Indian buyers have very specific tastes and expectations from their prized possessions, and when it comes to automobiles - be it cars or bikes, the purchasing drive is helmed by the status alongside the need and use case. The mentioned viewpoint might be hard to digest, but it is what it is. However, with evolved time, consumers have become more aware and conscious of their choices. But does the MG Comet spur a value quotient that we Indians are biased for? Does it fulfill practical purposes with its unconventional propositions? Or, in the most informal tone - is it best as just a toy?
Verdict
You cannot have missed the Comet on the road or its buzz around the internet. Ever since it was first showcased in India, people and experts have drawn opinions about it from its size and shape. But when you drive it, the car rather feels special in some ways and a bit ordinary in others. Keep the ordinary part out of the picture for a while because it's already established that at around ten lakhs- it is too much to ask for a small car for a developing economy like ours. But, in a way, the Comet EV is exceptional because of its form factor. The size of the car does add a boon to driving it in the city, given how congested our city roads are. But, we also have fast roads in our city, where Comet EV sometimes feels out of place. The range from the Comet is adequate. However, the provision of DC fast charging would have bumped its utility quotient. The cities are getting bigger and better, and the charging facility is also increasing, so not having a provision for DC charging is a bit of a NO for me. However, once the demand is promising, MG has promised to bring the fast-charging option to Comet. MG Comet is a niche product, making it unconventionally unique in itself as it is comparatively expensive to own and requires a bit more planning to run as well. Comet's exterior design, interior space management, real-world range, and practicality are all undeniable strengths that make it desirable to some people, and those some people are more than willing to compromise its shortcomings.
After taking the Comet EV on a test drive involving highway and city driving, I was pleased to discover that it achieved a real-world efficiency of 11-12 km per kilowatt hour. This translated to an actual range of around 190-200 km, which is more than adequate for daily use. The battery capacity is 17.3kWh lithium-ion with ferrous phosphate chemistry, which is sourced from Tata Autocomp. MG Motor has ditched the DC fast charging, and the car can only be charged via AC charging. The maximum charging output you can get is by installing a 3.3KW Type-2 AC fast charger. And on a standard 3-pin 15-amp power socket, it took around 9-10 hrs to get it fully charged. The car's lack of support for DC fast charging significantly impedes its convenience factor. Take, for example- Mumbai boasts a substantial quantity of DC fast chargers, which will only continue to grow. The support of DC fast charging could provide peace of mind, as it allows flexibility. So, the usability factor is limited to someone with a fixed schedule and a predefined route. In urban cities with limited space and time, depending on AC charging could be a problem.
The Comet EV gets three driving modes - Eco, Normal and Sport. Eco feels a bit dull. However, be it any mode, speeding up the car from 60-70kmph takes time. It's still those speeds; the Comet feels sportier to drive. The Normal mode is best suited for regular use, while the Sport mode provides a bit(not marginal) more exciting experience. The Comet EV has three levels of regenerative braking, out of which the high level feels too strong, not as strong to get the car to complete stop, so one-pedal driving won't be possible. I did stick to the mid-setting for Regen, as it felt like the most appropriate option.
Comet EV feels zippier to drive, making it even quite fun to put it through paces. MG Comet EV weighs 817 kgs, linking it with 42 hp of power and 110Nm of electric torque, spinning the rear wheels. Numbers might not excite, but the performance is more than adequate in the real world. Once you get on to cruising speeds, tyre and motor noise are audible. Although you will appreciate its zipper performance, once that dulls down, you will find more comfort driving the Comet at slow to medium speeds. Because the more you gain the speed, the more unstable it will feel.
