MG Comet: The Stellar Revolution Unleashed!
7/15/2023 • India • Reviews
Step into the land of Pharaohs, where ancient wonders harmoniously coexist with modern marvels. Amongst the faded elegance of a vintage Mercedes W123 from the late '70s, a car catches my eye, almost making me leap out of my seat with excitement. Behold, the soon-to-be-launched baby MG EV, affectionately named the Comet! Imported specifically to transport delegates of the COP 27 climate summit, this electric vehicle offers an environmentally friendly solution without compromising on style or performance. It's a car that commands attention, with its audacious design and futuristic charm.
A serendipitous encounter at a traffic light leads me on a captivating journey. I'm captivated by its unique appeal, prompting me to rearrange my plans and seize this remarkable opportunity. Determined to experience the Comet firsthand, I dedicate the following day to organizing a photoshoot with our talented team, scouting for picturesque locations that will truly showcase the car's splendor. The allure of the pyramids and the sphinx will have to wait, as the Comet demands our immediate attention.
Prepare to be mesmerized as we delve into the intricacies of the MG Comet. This review will unveil its revolutionary features, innovative technologies, and unparalleled driving experience. Egypt's mystique meets modernity in this extraordinary automotive gem, and it's a spectacle you won't want to miss. Join us as we embark on a thrilling exploration of the MG Comet, an electrifying journey where legends truly collide.
MG Comet: Electrifying the Roads with Revolutionary Design, Mighty Battery, and Unleashed Powertrain
As I approached the MG Comet, I couldn't help but recall the wise words of Nissan's design guru, Shiro Nakamura. He once quipped, "Future EVs will still be cars, not featureless pods. Beautifully styled, full of attractive details, and good design would still play a massive role in their success." Well, let me tell you, Nakamura-san hit the nail on the head. This little electric charmer, the MG Comet, embodies his vision flawlessly. Far from a soulless contraption, it exudes freshness, boldness, attractiveness, and a dash of non-conventionality. This is no ordinary hatchback; it's a lifestyle EV that takes the genre to a whole new level of awesomeness.
My eyes instantly fixated on the Comet's unique front end. That mini shelf-like bonnet breaks up the monotony of its monovolume design. And the strip of piano-black chrome and LED running around the front and rear adds a touch of sophistication. But the real eye-catcher? Those low-placed headlights with chrome brackets that give it an upmarket feel. Trust me, this car knows how to make an entrance!
But wait, there's more! The Comet's party piece is its "pillarless look" created by the flush-mounted front windscreen, front quarter glass, side window, and that funky "dropped" rear window. It's radical, my friends. Pound for pound, this compact dynamo exudes more attitude than its competitors combined. Picture this: it's just 2.9 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, rides on tiny 12-inch wheels, and boasts slender 145mm tires. Talk about packing a punch in a compact package!
Now, let's delve into the intriguing specs. Despite carrying a 17.3kWh battery, the Comet weighs a mere 815kg. And here's the funny part: the motor sends a modest 40.7hp to the rear wheels. Hey, it's not about the horsepower, it's about how you use it! Oh, and did I mention it rocks disc brakes on all four wheels? This little firecracker means business. Of course, range anxiety is always lurking in the back of our minds, but fear not! The Comet claims a respectable range of 200 to 250km on a fully topped-up battery. Perfect for zipping around the city with confidence. Just be prepared to wait 8.5 hours for a full charge from 0 to 100 percent. There's a tiny hiccup, though—no DC charging facility. But hey, nobody's perfect, right?
In a world where EVs are breaking free from the pod-like stereotypes, the MG Comet stands tall as an embodiment of charismatic charm. It proves that electric cars can be electrifying in more ways than one. Buckle up and get ready to embrace the magnetic personality of the MG Comet. It's a ride that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear.
A Cabin of Wonders, Boundless Space, and Cutting-Edge Features
Step into the MG Comet, and prepare to be greeted with a resounding "wow!" The moment you open the door, it becomes clear that no corners were cut in creating this interior. There's an unmistakable absence of cheap plastic or crude elements that would make you question its quality. Instead, you're greeted with a bright and inviting cabin, filled with high-quality materials that exude elegance. It's a refreshing departure from the typical cost-conscious design choices.
One glance at the meticulously crafted steering wheel, and you can't help but be impressed. It even bears a resemblance to the iconic click wheels of Apple's iPod. Moving your eyes around, you'll notice the twin 10.25-inch screens perfectly aligned, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's design philosophy. The rotary air-conditioning controls, housed within a solid billet of aluminum, add a touch of sophistication. And let's not forget the knurled chrome finish on the rotary gear selector, nestled in its own little pod. Even the door pads boast a refined gray and white finish.
