MG launched the Comet in India nearly two years ago. Given its unique offering, there was some uncertainty on how the Comet would fare in the Indian market, but it has done quite well for itself. It may not have achieved the same success as, say, the recently launched Windsor but let’s not forget that the Comet is positioned to serve as an urban mobility tool. Apart from it being a good product, MG’s continued updates — from great offers and battery subscription plans to fast-charging capabilities — have kept the Comet interesting. So, how good does the Comet hold up now? We drive to find out.
At less than three metres in length, the Comet holds a unique advantage in the market. While the overall design isn’t too extravagant, it catches your attention every single time. The LED light bar at the front gives the Comet a distinct identity. Though this feature has since been made available to many other cars (even from other carmakers), its presence on the Comet doesn’t look like an afterthought. The rear design also boasts a similar light bar, enhancing the car’s modern appeal. The profile stands out, given the car’s three-door arrangement — something not usually seen in the budget segment. Other inclusions, such as the prominent MG logo at the front which lights up when the car’s plugged in and the aerodynamic caps on its tiny wheels, up the style quotient of the car. Its design may not be conventional but the Comet manages to stand out and even next to more expensive metal, it doesn’t look bad either.
The Comet’s boxy design is there for a reason. Its small footprint makes it incredibly easy to drive and park in tight spaces, which is a boon in the urban environment where parking woes are high. There was some scepticism about the car’s slightly oddball design being accepted but its appeal and functionality have won many hearts.
Small wonder
If you thought the MG Comet’s exterior was unique, its cabin takes it to a different level. The way MG has managed to maximise interior space is commendable; the Comet might have four seats inside but it’s only 1.5 times as long as a conventional commuter motorcycle. There’s no dearth of headroom or legroom, its wide-opening doors make getting in and out of the car effortless and even accessing the rear seats isn’t too difficult. In addition, the cabin feels well-built, with a clear focus on functionality and premium feel.
The latter is quite evident the moment you see the dashboard. The multi-function steering wheel, much like the rest of the dashboard, seems to be inspired by Apple’s design. With sleek controls and a premium finish, the dashboard also houses two sizeable screens: one is the infotainment unit (touchscreen) while the other works as the driver display. The former comes with wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and includes support for third-party apps too. It’s not just the space and features; the Comet also scores well in practicality. The rear seats come with a split-folding function, which enables carrying larger items. There are USB slots under the rear-view mirror for easy installation of a dashcam, and while the car lacks a glovebox, there is an open tray under the dashboard. The hooks under the dashboard are pretty useful too.
Chic and smart: With sleek controls, the dashboard houses two sizeable screens: an infotainment unit (touchscreen) and a driver display
| Photo Credit: Ishaan Jaiswal
Standard on the MG Comet is a 17.3 kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 230 km on a full charge. The onboard motor produces 41 bhp and 11.21 kg-m. These figures may not look that impressive but thanks to its low weight and near-instant torque delivery, the rear-wheel-drive MG Comet proves to be a joy to drive. Zipping through traffic is easy, it accelerates smoothly from rest, and even when it’s cruising at city speeds, it doesn’t seem to be underpowered.
Switching between Eco and Sport modes, the Comet varies its power delivery — Eco is efficiency-focused whereas Sport makes the car peppier. The other feature is the absence of a start/stop button. You just have to unlock the car, step on the brake, shift to ‘D’, and you’re good to go. The only bottleneck is the 3.3 kW AC charging, which takes forever to charge but thankfully, some models now come with the much faster 7.4 kW charging capacity. This makes the Comet ideal for commutes, especially with quick top-ups now being possible.
The overall range is advertised to be 230 km but you can expect the car to give you 190-200 km on a full charge. This isn’t bad for city commutes, and with the aforementioned ability to charge at 7.2 kW, you won’t have to rely entirely on charging the car at home.
An Urban companion
The Comet is priced ₹7 lakh for the base Executive model going all the way up to ₹9.84 lakh for the special 100YR Edition while the newly launched Blackstorm Edition is priced ₹9.81 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom and if you were to opt for MG’s subscription plans, the initial purchase cost can be brought down even further.
The Comet has proven to be a great urban car — its compact dimensions are a boon, especially for driving and parking in the city; its small turning radius ensures you don’t go through a workout session when zipping through traffic, and the view all around is easily the highlight. The spacious interior deserves a mention too, while its overall efficiency further makes the Comet a great everyday car.
There are some downsides as well. While the initial acceleration is fun, the overall stability isn’t the best. It’s not something made for spirited driving either. The lack of fast charging in some of the lesser models isn’t ideal, and we wouldn’t complain if MG added a conventional glove box to the car. Overall, the MG Comet is unlike anything else on the market. It makes electric motoring accessible without compromising on interior quality or overall liveability. If you’re a first-time car buyer or someone looking for a secondary car for the city, the Comet can be a good purchase.
© Motoring World
