GWM Ora 03 vs iCaur 03T
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM Ora 03 wins on money kept: 54% retained after three years vs 48%, worth about R 34 192 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Ora 03 | 03T | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 629 900 | R 639 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 11 010/m | R 11 184/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 54% | 48% |
| Value after 3 years | R 340 938 | R 306 746 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 288 962 | R 333 154 |
| Value after 5 years | R 244 592 | R 209 719 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Chinese (new entrant) |
GWM Ora 03 →
GWM's retro-styled electric hatch went on sale in late 2023 and has sold in tiny numbers, with fewer than 100 units registered in its first three years. Launch pricing near R687k has been discounted to move stock. GWM plans to reboot the Ora line locally with the cheaper Ora 5, so the 03's future is uncertain.
Known for: retro styling and very slow sales
iCaur 03T →
Launched alongside the V23 in May 2026, the 03T is a second boxy electric SUV offered in RWD or 205 kW AWD form. Pricing runs from R639,900 to R699,900 with NEDC range figures around 431 to 436 km. Both derivatives carry an 8-year/200,000 km warranty, which will matter more than badge equity at trade-in time.
Known for: playful electric suv with awd punch
Common questions
Which holds value better, the GWM Ora 03 or the iCaur 03T?
The GWM Ora 03. It keeps about 54% of its price after three years against 48% for the iCaur 03T, a gap of 6 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The GWM Ora 03 loses about R 288 962 over three years and the iCaur 03T loses about R 333 154. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the GWM Ora 03 runs about R 11 010 per month and the iCaur 03T about R 11 184, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.