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In today's bustling urban landscape, the age-old dilemma of choosing the right car is more complex than ever. With a big family car already in the garage, you're likely eyeing something compact, nimble, and fuel-efficient for your daily office commute. The thought of battling traffic and high fuel costs in a large vehicle is certainly unappealing. But then comes the crucial question: electric or petrol? The market is brimming with options, leaving many wondering which small car truly offers excellent fuel economy and saves money in the long run.
If these thoughts resonate with you, then you're in the right place. Today, we delve deep into the MG Comet EV, a car designed to tackle these very challenges. We'll explore its features, performance, and whether this unique electric vehicle is the answer to your urban mobility needs.
First Impressions: Design That Stands Out
The MG Comet EV immediately grabs attention with its distinctive design. The car keys, with their iPod-like aesthetic, are a prelude to the Comet's unique character. Equipped with smart entry, the car automatically unlocks as you approach and locks as you walk away – a convenient touch for city dwellers.
Exterior Walkaround••
Compact Yet Feature-Rich
From the front, the Comet boasts dual projector LED headlamps neatly tucked into the corners, minimizing the risk of bumps in tight spaces. A full-width LED DRL strip and a chrome element that wraps around to the ORVMs (Outer Rear View Mirrors) with integrated LED indicators lend a premium feel. The two-tone roof options add a personalized touch.
While a small grille offers minimal air intake for cooling, the most notable feature upfront is the charging port, cleverly integrated behind the MG logo. Supporting a 3.3 kW charger, it takes approximately 7-8 hours for a full charge, a consideration for those without fast charging access. The glowing MG logo during charging is a neat visual cue. The front also features two wipers and a compact hood, revealing easy access to the wiper washer fluid reservoir and some battery components.
Moving to the side, the Comet EV sports a boxy yet small footprint, measuring around 3 meters in length. It rides on 12-inch wheels with plastic wheel caps, which, while small, contribute to its compact dimensions. Electric adjustable ORVMs and request sensors on both driver and passenger doors add to the convenience. A small quarter glass for rear passengers and "electric" badging complete the side profile. A significant safety feature for a car of this size is the disc brakes on all four wheels, ensuring reliable stopping power. Being a rear-wheel-drive car, with the motor placed at the back, it offers decent traction for minor rough patches.
The rear design echoes the front with an integrated spoiler and full-width LED DRLs above dual LED tail lamps. The "Internet Inside" badging and the MG Comet logo further distinguish it. A reverse camera and two parking sensors enhance maneuverability in tight spots. The boot space is minimal initially, housing only a charger and puncture kit. However, folding the rear seats expands it to a respectable 350 liters, ideal for two occupants.
Stepping Inside:
Surprising Comfort and Technology
Despite its compact exterior, the MG Comet EV offers a surprisingly well-appointed interior. The door pads feature thoughtful touches like a pocket for small bottles and an aluminum-finish door knob. The use of PVC material that resembles fabric on the door panels is a clever choice, making it easy to clean. The overall plastic quality in the cabin is good, exceeding expectations for its segment.
Driver's Cockpit:
Modern and Intuitive
The dashboard features a dual 10-inch screen setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. While the infotainment can be a tad laggy on startup, the instrument cluster is impressive, offering a visual representation of car functions (e.g., lights, indicators, brake lights). The steering wheel, though only tilt-adjustable, houses controls for the instrument cluster, media, and a customizable shortcut key. AC vents, a small cup holder, and soft-touch plastics further elevate the cabin experience.
A unique feature is the dedicated button to unlock the charging port and the hood release, conveniently located below the dashboard. While newer models feature Type-C USB ports, this unit still has Type-A.
In the center console, manual AC controls, a mode selector (Eco, Normal, Sport), and a regenerative braking level setter are intuitively placed. The two-airbag setup (driver and passenger) provides basic safety. The gear selector knob and window controls are also centrally located. The driver-side window offers auto up/down functionality, a thoughtful addition. While this unit has a manual handbrake, newer variants feature an electric parking brake.
