, while those requiring additional range now have options with the Pro and GT variants.

MG4 EV

The MG4 EV fares slightly better in the range department with multiple battery options:

• SE model: 50.8kWh battery offering 218-mile WLTP range
• SE Long Range: 61.7kWh battery delivering an impressive 281-mile WLTP range
• Trophy Long Range: Same 61.7kWh battery with 270-mile WLTP range (slightly less than the SE Long Range due to additional features and equipment)

If maximizing range is your priority, the SE Long Range variant provides the best balance with its 281-mile range capability, while the Trophy variant trades a small amount of range for additional technology and comfort features.

These figures put the MG4 EV ahead of the GWM ORA 03 Pure's 193-mile range, though the ORA 03 Pro with its 260-mile range comes closer to the MG4's Long Range variants.

WINNER: The MG4 is the clear winner here, even in entry-level guise. 

What's the verdict

It’s not the Cat that gets the cream this time around. Instead, the MG4 EV wins the crown. 

It is genuinely one of the best electric hatchbacks available on the market today. MG have taken everything they’ve learned about EVs, considered the criticisms it received for previous attempts, and in the process created one of the best – and most affordable – EVs to hit our roads.

Impressive work for the brand – and this is likely only the start.

It was a wake-up call to legacy manufacturers, who have since started to get a little more inventive with their electric models. Just think OMODA, BYD and XPENG – all going above and beyond to create the latest innovative EVs.

The GWM ORA 03, while not the winner this time around, still stands up as a very good electric hatchback, especially if you’re after something that looks a little different and will stand out from the crowd. 

The innovative tech is a point in its favour, and if GWM continues to improve on the 03, it’s only going to become a more desirable option for car leasing.