Two Different Takes on Budget EVs
Affordable electric cars in India are evolving quickly, and two models stand out for buyers looking to enter the EV space without stretching the budget: the MG Comet and the Tata Tiago EV.
What makes this comparison interesting is how different these two cars are in philosophy. One is a compact, futuristic urban commuter designed primarily for city use. The other is a conventional hatchback adapted into an electric vehicle, offering broader practicality.
With a facelift of the Tiago EV expected soon, many buyers are wondering whether to wait or go for the Comet right now. Let’s break this down section by section.
Verdict: If you’re deciding purely between these two, the choice depends less on price and more on how you plan to use the car.
Price and Positioning
- MG Comet Price: ₹7.50 lakh to ₹9.99 lakh BaaS Option: Starting at ₹4.99 lakh + ₹3.1/km
- Tata Tiago EV Price: ₹7.99 lakh to ₹11.14 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Comet clearly targets the lowest possible entry price, especially with the Battery-as-a-Service option, which significantly reduces upfront cost.
The Tiago EV, however, justifies its higher pricing by offering more range options, more performance, and the practicality of a full-sized hatchback.
From my perspective, the Tiago EV feels like a more “complete car,” while the Comet feels like a specialized urban tool.
Verdict: Choose Comet if upfront cost is the top priority. Choose Tiago EV if overall value and usability matter more.
Design and Road Presence
MG Comet: Funky and Attention-Grabbing
The Comet is unlike anything else on Indian roads. Its tall-boy stance, ultra-short length, LED light bars, and airplane-style rear windows make it look more like a concept vehicle than a traditional car. Custom color packs and graphics make it even more distinctive.
I’ve noticed that even people who don’t like the design still notice it instantly, which says a lot about its road presence.
Tata Tiago EV: Familiar but Updated
The Tiago EV sticks to the conventional hatchback look but gets EV-specific touches like a piano-black grille, LED lighting, and new wheel designs. It doesn’t stand out dramatically, but it looks clean and mature.
If you prefer subtlety, the Tiago EV will appeal more.
Verdict: Comet wins on uniqueness and attention; Tiago EV wins on conventional appeal and broader acceptance.
Interior and Features
MG Comet Interior Experience
The Comet’s cabin feels surprisingly premium for its price. Highlights include:
- Dual 10.25-inch screens
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Premium-feeling plastics and design
- Rotary drive selector
- Minimalist dashboard
However, practicality is limited:
- No rear AC vents
- Very limited boot space with seats up
- Narrow seats and limited under-thigh support
Tata Tiago EV Interior Experience
The Tiago EV offers:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- More storage spaces
- Better overall practicality
But it isn’t perfect:
- Fabric upholstery feels like a downgrade in top variants
- Instrument cluster feels basic
- Some fit-and-finish inconsistencies have been reported
Personally, the Comet feels more modern, but the Tiago EV feels more usable day-to-day.
Verdict: Comet feels more premium and futuristic; Tiago EV is more practical and functional.
Space and Practicality
MG Comet
- Comfortable for four people in city use
- Rear access requires folding seats (350 Litre when folded)
- Boot space is minimal unless seats are folded
- Large doors require space to open
The Comet works best as a second or third car.
Tata Tiago EV
- Proper 4-door layout
- 240-litre boot
- Better rear-seat usability
- Easier ingress and egress
If this is going to be your only car, the Tiago EV makes far more sense.
Verdict: MG Comet is great for quick city commute, while the Tiago EV wins in practicality and family usability.
Performance, Battery, and Range
MG Comet
- 17.3 kWh battery
- 230 km claimed range
- 42 PS, 110 Nm
- Top speed: 101 km/h
- 0–100 km/h: 19.9 seconds
Designed purely for city mobility, and it shows.
Tata Tiago EV
- 19.2 kWh or 24 kWh battery
- 250 km to 315 km range
- 60–74 bhp
- 0–60 km/h in 5.7–6.2 seconds
- DC fast charging: 10–80% in ~58 minutes
The Tiago EV feels significantly stronger and more versatile.
From a driving standpoint, I feel the Tiago EV is better suited for mixed usage, including occasional highway trips.
Verdict: Tiago EV wins comfortably in performance, charging flexibility, and range.
Charging and Ownership Convenience
MG Comet
- AC charging only
- 7 hours on 3.3 kW charger
- Faster AC charging in select variants
Tata Tiago EV
- DC fast charging supported
- Multiple home charging options
- Faster turnaround times for longer trips
For urban-only users with home charging, the Comet works fine. For flexibility, the Tiago EV is better.
Verdict: If you plan on only using Home Chargers, then MG Comet has little to no drawbacks. Tiago EV offers more flexibility and future-proofing.
Safety and Equipment
MG Comet
- Dual airbags
- TPMS
- Hill hold
- Rear camera
Tata Tiago EV
- Dual airbags
- TPMS
- Stability features depending on variant
- Reverse camera with guidelines
Both cars cover the basics, though neither is class-leading in safety tech.
Verdict: This section is largely a tie, though variant-to-variant comparison matters.
Should You Wait for the Tiago EV Facelift?
Spy shots suggest minor updates, mostly cosmetic and feature tweaks rather than major mechanical changes. If you need a car immediately, waiting may not deliver a dramatic upgrade.
If you’re not in a hurry, waiting could still make sense for potential feature improvements or pricing adjustments.
Verdict: Wait only if you are not in urgent need of a car; otherwise, the current Tiago EV remains a solid choice.
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Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the MG Comet if:
- You need a city-only car
- You want the lowest upfront EV cost
- You already own another primary car
- Parking space is tight and urban driving dominates
Buy the Tata Tiago EV if:
- This will be your only car
- You want more range and flexibility
- You occasionally drive on highways
- You value practicality over novelty
My personal take: the Comet is one of the smartest urban mobility tools available today, but the Tiago EV is the better all-rounder for most buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs
Q. Is the MG Comet good as a primary car?
- Not really. It works best as a second car for city commutes due to limited range, speed, and practicality.
Q. Is the Tata Tiago EV good for highways?
- Yes, for short to moderate highway drives. Its higher speed capability and fast-charging support make it more versatile than the Comet.
Q. Which EV is cheaper to run?
- Both are inexpensive to run, but the Comet with the BaaS plan can reduce initial ownership cost significantly.
Q. Is it worth waiting for the Tiago EV facelift?
- If you are not in urgent need, waiting could bring small feature upgrades. However, major mechanical changes are unlikely.
Q. Which EV is better for families?
- The Tata Tiago EV, thanks to its four-door layout, larger boot, and better rear-seat usability.
