Bollywood actor Rohit Roy ditches luxury cars for the eco-friendly MG Comet EV. He praises its spacious interior, ease of use, and suitability for Mumbai traffic. Despite its compact size, the Comet boasts tech features and a decent range. Starting at Rs 7.98 lakh, it’s a more affordable option than rivals like the Tata Tiago EV and Citroen eC3. Roy’s choice reflects a shift towards sustainable driving and sets an example for others.
Bollywood heartthrob Rohit Roy has added a surprising new member to his car collection: the compact and electric MG Comet EV. This move marks a shift away from the typical image of luxury gas-guzzlers associated with celebrities, and towards a more environmentally conscious choice.
Following fellow actor Suniel Shetty’s recent purchase of the Comet, Roy opted for the Candy White finish, mirroring the color of his existing MG Hector. While MG offers exterior theme packs for customization, Roy kept his Comet sleek and simple.
Sharing his reason for choosing the Comet on Instagram, Roy highlighted its practicality: “It’s HUGE INSIDE while being easy to manoeuvre even on the most crowded Mumbai streets. And the ease of operation is unparalleled… you get into the driver’s seat and she’s good to go!!”
Beyond his recent roles in “Mumbai Saga” and “Forensic,” Roy is also known for his performances in “Kaabil” and the Bengali film “Chengiz.” Aside from his pair of MGs, his car collection boasts a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a recent addition: the sleek Ultraviolette F77 motorcycle.
Despite its compact size, the Comet EV packs a punch in terms of features. A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver’s display, and wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keep the interior comfortable and connected. Powering it all is a 17.3 kWh battery pack paired with a 42 PS electric motor, offering a claimed range of 230 km.
Starting at Rs 7.98 lakh (ex-showroom), the Comet EV positions itself as a smaller and more affordable alternative to options like the Tata Tiago EV and Citroen eC3. In choosing this eco-friendly ride, Rohit Roy proves that style and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, setting a silent yet impactful example for others to follow.
Special Editions
- Gamer Edition:Â This limited-edition variant features a sporty design with red accents, gaming-inspired decals, and themed interiors with red stitching and bucket seats. It also comes pre-loaded with popular racing games.
- LIT Packs:Â These optional packages offer personalization options like exterior graphics, illuminated door sill plates, and custom floor mats.
Technical details
- Battery type:Â Prismatic Li-ion, known for their high energy density and improved safety compared to conventional pouch cells.
- Charging options:Â Supports both AC and DC fast charging. DC fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in just 50 minutes.
- Regenerative braking:Â Helps regain some energy lost during braking, improving efficiency and extending range.
Other unique features
- Air-purifying system:Â Removes pollutants and allergens from the cabin, improving air quality.
- Connected car features:Â MG’s i-SMART technology allows remote control of various functions, vehicle location tracking, and real-time charging station information.
Awards and Recognition
- Won the awards in the Electric Car category.
- Recognized for its design, value for money, and practicality by various automotive publications.
Beyond the Obvious: Unique Reasons MG Launched the Comet EV in India
While the stated reasons for launching the Comet EV – capitalizing on EV demand and offering a premium alternative – hold weight, here are some less-discussed factors that might have influenced MG’s decision:
Strategic positioning within the MG Brand Portfolio:
- Stepping stone to higher segments: The Comet acts as a gateway drug to the MG brand, attracting new customers who might later upgrade to their pricier ZS EV or Hector Hybrid.
- Image diversification: The affordable Comet balances the perception of MG solely being a premium carmaker, attracting a wider audience and fostering brand loyalty.
Data Acquisition and User Insights
- Gathering real-world EV usage data: The Comet serves as a testbed for MG to understand user behaviour, charging patterns, and preferences in the Indian EV market.
- Shaping future EV offerings: Insights from the Comet’s performance will inform the development of MG’s future electric vehicle lineup, catering to specific user needs.
Compliance with EV regulations
- A proactive approach to stricter emission norms: Launching the Comet helps MG comply with India’s increasingly stringent emission regulations, future-proofing its presence in the market.
- Gaining government favour: Early investment in EVs positions MG favourably for potential government incentives and partnerships related to EV infrastructure development.
Leveraging partnerships and local production
- Capitalizing on existing partnerships:Â MG’s collaboration with Indian companies like Tata Power for charging infrastructure could benefit the Comet’s adoption.
- Promoting local manufacturing: The Comet’s high level of localization allows MG to benefit from government incentives and reduce production costs, making it more competitive.
Building brand image and social responsibility
- Promoting MG as a sustainable brand: The Comet reinforces MG’s commitment to sustainability and electric mobility, enhancing its brand image among environmentally conscious consumers.
- Contributing to India’s EV ecosystem: By offering an affordable and practical EV option, MG contributes to the overall growth and development of the Indian electric vehicle market.
These are just a few potential reasons, and the true motivations behind the launch might be a combination of these factors or entirely different ones. By considering these less-obvious possibilities, we gain a more nuanced understanding of the strategic thinking behind MG’s entry into the Indian EV market with the Comet EV.
