The Indian car market has changed rapidly in the last few years. Buyers no longer choose vehicles only on the basis of fuel type or badge value. Today, lifestyle needs, commuting patterns, and safety expectations are equally important. In this changing landscape, two very different vehicles from the same brand have caught the attention of city drivers and family car buyers alike: the MG Astor and the MG Comet EV.
On paper, these two cars could not be further apart. One is a compact SUV aimed at families who want space, comfort, and an SUV stance. The other is a tiny electric runabout designed for urban ease, efficiency, and manoeuvrability. But when you look closely, they are both responses to what Indian buyers increasingly demand: cars that fit their everyday life rather than simply looking good in a showroom.
First Impressions: SUV Size vs Compact EV
Following the traditional path of a family SUV, the MG Astor is a safe choice in its segment. Its proportions fall squarely in the compact SUV category, though it has a bold, homely flair and a wide stance. Features such as the front grille with the celestial pattern of the celestial body, LED day running lamps, and alloy wheels provide a more prestigious view on the roads of India.
The MG Comet EV, by contrast, is just the opposite. Its overall length is less than 3 metres, and its width of just over 1.5 metres has been determined to fit into the narrowest of streets in the hunt to make every inch count. The boxy shape and oversized height give it an eccentric appearance, but everything about it is practical. The Comet EV is also suited to at-a-pinch parking in tight urban places or passage through market lanes.
Dimensions and Space
| Specification | MG Astor | MG Comet EV |
| Length (mm) | 4323 | 2974 |
| Width (mm) | 1809 | 1505 |
| Height (mm) | 1650 | 1640 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2585 | 2010 |
| Turning Radius | – | 4.2 m |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 (optimised for city) |
For families, the Astor clearly wins with extra cabin width and a longer wheelbase. The Comet EV, though, makes up for its compact size and excellent manoeuvrability for city driving.
Comfort and Everyday Usability
Both cars showcase how expectations have shifted in India. Buyers now look for features that make daily driving easier rather than only focusing on engine size.
Astor highlights:
- Panoramic sunroof (in higher trims)
- Ventilated front seats
- Ambient mood lighting
- Large touchscreen infotainment with connected car features
- Spacious rear seat and practical boot space
Comet EV highlights:
- Digital LCD cluster (17.7 cm or 26 cm, depending on variant)
- Keyless entry and digital key sharing
- Creep mode for stop-go traffic
- Compact footprint with easy parking ability
- Smart connectivity features for short commutes
Powertrain and Performance
| Specification | MG Astor (Petrol) | MG Comet EV |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5-litre petrol | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Power Output | 110 PS @ 6000 rpm | 42 PS |
| Torque | 144 Nm @ 4400 rpm | 110 Nm (instant) |
| Transmission | 5MT / CVT | Automatic (single speed) |
| Fuel / Battery | Petrol, 48 L tank | 17.3 kWh battery |
| Range / Efficiency | Long-distance ready | ~230 km per charge |
Safety Comparison
| Feature | MG Astor | MG Comet EV |
| Airbags | Up to 6 | Dual front airbags |
| ABS + EBD | ✔ | ✔ |
| Traction / Stability Control | ✔ | Available on higher trims |
| Hill Hold Control | ✔ | – |
| Rear Parking Camera | ✔ | ✔ (higher trims) |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | ✔ | ✔ |
| ISOFIX Child Anchor | ✔ | ✔ |
| Disc Brakes (all wheels) | ✔ | Front disc / rear drum |
Driving Experience
Performance in India is often a balance between power and practicality.
- The MG Astor feels at ease on highways, with suspension tuned for comfort and confidence. Long-distance trips with family are where it shows its value.
- The MG Comet EV thrives in congested streets. The instant torque delivery makes quick gaps easier to exploit, and its tiny footprint means parking is never a headache.
Everyday Suitability
Think about your daily routine. Do you spend most of your time navigating congested roads and struggling for parking? Or do you often take family trips where luggage and comfort matter more?
- The MG Astor feels more suited for families in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities who want a single car that can handle school runs, office commutes, and outstation trips alike.
- The MG Comet EV is more attractive for younger buyers, couples, or even retirees who want something easy to drive, easy to park, and economical to run in urban settings.
Conclusion
There is no one-time winner in this, as these two vehicles meet very different needs. The MG Astor can only be described as a very utilitarian family SUV with a practicality that appeals to an individual seeking comfort and roominess. The MG Comet EV, comparatively, is a modern-day urban commuting vehicle that is geared to make short trips in the urban landscape fun, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective in the long term.
The question is not really what is the better car for an Indian buyer, but what car best fits an individual’s life. If weekends are the time to travel along highways and go on outings with a family, the Astor will seem a pretty natural car. Monday through Friday is synonymous with congested traffic, restricted parking spaces, and a commute to work that is cut down by a fraction; the Comet EV could just be the more intelligent solution.
