MG Comet review, road test

Can MG’s mould-breaking EV redefine the concept of an urban hatchback? We put it through our instrumented tests to find out.

Published on Jul 19, 2023 08:00:00 AM

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The Comet is built on SAIC-GM-Wuling’s Global Small Electric Vehicle (GSEV) platform, which also underpins other micro EVs. It’s produced at the firm’s plant in Gujarat, with over 60 percent localisation, and MG has an ambitious target of 25,000 units annually, which is close to what the Tata Tiago EV sells.

Clockwise from left: 12-inch wheels look puny; LED headlamps have an excellent throw and spread: Attractive LED lightbar runs the width of the boot; Tiny bonnet warrants a visit to MG’s workshop to replace 12V battery.

Thanks to its born-electric platform, this isn’t a conventional two-box hatchback as there is no provision for an internal combustion engine and gearbox. Instead, the Comet has an almost monovolume body shell designed to be as compact as possible while maximising cabin space. Its 17.3kWh lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery is placed beneath the front seats, the motor controller is up front, and the 42hp electric motor is at the back driving the rear wheels.

It appears like a neatly sculpted tall cube with wheels stretched at extreme corners, and has a wheelbase of 2,010mm. In fact, the Comet is rather cleverly packaged – at 2,974mm in length, it is the shortest passenger car in India. However, it is 15mm wider than an Alto, and at 1,650mm, it is just 25mm shorter than a WagonR. And no, it isn’t classified as a quadricycle in India, since its weight and top speed at 817kg and 101kph, respectively, are above the limit.

Clockwise from left: Solidly built front doors open wide; Nifty buckle on the seats ensure seat belts are within easy reach; It gets a tyre inflator kit; Tyre pressure loss indicator needs to be reset after each inflation.

One thing is for sure, it doesn’t look like a low-cost runabout; instead, it looks posh and upmarket thanks to the generous use of chrome on its body and stunning LED light bars at the front and rear. From certain angles, its disproportionate wheel-to-body ratio due to its tiny 12-inch wheels and a slab-sided tall-boy profile make it appear a bit comical. But there’s just no disregarding the Comet’s charm, and its ability to draw attention with its uniqueness.

MG has limited the Comet’s colour palette to just four shades. On the flipside, the company is giving buyers the option to personalise their cars with a plethora of funky body stickers and graphics.