Chinese cars have been in the news a lot over the last few years. But they have moved on from their reputation for simply copying Western manufacturers and creating cheap copies. Instead, Chinese cars are now really catching the eye, especially in the EV world. Now, there is a new addition…and it looks like a Volkswagen Beetle.
Yes, inspiration has been taken from the VW Beetle to create the new Ora Ballet Cat. However, it’s not a copy, and instead is a brand new EV heavily inspired by the Type 1 Beetle, combining the retro looks with modern architecture. Think of it in the same vein as the Renault 5 or upcoming Audi A2, just not with official VW endorsement.
Produced by Great Wall Motor via its Ora EV marque, the company has already produced the Ora Good Cat, or Funky Cat in other markets, which is ultimately what this VW-inspired car has evolved from. But the previous model came with its own bespoke design.
This model shown off recently by Ora is an updated version of a car that was first launched in 2022. While it’s not sold in massive numbers, it is very cheap at less than $25,000. So with a few updates under the skin, perhaps sales of the Ora Ballet Cat will pick up in 2026.
What’s New With the 2026 Ora Ballet Cat
The styling of the Ora Ballet Cat is quite exceptional. Looks are subjective, but it looks to be the perfect blend of modern and retro. There are bumpers styled to look like the chrome ones of the original, and the hood and sides in particular look very close to the Type 1 Beetle. There are, of course, modern additions such as the upgraded headlights, and the fact that this car is an EV and does not have combustion power.
There are some updates under the surface of the car as well. For 2026, the Ora Ballet Cat has received a new powertrain, boosting the power from 169hp to 201hp. The top speed has increased from 96mph to 112mph, which is more than anyone will ever likely drive the car at. A new lithium-ion phosphate battery is also beneath the surface. While it isn’t coming to the United States, if it were to do so, it would be remarkably cheap.
The Ballet Cat costs ¥193,000, which is roughly just $28,000. That is an incredibly low price for an electric car, and the bigger battery versions of the car have enough range for 311 miles in total. Aside from the battery upgrades, little has changed on this new Chinese Beetle. But it does come with some…slightly unusual features, to say the least.
What Are the Unusual Features of the Volkswagen Beetle Clone?
Have you ever wanted a mirror in the car to allow your partner to put her makeup on? Well, good news, as that is a feature that the Ora Ballet Cat has. There is also a selfie camera that allows you to upload pictures directly to social media. Why anyone would want that is a mystery, but it is a feature in the Chinese VW Beetle.
A more useful feature is the ‘Warm Man Mode.’ This rapidly heats the cabin at the push of a button, which is actually perfect for those cold winter days. While it is clearly a bit of a knockoff of the original Beetle, the Ora Ballet Cat is not a direct copy. It does look great and has got good range and plenty of power for everyday life. View it as a bit of fun, and this Chinese Beetle is a great little car.