The processing model at Autocar India’s Fleet program adopted new procedures because of the MG Comet’s arrival. Before the MG Comet entered the scene we relied on hatchbacks for everyday drives but needed Hormazd or others to let us borrow bigger vehicles when we wanted to leave town. Automobile development has moved from small hatchbacks toward large Sport Utility Vehicles making this trend obsolete.
Anecdotes from a Year with the MG Comet
The authors sincerely express their gratitude to MG for the valuable opportunity to have the Comet in the test fleet for 12 consecutive months. Multiple useful insights were obtained through extensive use of the Comet over this extended timeframe and will be provided to its new operator. Due to its weight consideration and practical features the MG Comet showed exceptional capabilities during normal daily operations. Here are some highlights:
Versatility in Transport
- Grocery Hauls: The driver performed multiple large shopping trips while showing no sign of difficulty.
- Transporting a Tropical Plant: Carried a sizeable tropical plant effortlessly, much to everyone’s amusement.
- Airport Runs: While going through security at the airport we used the two large luggage pieces and had to fold down the back seat to fit them.
Personal Experience in the Back Seat
- Space and Comfort: Rear seat passengers find enough legroom yet experience discomforts because of the bumpy driving experience.
- Air Conditioning: Front passenger seats dominate the airflow from the air conditioner which reduces its efficiency throughout the whole vehicle.
- View and Windows: Despite restricted visibility ahead passengers can find entertainment from plane-covered windows yet these forward-facing windows make back-seat passengers feel exposed to others.
The MG Comet proves how sensible smaller vehicles can be yet it demands rear passengers to sacrifice some comfort.
Limitations and Updates: A Closer Look at the MG Comet
Despite being efficient and practical the MG Comet faces important drawbacks from its limited 17.3kWh battery capacity and slow charging performance. The recent product improvements from MG address critical issues which have made their electric vehicle more accessible and safer. Here’s a breakdown:
Small Battery Capacity: A 17.3kWh battery system restricts travel range while demanding often frequent charging sessions.
Slow Charging Speed: Due to its 3.3kW maximum charging speed the Comet’s charging time matches larger electric vehicles despite its smaller 17.3kWh battery.
Office Charging Constraints: The 11kW charging station at work exposes the Comet’s prolonged charging time since it performs slower than most electric vehicles.
Recommended and New Features
7.4kW Charger: The introduction of 7.4kW charging capabilities has become essential for potential buyers as it delivers faster charging and should be their top priority purchase feature.
Creep Mode: Owners can now benefit from creep mode as an added feature for better vehicle control during slow forwards movements.
Hill Hold Assist: With the installation of hill hold assist technology users gain confidence during uphill drives.
Upgraded Brakes: The updated braking system improves performance to reduce the unscheduled stops that characterize existing model operations.
Comet model updates enhance the vehicle by fixing basic drawbacks to deliver better operational safety and user experience.
OTA Updates and Smart Features: Convenience with a Few Quirks
Over-the-air (OTA) updates along with proximity-based door locking features complete the modern conveniences that the MG Comet provides to make driving more convenient. The device features that utilize over-the-air (OTA) updates and smart functionality create inconveniences when actually used every day. Here’s a detailed look:
OTA Updates
- Alerts on Screen: Vehicle firmware update notifications regularly appear however users must maintain strict attention to download then install these software updates which take multiple minutes.
- Inconvenience: These updates require strict concentration so people find it difficult to find suitable moments for completing them particularly among drivers who aim to start their activities quickly.
Smart Locking System
- Proximity-Based Locking: The car’s smart locking system automatically connects and disconnects door locks whenever you get close or away while removing the need for manual button use.
- Automatic Shutdown: The system automatically turns off both the car and locks it when the doors secure. Automatic car shutdown creates a problem since the vehicle requires a restart after you return following brief departures such as gate usage.
- Possible Workaround: The auto-shutdown feature can be disabled but cannot be immediately detected by users.
Driver convenience features were designed to improve usability but their existing implementation might benefit from adjustments to enhance performance.
Conclusion
The MG Comet with its compact design and innovative features, showcases the potential of small EVs in urban settings. While it impresses with its versatility, efficiency and practicality, certain limitations like charging speed, rear passenger comfort and quirks in its smart features highlight areas for improvement.
However, with recent updates such as the 7.4kW charger, creep mode and hill hold assist, MG has taken significant steps to address these concerns, making the Comet a more refined and user-friendly vehicle. The Comet is a testament to the growing relevance of smaller EVs, balancing innovation and practicality with room for further refinement.