In China, the much-anticipated ORA Ballet Cat has finally arrived. Since it first debuted in patent drawings in 2021, along with the Punk Cat concept at the Shanghai Auto Show a few years ago, the automobile has grabbed news because to its startling similarity to the famous Volkswagen Beetle.
ORA is a sub-brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM), the same firm that produces the Haval crossovers. The ORA Ballet Cat is entirely geared towards women, according to GWM, not only because of the colours or aesthetics, but also because of several unique women-specific qualities.
Ballet Cat’s design, as previously said, is mostly influenced by the legendary VW Beetle, but with several alterations. The existence of rear doors is the most evident, as the original Beetle only had two doors. Plus, because ORA is primarily an electric vehicle manufacturer, the Ballet Cat is an EV, which means it has no engine or gearbox and only a battery and a motor.
The Ballet Cat boasts a lot of retro-inspired style, such as the bumpers, vintage-looking chrome alloy wheels, comparable VW-like door handles, and bulging side mirrors, that are similar to those on the original Beetle.
The Ballet Cat, on the other hand, is bigger than it appears, measuring 4,401/1,880/1,633mm and having a 2,750 wheelbase. In comparison, the new Beetle had a wheelbase of 2,537 and measured 4,278/1,808/1,486.
The inside is stylish, with soft pastel hues and design elements from the iconic Beetle to appeal to women. The steering wheel is wide and circular, with an inner half-circle that controls the horn, similar to those used in 1960s and 1970s automobiles. A huge oval-shaped pod serves as an information centre and a multimedia unit on the dashboard.
To read our blog on “China’s future primacy as a car manufacturer is accelerated,” click here.
