British automobile brand MG Motor has launched its fifth car and 2nd EV in India, but this one different in many ways. The MG Comet is a sub-3 metre 2-door electric car and is specifically built to cater to the requirements of your urban commutes. The Comet follows the MG ZS EV which has been on sale in the country for a few years now and has seen good success. It has been launched starting at Rs. 7.98 lakh, ex-showroom (introductory) which makes it the most affordable electric car on sale currently in India.
Design
The design of the MG Comet EV is unique to say the least. Its tallboy shape may not appeal to everyone but there are many elements which make the car look premium from outside. It gets connecting lamps both on the front as well as rear look nice and the use of chrome is also quite extensive including on the door handles. The car gets a touch door unlock button along with a proximity lock/unlock feature which makes it practical to use. The 12-inch wheels do look small in proportion to the overall size of the vehicle while the side-view mirrors look rather big. The doors are quite big which helps in easier access to the 2nd row. You can also choose from more than 250 customisation options which makes the car look more exclusive.
Interior
The MG Comet EV has the in-built iSmart system comes with more than 55 connected car features and over a 100 voice commands. You can also give a lot of voice commands in Hinglish, The cabin has a floating twin display widescreen with a 10.25” head unit and a 10.25” digital cluster. The entertainment system is equipped with widgets with three fully customizable pages to give access to a range of entertainment, and connectivity options. The system is also compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play. Another unique feature of the EV is the smart key which looks quite like a gadget in itself. There’s no start/stop button here and all you have to do is press the brake lever twice and the car is ready to go. It can also be driven via a digital key and a physical key is just not required here. This key can also be shared with 2 other people.
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 rotary knob decorated with chrome rings and unique patterns. In addition, the centre console is equipped with features such as electric power window switches and a 12-Volt charging port. With one touch slide & recline passenger seat, access to the 2nd row is quite easy and the headroom and knee room here is surprisingly good. There’s hardly any boot space in the car but the 2nd row can be folded down in 50:50 split to create some luggage space.
Battery/Range
The Comet EV has a range of around 230 km certified battery range, on a single charge. You get to choose between 3 drive modes & 3 KERS modes which help in deciding if you want a longer range or a more spirited performance. The car runs on a 17.3 kWh Li-ion battery that takes around 7 hours to fully charge using a 3.3 kW AC Charger that comes with the car. It can also be charged using the normal 16 A socket. There is no fast charge option on this mini car. MG says the Comet EV ensures a charging cost of Rs. 519 per 1,000 kms, which also depends on power tariffs.
Safety
The Comet EV has undergone 39 battery plus car safety tests for a longer cycle life, according to MG Motor. The battery is IP67-rated, making it resistant to water and dust. The high strength vehicle body with 17 hot stamping panels makes the overall structure of the EV strong and safe. The car also comes with many active and passive safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS +EBD, rear parking camera & sensor, TPMS (Indirect) and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.