Tag Archives: car-review

BMW, Executive saloon, Performance

A wolf in not quite sheep’s clothing

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BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé

By Bill McCarthy

To describe this BMW as a wolf in sheep’s clothing might be a bit misleading. At first glance, this second-generation model’s sleek, elegant, compact lines scream executive car, but styling cues give it away. 

The performance M branding, coloured brake calipers, larger air scoops, lowered suspension, bespoke alloys, and slim iconic kidney grille all point to sporting prowess – as do features like the quad exhaust tailpipes, smart rear spoiler, and rear diffuser. It looks the part and beneath the bonnet lurks a 300bhp beast that delivers stunning performance.

The evolving larger kidney grille size on some BMW models over the years has sparked debate and polarised opinion. For me, this slimmer, shallower style gets it right and is instantly recognisable.

Sporty-looking it certainly is, but conversely, this performance machine is a comfortable four-seater. Despite its rip-roaring performance, it’s more than adequate around town, and its compact size doesn’t compromise practicality – it even offers a reasonably sized boot. So, you get peak performance and everyday usability.

The two-litre, four-cylinder power unit may lack the snarl of a V6, but the 302bhp on tap delivers performance that edges close to supercar territory. The sprint to 60mph, delivered via the latest Steptronic transmission, takes just 4.7 seconds, also supported by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Despite the performance, economy is reasonable with up to 37mpg, although high emissions mean business users face a hefty benefit in kind tax.

Hit the Sport option, and the engine sound enhancement delivers the spitting, backfiring notes associated with performance cars. The performance is genuine – and impressive

Inside, the cabin is pure premium quality, with leather-bound sports seats, soft-touch trim finishes, and brushed aluminium. The M branded multifunction steering wheel also features paddle shifters for a more engaging drive, while the whole of the interior feels solid and well put together. Neat touches like selectable ambient lighting create a relaxing experience for occupants.

At the heart of the car is a high-resolution curved display, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster controlling smartphone connectivity, infotainment, navigation, and various apps with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen for real-time driver information. 


Like many hi-tech systems, it can take time to master, and I found it slightly confusing at times – but the graphics are top-notch. It also features QuickSelect, enabling swift access to frequently used functions like climate adjustments or media controls, via touch or voice commands.

While the performance is electric, BMW’s enhanced xDrive system ensures this model grips like a limpet when pushed into corners. The steering is responsive and pin-sharp, with excellent driver feedback. Adaptive M suspension and the slip differential keeps the car stable, and the performance brakes haul you to a stop in very short order.

Practical and versatile – it’s not a hatchback – but its 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats allow long items like sports equipment to be transported while retaining passenger space.

The sloping nature of the coupe styling means head space is limited for rear passengers, but boot capacity is generous for most needs, offering 430 litres of storage, complemented by a wide opening for easy loading.

Fast and furious but safe as houses with a comprehensive list of active and passive safety measures and includes a full suite of  airbags, stability control and all wheel drive traction.

Also available are parking cameras and sensors, collision and lane departure warning.

Factfile

  • BMW M235 xDrive
  • Price: £45,945
  • Mechanical: 300PS, 1998 twin turbo petrol engine  driving all wheels via automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 155mph
  • 0-62mph: 4.9 secs
  • Economy: 35-37mpg
  • Insurance Group: 31
  • C02 emissions: 175g/km
  • Bik rating: 37%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Motoring

Funky Ora the cat’s whiskers

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GWM Ora 03 GT

By Bill McCarthy

With more and more Chinese cars crowding the UK market, it’s important for newcomers to offer something a bit special. Take the Ora, a small, funky-looking supermini/hatchback that definitely stands out.

With its retro styling, comparisons have been drawn to the MINI, though I also noticed a definite resemblance to the Nissan Figaro. And yes, “funky” and “retro” perfectly describe this car, which initially launched in the UK under Great Wall Motors as the Funky Cat.

First on market

Great Wall has returned to the market after previously specialising in pick-up trucks like the Steed. Now rebranded as the Ora 03, this even funkier GT version catches the eye, comes with a reduced starting price of £24,995, and offers a host of standard equipment, including a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

The entry-level PURE model is powered by a 48kWh battery, delivering an adequate claimed range of 185 miles, while the PRO version and the GT (tested here) feature a 63kWh battery, increasing the range to a claimed 261 miles.

This car has plenty going for it, along with a couple of niggles, such as a tiny boot and a sometimes confusing infotainment system.

Plenty of standard kit

All models come with a 10.25-inch multimedia infotainment screen, featuring wireless smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation, wireless charging, and Bluetooth. However, the screen can be fiddly, sometimes difficult to read, and not entirely intuitive. That said, with time, using it efficiently would likely become second nature.

It is supplemented by a driver display supplying real time information.

Other standard features include a 360-degree camera system, rear parking camera and sensors, keyless entry and start, facial recognition, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The PRO version adds leatherette heated front seats, parking assist and front and rear parking sensors. The GT differs only cosmetically from the PRO, with no performance upgrades. However, it includes a panoramic sunroof, launch control (oddly and seemingly redundant), and a heat pump for better battery management and efficiency.

These extras bump the price up from £28,995 (PRO) to £32,995 (GT).

There’s no denying its striking street presence. The front end, with its round headlights, evokes the MINI, or even Porsche, while the futuristic LED lighting and full width lightbar to the rear adds a distinctive, eye-catching signature and intricate detailing.

Funky styling

The sporty look continues with 18-inch GT diamond-turned alloy wheels, red brake calipers, wheel arch extensions, and a rear roof-mounted spoiler with a GT emblem.

Inside, the roomy and well-lit cabin matches the sporty exterior, with GT-embossed headrests, red accents on the dash, and red seat belts. The MINI resemblance extends to a row of rocker switches, while the central touchscreen dominates.

On the road

GWM claims the car is as at home on urban streets as it is on winding rural roads, and to some extent, that’s true. It’s a fine urban runabout, though the turning circle could be better. On the open road, EV acceleration is brisk, hitting 60 mph in a leisurely, for an EV, 8.5 seconds. It’s also a comfortable motorway cruiser.

For a more relaxed drive, switch to single-pedal driving mode, which incorporates an energy recovery system.

The ride is generally smooth, only becoming unsettled on poor roads, while handling is well-balanced and stable. This isn’t a sports car, but rather a family-oriented vehicle.

The spacious interior ensures good head and legroom for front and rear passengers, but at the expense of practicality. The boot is tiny at 228 litres, enough for a few shopping bags, but anything larger will require folding the rear seats, which open up to a more manageable 858 litres.

Safety is comprehensive, earning a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Features include multiple airbags, lane departure and correction alerts, auto emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Verdict

The Ora 03 GT is a stylish, well-equipped EV that stands out in a crowded market and is a good start for GWM in the UK. While it’s not the most practical or sporty, its funky design, solid range, and strong safety credentials make attractive for city drivers who want something different.

Factfile

  • GWM Ora 03 GT
  • Price: £32,995
  • Mechanical: 171PS electric motor driving front wheels via automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 99mph
  • 0-62mph: 8.5 secs
  • Range: 261 miles (WLTP)
  • Insurance Group: 30 tbc
  • C02 emissions: 0
  • Bik rating: 3%
  • Warranty: five years/unlimited miles