MG Comet EV v Tata Tiago EV v Citroen eC3 – specifications and prices compared
SUVs are the current rage in the Indian market. However, the charm of hatchbacks is not lost. The ease of use that these types of cars bring is still desirable. Electric hatchbacks are a recent phenomenon in the market and are getting widely accepted in the country as they provide added cost benefits over combustion-engined hatches.
The EV market has seen a lot of new entrants in recent times, which has made the market more competitive. The launch of the MG Comet EV has further increased the battle among EV hatchbacks, and now it competes against the likes of the Tata Tiago EV and the Citroen eC3. How does this newbie fare against the competitors? We shall check it out in this article.
MG Comet EV v Tata Tiago EV v Citroen eC3 : Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, the MG Comet comes out to be the smallest car in the lot. Measuring just about three metres in length, the Comet is smaller than the Tata Tiago EV and the Citroen eC3 which come close to four metres in length. However, the Comet EV outshines the Tiago.ev and the eC3 in terms of its height. This improved height allows tall passengers to enjoy the car as well. The Comet EV also packs in the smallest width of the three, which makes the Citroen strictly a four-seater car. Mind you, the Tiago EV and the Citroen eC3 can seat three passengers in the rear, and although some might raise questions on the comfort levels, they can get the job done.
The Citroen eC3 comes with the largest wheelbase at 2540mm which is larger than the Tata Tiago EV and the MG Comet EV, which have a 2400mm and 2010mm wheelbase, respectively.
It is noteworthy here that the MG Comet EV is built on an electric skateboard architecture, whereas the Tiago EV and the eC3 are based on the architectures made for their combustion-engined variants. The skateboard architecture of the Comet EV means that space is utilised in an efficient manner in the car.
MG Comet EV v Tata Tiago EV v Citroen eC3: Battery, Performance, and Range
The Citroen eC3 has the largest battery pack among the three EV hatchbacks. It is no doubt that this bigger battery pack provides the juice to the motors to clock the biggest range numbers of 320km.
The Tata Tiago EV is the only car here that ships with two battery options - a choice between a 19.2kWh battery and a 24kWh battery. These batteries affect the power and torque outputs and also determine the range of the car. The XE and XT variants that ship with the medium-range 19.2kWh battery can cover a total distance of 250km before running out of juice. These variants of the Tiago EV produces a peak power of 61bhp and 110Nm. The XT variant that Tata calls the ‘long-range’ version of the Tiago EV ships with the bigger 24kWh battery. This bigger battery helps the EV manage an improved range of 315km. The electric motor mated to the battery produces 75bhp and 114Nm.
The MG Comet, however, comes with the smallest battery pack at 17.3kWh. The car produces 41bhp of peak power and 110Nm of torque. The range of 230kms puts the Comet in direct competition with the Tata Tiago EV.
MG Comet EV v Tata Tiago EV v Citroen eC3: Features
These entry-level EVs are rather well specced. Some of the common features between all three cars include steering-mounted audio controls, dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking cameras.
Meanwhile, MG Comet EV seems the most upmarket on the inside with dual 10.25 inch screens, one working up as the driver’s digital display and the other serving the requirements of an infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be accessed wirelessly, which makes it more convenient to use. Even though there is no automatic climate control, you have a manual AC to beat the heat. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also integrated into the car.
The Tata Tiago EV packs a 7-inch infotainment system that is powered by Harman. Unlike the MG Comet EV, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cannot be accessed wirelessly. However, the car provides an automatic climate control and also has a cruise control feature for easing up the drive. The Tiago EV also packs a tyre pressure monitoring system like the Comet EV.
The Citroen eC3 manages its entertainment duties via a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Like the Comet EV, this car provides wireless Apple CarPlay and Android experience, but misses out on automatic climate control.
MG Comet EV v Tata Tiago EV v Citroen eC3: Price
With an introductory price of ₹7.98 lakh, the MG Comet EV is currently the most affordable electric offering in the country. Even though it has the lowest capacity battery, it can still compete fairly with the medium-range variants of the Tiago EV.
The XE and XT trims of the Tiago EV are priced at ₹8.69 lakh and ₹9.29 lakh respectively. The XT long-range variant costs ₹10.19 lakh, which is ₹1.5 lakh more than the base variant of the medium-range version. This increase in cost can provide you with an improvement of 135km of range, along with some more features. The XZ Plus long-range, the XZ Plus Tech LUX long-range variants cost ₹10.99 lakh to 11.99 lakh. The Tiago EV might be a bit more expensive when compared against the likes of the Comet EV, but it also ships with a bigger battery and a better range overall. The large Tata Motors network across India also makes it a worthy competitor to the MG Comet EV.
The Citroen eC3 has two variants on offer - the Live and Feel. The Live variant costs ₹11.50 lakh. With a better battery and range, the eC3 competes straight up against the long range variants of the Tiago EV, and is a fair bit more expensive than the Comet.