I took a Comet EV on a highway run, and just after a few kilometres, it felt like a wrong decision. Comet feels quite insecure among the numerous cars speeding alongside it. 12-inch wheels, narrow tyres, body roll during sharp turns, and its lightweight character make Comet a better city slicker rather than a highway relaxation. Smaller tyres, along with less suspension travel, do add a bit of a discomfiting drive, too - you can feel the suspension work and over big potholes - it would quite common to notice suspension bottoming out. The steering is so easy to operate and coupled with a turning radius of 4.2m - manoeuvrability becomes easy. Tight parking spots, narrow, bustling streets - no problem. The visibility is spot on, and you sit a bit up, thus giving you a better view of the surroundings. The braking setup comes up with a disc at the front and drums at the rear, and the bite and feedback from the brakes are pretty satisfactory. However, during my drive, I had one instance wherein I had to do panic braking, which unsettled the car a bit.
MG Comet, being made on a dedicated electric platform, liberates a decent space on the inside. The battery is placed beneath the floor, and the floorboard is flat since there isn't any transmission tunnel.HVAC systems, infotainment, and instrument electronics take centre stage, and above and below that is considerable amount of space - the glass area is wider. The absence of any partition underneath results in a lack of support for the left leg. Moreover, there isn't any storage space apart from two cuppy holes on either side of the dashboard and a small dedicated shelf in front of the passenger seat. There is decent space in the area of the doors for your water bottles and umbrellas. I wish there could be some dedicated space near the armrest; I could only manage to keep my phone in that space.
Plastic quality is great, soft-touch material all around, fit and finish of the dashboard and switches are premium. There is a sense of techy occasion on the inside, courtesy of a glossy white theme along with a two-spoke steering wheel with iPod-like controls. The wide glass area and bright white cabin make it feel fresh; however, keeping the interiors clean will be a bit of a task. The stains and dirt became noticeable within a week of cautious use.
The door opening is vast, and one can have easy egress and ingress. The seating arrangement comfortably accommodates four adults despite being constrained by the dimensions. By comfortable, I mean - ideal only for short trips and short people. Well, you anyways can ONLY take Comet EV on short journeys.
In terms of storage space, there is barely any place to keep any luggage bag. The space is suitable only for charging cables and one or two laptop bags. Fold down the 50:50 folding rear seats, and you have a decent space to carry your airport baggage.
Until now, you must already be aware of its tiny dimensions and looks. Those who have yet to see it in person should definitely get a look at it; it does not matter if you want to buy it or not. Look at it in terms of how compact and unconventional the new-age EVs could be and how even the tiny mono-volume box on wheels could look premium. The MG Comet EV's implementation of the GSEV platform has proven to be a highly effective and economical strategy, which has led to a significant improvement in their manufacturing options. Wuling Air is a highly promising product in both China and Indonesia, and it has been instrumental in driving up the company's sales figures. What MG Hector is to Wuling Almaz is the same as what MG Comet EV is to Wuling Air. What works in the International market may not necessarily work in India. Although the MG Comet EV possesses a distinctive and appealing trait, its form factors present notable limitations, which we shall discuss later.
MG Comet is 1.6m tall, similar to around WagonR. But its length and width suggest the car is intended for urban driving. The 12-inch wheels are at extreme ends, rendering 2.01m of wheelbase, thus liberating a bit of generous space considering the length of the car. The key looks quite trendy and pocket-friendly, just as you would expect from a car of this proposition. The charging port is on the front nose of the car. The Comet EV's lack of a frunk should come as no surprise. Rather, it features a modest hood opening designed for essential fluid maintenance. LED headlamps, long-running DRLs at the front and rear, smartly used chrome, and a thin blue line-up on the front make it look stylish and sleek.
It does not look conventional, and that's what sets it apart. It looks exclusive and modern. However, its tall boy design theme on 12-inch wheels looks a bit unproportional. But overall, it does gather quite a lot of attention. The number of people asking me about this car reflects that the car has garnered significant attention and excitement from individuals. It was unprecedented that people from my residence building visited my abode to inquire about a vehicle, a situation that had never previously occurred. The car appears distinct, making it an extraordinary addition to anyone's parking.
Power - 42hp
Torque- 110Nm
Battery capacity- 17.3kWh
Front tyre- 145/70 R12
Rear tyre- 145/70 R12
L*B*H (mm)- 2974*1505*1640
Wheelbase - 2010mm
Price* - 9.98 lakhs (ex-showroom)
