Size doesn't matter! That seems to be the mantra for MG's new Comet - a small EV engineered for use in crowded cities where parking space is limited.
It has a quirky design that can be personalised with stickers, if you are into that, and it aims for a futuristic look with LED light bars, but I gotta say that its overall design will surely not appeal to everyone.
The car also rides on 12-inch wheels and 145/70 section tires, which are quite small by modern car standards.
The doors on this tiny car do shut with a surprisingly satisfying thud. However, this should not be considered as a replacement for a proper GNCAP rating. You do get a good safety kit on this car, which includes dual front airbags, ABS & EBD, passive TPMS, reverse camera & sensors, etc.
The Comet also packs in a good amount of tech. For instance, this dashboard looks great and comes with two 10.25-inch displays that support wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands.
The gear selector is a cool rotary knob, and there's no footwell partition at the front, giving you more legroom. You'll find two folding hooks and two hard-to-reach USB-A ports on the lower half of the dashboard. The cabin quality isn't too shabby but the light-coloured interior can get dirty quickly.
Since it's a two-door, it takes some effort getting into the Comet’s rear seat. However, the legroom is surprisingly good for a sub-3-metre car like this one. For city commuting, it should not be a problem.
However, the lack of under thigh support is quite evident at the back. Also, the rear glass is fixed.
You cannot power on the MG Comet the traditional way. You have to carry its square-shaped key in your pocket and sit in the car. Then, you depress the brake pedal twice, put the rotate gear selector in “D”, and you’re good to go!
Similarly, to shut the car, just put it in neutral, walk out of it, and lock it using either the request sensor or the key. However, there is also a manual power off button that’s quite oddly placed above the driver’s footwell.
The Comet runs on a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery powering a Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor that generates 42 horsepower and 110 Nm of torque.
Despite its seemingly low numbers, the Comet's electric powertrain delivers instant torque, making it quick, and capable of hitting high speeds on highways.
The battery has a certified range of 230 km, but this will depend on factors such as driving style and road conditions. The car takes around 7 hours to charge from 0-100 percent with its 3.3 kW charger, but sadly, DC fast charging is not on offer.
Now, let’s talk about the ride quality. I’m happy to report that as long as you are on the front seats, the ride is quite absorbent and soaks up potholes quite well. However, sharp bumps do filter in quite a bit.
Looking at this car’s tall boy stance and small wheels, I’m sure you’ve already guessed that handling is something that the Comet does not excel at. But at the same time, it never felt unsafe during my testing.
So, does the MG Comet EV rewrite the rulebook of what a car should be? Well, at a starting price of ₹7.98 lakh (ex-showroom), the Comet makes for quite a unique proposition.
A lot of its success will depend upon the acceptability of its design and limited practicality.
However, it might very well be a tempting option for those looking for a small second car that’s tech loaded and fun at the same time.
