Introduction
MG Motor India, a British automobile brand with a 99-year-old legacy, has created a stir in the auto market with the launch of its smart electric vehicle, the MG Comet EV, ushering a new chapter in urban mobility solutions for India. The versatile GSEV-platform-based pure EV has a minimalist yet spacious design and possesses an inherent agility that allows smooth, stress-free commuting within the city. The Comet is the second EV in MG Motor India’s portfolio and comes with futuristic and user-friendly smart technologies.
But does the MG Comet have all that it takes to woo the present generation car buyers? Will the price sensitive Indian consumer be willing to buy a 4-seater micro car for INR 7,98,000? As we test drove the MG Comet on the roads of Delhi NCR during the national media drive, we slowly unraveled the answers to several pertinent questions. Read on to find out what we discovered.
Design and Engineering
The design of the MG Comet EV manifests the future-tech world. The Comet measures 2,974mm in length, 1505 mm in width and stands 1640 mm tall with a 2010 mm wheelbase. Designed on the concept of BICO—’Big Inside, Compact Outside’, Comet EV is comfortably spacious and offers sufficient legroom, shoulder room and headroom in the front row. In the second row, there is adequate space to accommodate two medium-built adults or two children.
The curved tech body line accentuates the aerodynamic and stylish aspects of the Comet EV from the outside. The sides of the Comet EV carry a futuristic rear-view mirror design with a floating motif. The aero-craft cabin window in the second row allows for added visibility in the Comet EV. With both the rear seats upright, there is zero boot space, which is a bummer. However, with the rear seats folded, there is enough luggage space for your weekend getaway. While not being a traditional 5-seater might sound like a deal breaker for some, however, a recent survey reveals that as many as 70% of the Indian travel solo within the city during their daily commute.
The MG Comet is available in three trim levels – base variant Pace, mid-level trim Play and top-of-the-line variant Plush. In addition to this, MG has also introduced two special editions of the Comet EV- the Gamer edition and the LIT edition – tailored to vibe with the personalities of the next generation of urban commuters—gaming and tech communities, and fashionistas.
MG Comet EV is available in five colour schemes – two dual tones and three mono tone shades with several personalisation options including 250 plus decaloptions, and graphics to add to the fun and tech vibe of the smart EV for its different genres of Gen Z customers.
Most importantly, in terms of road presence the MG Comet is a head turner. It was a just few days before its market launch when we test drove the Comet in Delhi NCR and the public reaction was simply superb. At every traffic signal that we would stop, motorists from the neighbouring cars would roll down their windows to enquire about the name, launch date and price. There was just immense inquisitiveness among the general public about the MG Comet; something which we have never witnessed before. And that speaks volumes about its stylish and cute looks. The designers at MG deserve a pat on their back for pulling this off.
Interior and Comfort
Despite its compact dimensions, the MG Comet EV has a comfortable and roomy cabin with a 4-seater configuration with 50:50 settings on the second row of seats. The modern-style cabin space is combined with smart technology configurations with many functions to support this modern urban EV’s comfort and interactive aspects.
The Comet EV’s multi-function and uniquely designed steering comes combined with intelligent tech and futuristic pod-like controls that lend the EV a modern gadget-like feel. The rotary gear selector is a transmission operation with a futuristic rotary knob decorated with chrome rings and unique patterns. In addition, the centre console is equipped with useful features such as electric window operation buttons and a 12-Volt charging port. The air conditioning is very effective and quickly cools the passenger cabin while the factory-fitted music system boasts of decent acoustics. Overall, a neat job done by MG.
Ride and Handling
The MG Comet EV is powered by a 17.3 KWH Li-Ion battery and claims to have an evaluated range of 230 kilometres on a single charge; however, the real life figures will certainly be lower. The Comet offers a linear power delivery with zero lag. It is very responsive to throttle inputs and overtaking within the city feels like a walk in the park. However, on open highways, the Comet could run out of breath.
Given its compact dimensions, the Comet is really easy to maneuver even in congested city roads and incredibly easy to park in tight spots. The suspension set up is thoughtfully engineering keeping the Indian road conditions in mind as the Comet absorbs the undulation on the road with relative ease. Overall it’s fun & zippy to drive and despite its slight tall boy design remains planted on the ground during sharp turns and corners.
Technology
MG Comet EV is equipped with in-built iSmart system which comes with 55 plus connected car features and 100 plus voice commands. It has a floating twin display widescreen with a 10.25-inch head unit and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Moreover, the entertainment system is equipped with widgets with three fully customizable pages to give customers access to a range of entertainment, and connectivity options. Another unique feature of the MG Comet EV is the smart key. The stylish design of the key adds to the tech-vibe of the Comet EV.
Safety
The Comet EV is a safe vehicle in all aspects, be it its exterior or the interior. It comes powered with a 17.3 kWh Li-ion battery with Prismatic Cells that have undergone 39 battery plus car safety tests for a longer cycle life. It is IP67-rated, making it highly resistant to water and dust. All these ensure maximum safety for every possible condition. The high strength vehicle body with 17 hot stamping panels makes the overall structure of the MG Comet EV strong and safe. The Comet EV comes loaded with segment-leading active and passive safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS +EBD, front & rear 3 point seat belts, rear parking camera & sensor, TPMS (Indirect) and ISOFIX child seat.
Verdict
With the Comet EV, MG aims to change the way we commute in our cities. The Comet is built on the pure electric GSEV platform; the fastest to hit the 1 million EV sales mark globally. The car seamlessly blends style, technology, and sustainability, offering a versatile and spacious ride with safety features. MG understands that the future of mobility is electric and connected. With the Comet EV, MG aims to woo the Generation Z car buyers.
The Comet EV has around 230 km certified battery range, on a single charge. With its practical aspects like easy to drive, easy to manoeuvre, easy to park, easy to charge, and easy on the pocket and environment, the Comet EV is not only a definitive segment creator but also an important and timely offering for urban commuters and EV enthusiasts in India.
For the urban-young commuter, savings really matter. The Comet EV has been evaluated by MG to provide an encouraging charging cost of Rs 519 per 1,000 km. MG has also priced it smartly making the Comet the most affordable EV on sale in India and has the potential to pave the way for MG’s next success story after the Hector and Astor in India.
Power Drive 