MG COMET EV: At a moment in time when cities are getting more and more crowded and the environment is making us look for cleaner modes of transport, the MG Comet EV is a breath of fresh air.
This little electric coupe aims to reinvent urban transport with its bubble-like proportions and cutesy curves. But for all it gets right, it also comes with a few sacrifices that buyers will want to weigh before taking the plunge.
Design That Doesn’t Fit in a Box
MG Comet EV Design The first thing that catches your eye while looking at the MG Comet EV is its design.
The Comet is unabashedly small, coming in at sub-3 meters.
But its high stance, boxy shape and futuristic LED lighting provide it with a presence that seems disproportionate to its size.
More of a concept car than a production car with those minuscule overhangs and the unique two-door design!
This look won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it certainly stands out on the road.
Plus, the small size is a city dweller’s dream.
It will slip into small parking spaces with ease, and is nimble enough to thread through crowded streets — a maneuver that most midsize cars can only wish for.
Performance and Range : Made for the City
He would find the Comet EV underpowered, even more so as it’s rear-wheel driven with a paltry 17.3 kWh battery delivering its 41 hp electric motor to the back wheels.
These numbers may not seem like anything to write home about on paper, but the Comet stands out with its eager behavior during city driving.
The instant torque you get in an EV makes it a darting lane splitter, and the car feels peppy in lower speeds.
MG claims a mileage of approximately 230 km on the MIDC cycle.
In a real-world city-driving environment, you’re looking at anything from 160 to 190 km on a full charge, depending on your driving style and your (ab)use of the air conditioning.
This should be fine for most daily trips to work, the market or just getting around town.
With a regular 3.3 kW AC charger it takes about 7 hours to charge the Comet.
The lack of a fast charging option is a downside, restricting flexibility for long unplanned adventures—while overnight charging is feasible at home of course.
Interior: Small Yet Smart
Step inside the Comet and you’re greeted by a surprisingly airy cabin.
Thanks to its boxy shape, headroom is ample, and there is room for four adults for shorter trips.
The cabin design is contemporary, with paired 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
For tech, courtesy of wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and connected car features, it has an advantage over similarly priced petrol hatchbacks.
Storage is well thought out, with lots of cup holders and cubbies to stash small items.
But the boot space is tiny — room for a couple of small bags and no more.
If you’re short on space for luggage, the back seats can be folded down.
Pros
Ideal for the city: Small, tiny size and light steering combine with a tight turning radius for an ideal urban ride.
Cool design: Stand out in a crowd.
Spacious feeling cabin: The slippery five-door has better overall headroom and legroom for front passengers than the four-door.
Tech-loaded: Two screens, wireless connectivity and connected car features.
Green transportation: No tailpipe emissions, running costs are low.
Cons
Smallish boot: Boot space is limited (unless you fold down the rear seats) and unable to carry a lot of luggage.
No quick charging: Longer trips must be planned since charging is slow.
Rough ride on rough roads: The small wheels and low ground clearance can make it jiggle over potholes.
Not for highways: Gasps for breath past 50 and runs out of lungs on highway forcing you to slow before passing confidence is gained.
Divisive design: Some people will love the look, while others may feel it looks a bit too outlandish.
MG Comet EV : Final Verdict
The MG Comet EV proves to be a smart option for anyone after a second home car or a daily urban runabout that’s easy to drive, tech-laden, and eco-friendly.
It is not the car for long-range flexibility or generous boot space, or official enough of an appearance to make a statement of intent,
but for zipping around town, few cars make more sense.
The Comet proves that in the EV era, small really can be beautiful, so long as you know what you’re getting into.