Above, you'll find hazard light controls and a bright LED cabin light. The manually adjustable IRVM offers a somewhat limited view due to the proximity of the rear seats, but the large ORVMs compensate. Both driver and passenger sun visors include vanity mirrors, though they don't extend. Grab handles are available for all occupants. The roof lining material feels premium, adding to the overall quality.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration on the infotainment system are significant convenience features. The spacious dashboard even offers room for small items.
Behind the Wheel:
Urban Driving Dynamics
The MG Comet EV is fundamentally designed for city driving, and its performance reflects that.
Battery and Range: Ideal for Daily Commutes
Equipped with a 17.3 kWh battery, the Comet EV offers a real-world range of approximately 180-200 km on a full charge, making it perfect for daily office commutes and weekend errands. While the claimed ARAI range is higher, the practical range is sufficient for urban use, even with AC and a second passenger.
Handling and Ride Comfort: Nimble with Some Caveats
The Comet's small dimensions and thin tire profile make it incredibly agile in city traffic, navigating narrow lanes with ease. However, this also results in noticeable body roll, especially during sharp turns. Driving above 60-70 km/h can lead to a wobbly feel, increased wind noise, and road noise due to the small tires and non-aerodynamic design. This car is not meant for high-speed highway cruising.
The suspension is a bit stiff, which is generally good for city roads, minimizing excessive bouncing. However, larger potholes will be felt. While cabin insulation is decent at lower speeds, external noises like horns and passing vehicles become more apparent at higher speeds. The large greenhouse area (windows) offers excellent visibility but can make you feel as if other vehicles are very close.
Acceleration and Performance:
Quick Off the Line
The rear-axle-mounted motor generates around 40-42 PS of power and 110 Nm of torque. Like most EVs, the Comet delivers instant torque from zero RPM, resulting in brisk acceleration for city driving. While a 0-100 km/h test wasn't performed in this review, the car feels responsive and peppy for its intended purpose.
Braking and Safety: Confidence-Inspiring
The presence of disc brakes on all four wheels is a commendable safety feature for a car of this size, ensuring effective stopping power. While traction control isn't available, standard safety features like ABS and EBD are included.
The Verdict: Is the MG Comet EV Right for You?
The MG Comet EV is a niche product, perfectly suited as a secondary vehicle for city-specific use. If you already own a larger primary car and are seeking a hassle-free, economical solution for your daily commutes and occasional short trips, the Comet EV is an excellent contender.
Key Considerations:
°°Charging Infrastructure: Ideally, you should have a home charging setup to maximize convenience and cost savings. Public charging options are available, though charging times might be a factor.
°°Pricing & Value: The base variant, starting around ₹7 Lakhs (ex-showroom), and the mid-variant around ₹8 Lakhs (ex-showroom) offer the best value for money. The top-end variant, reaching ₹10 Lakhs (ex-showroom) or more with road tax, might be on the pricier side for a secondary car.
°°Battery as a Service (BAS): MG offers a BAS option, potentially reducing the upfront cost by ₹2-2.5 Lakhs. Under this model, you essentially rent the battery, either through EMIs or on a per-kilometer basis. While attractive for immediate savings, consider the long-term implications, especially for extended ownership, as battery replacement costs could be significant.
°° Rear Passenger Comfort: While four people can fit, under-thigh support in the rear is limited, and there are no rear AC vents.
°°No Rear Wiper/Defogger: This could be an issue during rain, impacting rear visibility.
Pros••
°° Extremely compact and easy to maneuver in city traffic.
°°Good fuel economy (electric).
°° Unique and eye-catching design.
°°Feature-rich interior for its segment.
°°Instant torque for quick city acceleration.
°° Disc brakes on all four wheels for confident stopping.
°°Quiet and comfortable at lower city speeds.
Cons:
°°Slow charging (3.3 kW).
°°Limited range for highway use.
°°Noticeable body roll at higher speeds.
°°Stiff suspension on rough patches.
°°No rear AC vents.
°°No rear wiper/defogger.
°°IRVM creates a slight blind spot.
In conclusion••
The MG Comet EV shines as a dedicated urban commuter. It simplifies city travel, reduces fuel expenses, and offers a comfortable, technology-laden experience. If your primary goal is efficient and stress-free city driving, and you have a larger vehicle for other needs, the MG Comet EV is definitely worth considering.