Chinese leader in electric minicars, SAIC is starting to export its concept. After Indonesia under the Wuling brand, India now welcomes the MG Comet.
Chinese leader in electric minicars, SAIC is starting to export its concept. After Indonesia under the Wuling brand, India now welcomes the MG Comet.
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV has invaded Chinese roads with more than a million copies sold since its release in 2020. But the SAIC group does not stop at this unique model since its offer also includes the Mini EV convertible at Wuling as well as the even smaller Nano EV. And at the sister brand Baojun, we find the Kiwi EV and soon the small Yep SUV. So many hyper-compact models sold at unbeatable prices: from 32,800 to 99,900 RMB (4,500 to 13,600 €).
Production locale
All these models are generally reserved for the Chinese market. But this expertise in small affordable electric vehicles (these are not quadricycles) is now used to conquer international markets. Last year, Wuling introduced the Air EV. Available in China, it was mainly designed for other markets and its sales seem to be taking off rather well in Indonesia.
It is now in India that the Wuling Air EV lands, becoming MG Comet EV. It takes, like the other models of MG in India, the name of an aircraft of British origin. The particular style of the machine does not evolve. Only the front cargo hatch now sports the MG octagon and no longer the W in Wuling diamonds. However, only the 4-seater version is confirmed. The even more compact 2-seater model remains reserved for the Chinese market.
| 4 places | 2 places | |
| Length | 2 974 mm | 2 599 mm |
| Width | 1 505 mm | 1 505 mm |
| Height | 1 640 mm | 1 631 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 010 mm | 1 625 mm |
On the side of the characteristics, we will find the front engine of 50 kW (the 2 places is satisfied with 30 kW). For the battery, the final capacity is not yet specified, but should be between 25 and 30 kWh. In China, a 28.4 kWh unit is installed. Produced in India, the MG Comet seeks to pass the milestone of 60% localization of its production. Its battery will therefore be produced on site, by Tata AutoComp. Autonomy is expected around 300 km in the Indian approval cycle.
And in Europe?
Starting from this Indian model, MG could quite import this model in Europe. Its autonomy in the WLTP cycle would be just over 200 km. And its price? It would be in a range of €12 to €15,000, excluding bonuses. All for a vehicle that is not necessarily completely stripped.
In India, the model sold at 10 lakhs (€11,000) will, for example, be equipped with a 10.25-inch dual screen, connectivity with a telephone application, voice control, wireless Airplay / Android Auto, air conditioning, electric parking brake, holding the brake when stationary (Auto Hold), 360° vision cameras, front radar, etc.
Below are some images of the Wuling Air EV for reference.
Read also
Video test – MG4 Luxury: electric at the right price
