Practicality at the best possible price remains the top priority for Indian car buyers when purchasing a new vehicle. It is so deeply ingrained in the masses that other important factors, such as safety, driving experience, performance, and several other crucial features are often overlooked. Although there are vehicle enthusiasts who prioritize factors other than price, their percentage remains tiny, as seen by the relatively lower sales of such vehicles when compared to India’s best-selling cars.
India’s vehicle market is one of the most price-conscious in the world, presenting both opportunities and challenges for manufacturers such as Morris Garages (MG) that attempt to introduce something bold and different, like the new micro-sized EV – Comet. While the Comet EV is the most affordable car from MG’s garage, it may face significant challenges in a market where a deeply entrenched price-conscious mindset prevails.
It is worth noting that the Comet EV is not the first micro-sized electric vehicle in India. For car enthusiasts, the two-seater Reva Electric (Reva e2o) is a familiar name. This lovely little electric vehicle made its debut in the late 2000s. However, despite its charming appearance and low cost of running, the Reva Electric was deemed a “successful failure” due to its lack of economic viability.
What is interesting to note is that the Comet EV and the Reva Electric share the same price tag. Even after more than a decade, the Comet EV, like the Reva Electric, is too pricey for widespread adoption at Rs. 8 lakhs. Most buyers will simply settle down with a full-sized hatchback or a compact SUV from Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Hyundai, etc. if practicality is what they are looking for in a vehicle.
However, to a fraction of buyers, the Comet EV might just be the best product out there in the market. Much has changed in the last 15 years. EV as a product category has expanded, and so has the ecosystem. People are now more open to investing in EVs across all price points, marking a shift in consumer behavior towards EVs.
When it comes to the MG Comet EV, the micro EV has a strong competitor in the form of a full-sized hatchback- the Tata Tiago EV. While these two vehicles target different customer bases, their pricing puts them in direct competition. The Tata Tiago EV leads in terms of practicality. It is bigger, more powerful, and can be easily considered as a primary vehicle.
On the other hand, the MG Comet EV is a feature-rich option that appeals to a relatively small set of buyers seeking a secondary car for city commuting. The Comet EV is purpose-built for drivers who prefer to travel light, alone, and primarily in cities. With a daily commute of up to 100 kilometers, this micro-sized EV is an ideal option for buyers who need a second car for their limited use case. Although this mass-market idea is prevalent in several Asian and European economies, it has yet to catch on in India, and the Comet EV might just be the start. Let’s find out why.
Made for Urban Commute
The Comet EV is designed to cater to the needs of individuals who live in cities with dense traffic and limited parking spaces. One of the key features of the Comet EV is its 12-inch wheels, decent ground clearance, and short turning circle of just 4.2 meters. These features make it easy for the car to maneuver through tight lanes and bumper-to-bumper traffic, making it an ideal choice for city driving. Furthermore, its compact size makes it easy to park in tight spaces, while its spacious interior can accommodate up to four people or two people with some luggage whenever required.
The Comet EV is powered by a moderately sized- 17.3 kWh Prismatic Li-ion battery cell that offers a range of up to 230 kilometers on a single charge. This range is sufficient for three to four days of city driving, making it a practical choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. MG is offering an 8-year or 1.2 lakh kilometers battery warranty.
Packed With Adequate Modern Technology Features
The Comet EV is also one of the smartest vehicles around. It is created with modern drivers in mind who value technology in their vehicles. The micro-sized EV gets 55+ connected car features and is not less than a gadget on wheels. The long list pf technology features includes:
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay
- Massive floating twin displays (10.25” CLUSTER and 10.25” INFOTAINMENT System
- Digital key with key sharing
- Keyless entry
- 100+ voice commands support
- Steering-mounted audio controls
- Smart start system
- Front 12V Power outlet 3 USB ports with Fast Charging
- Widget customization of the home screen with multiple pages
- Customizable Lock Screen
- Wallpaper Theme store to download themes Brightness sync function (for infotainment and cluster
- Live Location Sharing & Tracking Approach Unlock Function
- Find my car
- Wi-Fi Connectivity (Home Wi-Fi/Mobile Hotspot)
- Over The Air (OTA) Updates
- Vehicle Overspeed Alert With Customisable speed limit
- Smart Drive Information
- Charging station search
- 100% charging notification on the i-SMART app
- i-SMART app for Smartwatch
- Critical Tyre Pressure Voice Alert
- Geo-fence and a lot more…
Looks- Polarzing But Distinctive
The MG Comet’s design is a polarizing topic, with its unconventional and distinctive appearance. While not everyone may appreciate its unique style, it is likely to find a fanbase among those seeking a refreshing and eye-catching look for their vehicle. Despite the differing opinions, the MG Comet is undoubtedly an instant head-turner, drawing attention wherever it goes. Its unconventional design is not only refreshing but also serves as a statement of individuality for those who choose to drive it.
Safety Standards
In terms of safety, the MG Comet EV comes with an IP67-rated battery, Dual Front Airbags ABS + EBD, Reverse Parking Camera, Rear Parking Sensors, LED Rear Fog lamp, Follow me home headlamps, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (Indirect), Front & Rear Seat Belt Reminder, Driver & Co-Driver Seat Belt with Load Limiter, 3-point seat belts for all passengers, and a rear parking sensor. You also get a manual parking brake, manual day/night IRVM, ISOFIX rear child seat anchors, speed-detecting auto door lock, and impact-sensing door unlock are all standard features. The micro EV is yet to go through the NCAP test, which should shed some light on its safety standards.
Techarc Opinion
The Comet EV is one of the most intriguing products to hit the Indian market in recent years. Its sophisticated design and eco-friendly features make it an appealing alternative for those looking for an enjoyable driving experience in the city. While it may not be the first choice for many Indian buyers, the MG Comet EV is projected to acquire market momentum over time and will find a position in India’s burgeoning market of eco-friendly vehicles.
This begs the question, should you consider purchasing it?
If you already own a petrol/diesel vehicle and want to acquire a secondary vehicle for less than 10 lakh, the Comet EV is worth considering.
If you’re looking for a primary vehicle to meet all of your driver demands, look into other options. The Indian market has plenty of them that will serve you better in almost all aspects.
