When Ingrid first laid eyes on the green GWM Ora in Lower Hutt’s Brendan Foot Supersite, she immediately told husband Chris, “that’s my car.” Ingrid says the GWM Ora stood out to her for a number of reasons. “I saw it and just knew this was the car for me.” she says. We caught up with her recently to find out why.
Protecting the environment
Ingrid and Chris are not strangers to the world of electric vehicles. Like many Kiwis, they’re both all too aware that we’re in a climate crisis. “We reflected on what we could do to make a difference – collectively, individually, and as a family,” says Ingrid. “The way I see it, we are borrowing this world from our children and grandchildren, and it’s our responsibility to care for it while we’re here.”
With this in mind, the couple spent time researching the pros and cons of electric vehicles and decided they didn’t want to be reliant on fossil fuels any longer. This led to the decision to buy their first electric vehicle – a Tesla – about a year ago. So when the time came recently to replace their second vehicle, it was a no-brainer for the Wellington couple to go electric. “The Ora is our ‘around town’ car,” she says. “It’s perfect for the city streets, it’s got everything I wanted and more, and I just love driving it.”
Value for money
Priced from $49,990 less the Clean Car Rebate, Ingrid says the GWM Ora was great value for money. “We looked across the market at comparative cars and felt this one was not only very affordable, but also great value in terms of what you get for your money,” she says. “When you sit inside, you feel that extra bit of luxury. And it drives really well compared to others we tested.”
The funky factor
Ingrid had looked at a number of other new cars, but none of them had the instant attraction of the GWM Ora. “I love everything about it,” she says. “It’s not only a great car to drive in terms of practicality and drivability, but it’s beautiful too.” In fact, Ingrid is the first GWM Ora buyer in New Zealand. “I get lots of people looking at the car when I’m out driving,” she says.
Ingrid says she especially loves the retro look of the interior in her particular model. “The smart, streamlined white and green/blue interior stands out as different compared to other models that we took for test drives. Every other car had a boring black interior, but this one offers something special. It’s definitely a funky little car – it makes me smile every time I get inside. I feel very proud to be driving it.”
Practical and comfortable
Ingrid’s new GWM Ora clearly ticked the boxes for good looks and style, but what about practicality? “One of the key considerations for my new car was having room inside for our three dogs, plus the shopping” she says. The back seats fold down flat to create the ideal canine car – a top priority! But as Ingrid explains, the Ora is also roomy for human passengers too. “Despite being a ‘small’ car, we can comfortably fit four adults. The rear passengers have plenty of legroom – it’s quite surprising. Not only that, but it’s easy to get in and out of too.”
Easy to drive
But the practical positives don’t end there. “It’s simple, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. You don’t even have to start it. Just hop in the driver’s seat, put your foot on the pedal, and you’re off,” says Ingrid. “I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best cars I’ve ever driven”
Technology and safety
Despite its retro overtones, the Ora packs in plenty of state-of-the-art technology. Contributing to its 5-star ANCAP safety rating are a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane centre assist, and lane departure warning.
For Ingrid, the Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, keyless entry, and touch screen infotainment system all enhance the luxurious driving experience. “What I really like is that the car has all the benefits of the latest technology, yet it’s still simple and intuitive to drive,” she says.
And buying from Brendan Foot Supersite?
“I have no hesitation in recommending the team at Lower Hutt’s Brendan Foot Supersite,” says Ingrid. “Dean helped us through the process and showed us how everything worked. He was really friendly, genuine, and professional, and happy for us to ring any time we had questions.”
Contact the team at Brendan Foot Supersite to arrange a viewing or to book your GWM Ora test drive today.