The touchscreen functionality is top-notch, with sharp graphics, a slick interface, and a logical layout that makes navigation a breeze. The icing on the cake? You can personalize your home screen by moving widgets around to suit your preferences. While the placement of the screens doesn't impede forward visibility, the steering wheel can obstruct parts of the instrument panel. However, there are a few minor quibbles to note, such as the absence of a glovebox, the potential for shoulder-rubbing when two large passengers sit side by side during cornering, the lack of a spare tire, and the need to fold one of the rear seats forward to access the boot, which splits 50:50.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the MG Comet impresses with its spaciousness and comfort, particularly up front. Although the cabin isn't overly wide, the EV architecture with its flat floor and tall roof creates an airy ambience. The white and gray color scheme further enhances the sense of space. The large front seats, boasting integrated headrests, are luxuriously soft and offer excellent shoulder support, ensuring hours of comfortable cruising.
To access the rear seats, you'll need to fold the front seats forward and slide past. However, the process is relatively hassle-free, thanks to the wide aperture between the front seat and door that allows for easy entry. Once seated in the rear, legroom and headroom prove adequate, complemented by the generous natural light flooding through the long rear window. However, the seats are positioned low, requiring a knees-up sitting position, and the fixed headrests are on the smaller side.
When it comes to safety and features, the MG Comet doesn't disappoint. ABS, twin airbags, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and the possibility of ESP in the top-of-the-line Indian models provide a reassuring level of protection. Additional features include an electric parking brake, hill start assist, LED head and tail lamps, and keyless entry, among others.
Get ready to be amazed as the MG Comet showcases its meticulously designed interior, spaciousness, and an array of impressive features. It's a testament to MG's commitment to crafting a captivating and enjoyable driving experience. Step inside and embark on a journey where comfort and sophistication intertwine seamlessly.
Unleashing Electrifying Performance: MG Comet's Thrilling Ride and Agile Handling
Despite its modest 40.7hp, the MG Comet's lightweight nature allows it to feel incredibly sprightly. The torque is instantly available as soon as you tap the accelerator, providing a progressive build-up of power. While it may not offer a sudden surge, a generous application of the right foot easily propels the Comet past slower traffic.
Between 40 and 70kph, the Comet truly shines, offering mini bursts of acceleration with just a slight tap of the throttle. Engaging the Sport mode further enhances the car's responsiveness, providing an extra boost. However, performance begins to taper off once you exceed 85kph, with speed increasing gradually. The top speed on the clock reads 105kph, translating to roughly 100kph in real-world conditions.
Surprisingly, stability at higher speeds is commendable, considering the Comet's small 12-inch wheels and narrow track. Nevertheless, over undulations, small corrections may be necessary as the car shifts and shuffles. The driving position offers a good view outside, and the car sits at a comfortable height. The brakes inspire confidence, with a surprisingly good pedal feel and ample stopping power. Additionally, the Comet provides three levels of regenerative braking, allowing you to customize the car's behavior to your liking.
In the city, the MG Comet truly shines, showcasing its light steering, instant response from the electric motor, and smooth ride quality. The car's lightness makes it refreshingly easy to maneuver through urban streets. It handles everyday bumps and rough patches with impressive damping and control, minimizing any jolts or disturbances from the suspension. However, it's important to note that larger potholes and significant dips can upset the Comet's composure, necessitating a slowdown or avoidance.
Riding in silence, the Comet exhibits minimal road noise and only a slight whine from the electric motor at higher speeds. It handles larger speed breakers with ease. While its agility in the city is commendable, the Comet is not particularly fond of being pushed hard in corners. It exhibits noticeable body roll, even at medium speeds, and the grip from the narrow tires is limited. As such, the car is best enjoyed when driven in a relaxed manner.
The MG Comet thrives in urban environments, where its nimble handling, instant response, and smooth ride make it a delight to drive. While it may not be a corner-carving enthusiast's dream, its lightweight nature and effortless maneuverability make it an ideal companion for everyday city adventures.
MG Comet: Electrifying the Urban Landscape with Style and Ease
As cities become increasingly congested and driving becomes more challenging, the demand for a modern compact city car that's comfortable, agile, and easy to navigate is greater than ever. Ideally, it should boast a well-crafted interior, generous tech features, and impressive efficiency. While compromises are inevitable, the MG Comet manages to tick many of these boxes, presenting a truly fresh and unique offering.
Of course, there are areas where the Comet falls slightly short. A bit more interior width would have been welcomed, and some may desire a touch more performance. Additionally, the three-door configuration might not suit everyone's preferences. Furthermore, accessing the boot requires folding down the rear seats, and the range limitations of the battery make the Comet more suitable for city driving.
However, if you're in search of a compact city car that offers a small environmental footprint, low running costs, remarkable comfort, advanced technology, and an effortlessly light driving experience, the MG Comet could be the lifestyle EV you've been waiting for. It may be ahead of its time, and some may consider other options in the price range of around Rs 8-12 lakh. Nonetheless, the MG Comet has arrived, beckoning all early adopters and first movers. The question is, are you ready to embrace the future?
authors profile
Arushi Jain
Progressing designer. Part time auto blogger.