Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer the future; they are the present. As the automotive industry rapidly shifts towards electrification, MG Motor has emerged as a significant player in the EV space. The MG Comet EV, with its compact dimensions and urban-friendly design, has been designed to cater to the needs of city dwellers looking for an environmentally friendly mode of transport. But how does it hold up when used in real-world conditions over an extended period? I spent a week with the MG Comet EV to find out. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the experience.
Day 1: First Impressions and Design Aesthetics
Exterior Design
The MG Comet EV is immediately striking due to its compact size. It’s clear that this car was designed with the urban environment in mind. The exterior is modern and somewhat futuristic, with clean lines and a sleek silhouette that sets it apart from many other EVs in its category. The front fascia is dominated by a large, closed-off grille, a common feature in electric cars, as they don’t require the extensive airflow needed by internal combustion engines. The LED headlights are slim and wrap around the sides, giving the car a distinct, purposeful look.
One of the most eye-catching features is the unique wheel design. The aerodynamic alloy wheels not only contribute to the car’s efficiency but also add to its overall aesthetic appeal. The MG Comet EV has a balanced look, with proportions that make it seem larger than it is. The compact dimensions make it perfect for tight parking spots and congested city streets, which are typical of urban driving.
Interior Design and Comfort
Stepping inside the MG Comet EV, the cabin immediately impresses with its minimalist yet functional design. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on maximizing space and ease of use. The materials used are a mix of soft-touch plastics and fabric, which, while not luxurious, feel durable and well-suited for daily use.
The seating position is high, providing a commanding view of the road, which is essential for a city car. The seats themselves are comfortable, with decent support for short to medium-length journeys. However, on longer drives, the lack of lumbar support becomes noticeable. The rear seats are surprisingly spacious given the car’s compact exterior, although they are better suited for two adults rather than three.
Storage space is adequate, with door pockets, cupholders, and a small center console. The boot is small, as expected, but folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area significantly, allowing for more versatility.
Day 2: Technology and Infotainment
Infotainment System
One of the highlights of the MG Comet EV is its infotainment system. The car comes equipped with a large touchscreen display that serves as the hub for all connectivity and entertainment functions. The interface is intuitive, with crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. It’s easy to navigate through the menus, and the layout is logical, making it simple to access key features while driving.
The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. This makes it easy to use navigation apps, stream music, and make hands-free calls. The sound system is decent, providing clear audio for both music and calls, although it’s not on par with premium systems found in higher-end models.
Connectivity Features
The MG Comet EV also impresses with its connectivity options. The car is equipped with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and even an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot feature (depending on the trim level). These features make it easy to stay connected on the go, whether you need to charge your devices or stream content during a longer drive.
Another notable feature is the MG iSmart app, which allows you to control various aspects of the car remotely. You can check the battery status, set the climate control before getting into the car, and even locate the vehicle if you’ve forgotten where you parked. These smart features enhance the overall user experience, making the MG Comet EV a tech-savvy choice for urban drivers.
Day 3: Driving Dynamics and Performance
Powertrain and Acceleration
The MG Comet EV is powered by a single electric motor that delivers a modest amount of power, making it well-suited for city driving. The instant torque, characteristic of electric motors, provides a surprising amount of pep when accelerating from a standstill. While it’s not a performance vehicle by any means, the Comet EV feels quick and responsive at lower speeds, which is perfect for navigating through city traffic.
However, when you push the car harder or take it out on the highway, the limitations of its powertrain become more apparent. The acceleration tapers off noticeably at higher speeds, and overtaking requires some planning. That said, this is not a car designed for high-speed driving; its strength lies in urban commuting, where its quick acceleration and nimble handling shine.
Handling and Ride Quality
The MG Comet EV’s handling is one of its strong points. The compact size and light weight make it incredibly easy to maneuver through tight city streets and into small parking spaces. The steering is light but precise, offering good feedback for an electric vehicle. The low center of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, provides stability, and the car feels planted even during quick direction changes.
The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, which is ideal for its intended use. It soaks up most road imperfections with ease, providing a smooth ride over uneven surfaces. However, larger potholes and bumps can cause some jarring, a common trait in smaller, lighter vehicles.
Noise insulation is generally good, especially at lower speeds, but road noise becomes more noticeable as you pick up speed. The electric motor is almost silent, contributing to a serene driving experience, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
Day 4: Range and Charging
Battery Life and Real-World Range
One of the most critical aspects of any electric vehicle is its range, and the MG Comet EV performs admirably in this regard, especially considering its size and intended use. The car is equipped with a battery pack that provides a claimed range of around 150-200 kilometers on a full charge, depending on driving conditions and usage.
During my week with the Comet EV, I found that the real-world range was closer to the lower end of this spectrum, especially when driving in heavy traffic with frequent stops and starts. However, for a typical day of urban commuting, the range is more than adequate. On average, I was able to cover around 130-140 kilometers on a single charge, which included a mix of city driving, short highway stretches, and some idling time in traffic.
Charging Options
Charging the MG Comet EV is straightforward, with multiple options available depending on your needs and infrastructure. The car supports both standard AC charging and faster DC charging. Using a standard home charger, the battery takes around 6-8 hours to fully charge, making it ideal for overnight charging.
For those who need to top up quickly, DC fast charging is a viable option, reducing charging time significantly. During my week with the Comet EV, I used a public fast charger, which brought the battery from 20% to 80% in just under 45 minutes. This is particularly useful if you’re out and about and need to quickly add some range.
One of the key takeaways from this experience is the importance of planning your charging schedule, especially if you’re relying solely on public chargers. While the Comet EV’s range is sufficient for most daily commutes, having access to reliable charging infrastructure is crucial for longer trips.
Day 5: Practicality and Everyday Usability
Urban Friendliness
The MG Comet EV is designed for the city, and it shows in its day-to-day practicality. The compact dimensions make it incredibly easy to navigate through congested streets, and parking is a breeze even in tight spaces. The high seating position and large windows provide excellent visibility, which is essential for urban driving.
The turning radius is impressively tight, allowing for quick U-turns and easy maneuvering in crowded areas. The regenerative braking system, which helps recharge the battery during deceleration, is well-calibrated, offering smooth transitions without being overly intrusive.
Cargo Space and Storage
While the MG Comet EV is not a large vehicle, it makes the most of its interior space. The boot, as mentioned earlier, is on the smaller side, but it’s sufficient for daily errands and light shopping trips. For larger items or more luggage, the rear seats can be folded down, providing a flat load floor and expanding the cargo capacity significantly.
Inside the cabin, there are numerous storage compartments, including door pockets, a glovebox, and a center console. The overall design prioritizes usability, with easy access to controls and storage spaces that are genuinely practical.
Family-Friendliness
For small families, the MG Comet EV offers a reasonable level of practicality. The rear seats are spacious enough for two adults or three children, making it a viable option for short trips around town. However, if you regularly need to transport larger families or undertake long road trips, the limited rear legroom and cargo space might be a constraint.
Safety features, including airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control, come standard, providing peace of mind for families. The car also offers ISOFIX anchor points for child seats, further enhancing its family-friendly credentials.
Day 6: Cost of Ownership and Value Proposition
Running Costs
One of the significant advantages of owning an electric vehicle is the lower running costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The MG Comet EV is no exception. With electricity being cheaper than gasoline and the car’s relatively low energy consumption, the day-to-day running costs are minimal.
Maintenance costs are also lower, as EVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes or exhaust system repairs. During my week with the Comet EV,