VinFast is the upcoming foreign carmaker which will commence operations in India with a slew of new EVs
In this post, we are comparing the upcoming VinFast VF3 with the MG Comet EV on the basis of features, specs, design, etc. Note that VinFast is a Vietnamese car marque. It is in the process of establishing shop in India. Remember, it was in the news last year when it was trying to acquire Ford’s manufacturing plant in Chennai. However, the deal didn’t go through. We now know that Ford didn’t sell it to anyone else either. Nevertheless, the Vietnamse company has pledged a $500 million investment in India. It is mandated as per the latest EV policy of the government. At the auto expo, VinFast showcased multiple products some of which will make it to our shores in the coming months. For now, let us take a look at the details of this comparison.
VinFast VF3 vs MG Comet – Specs
The VinFast VF3 is a compact electric SUV which is great for urban commute. It comes with an 18.64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is good for a range of 210 km on a single charge as per the generous NEDC cycle. This will output 32 kW (43.5 PS) and 110 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Note that the power is sent to the rear wheels. Since it is a tiny vehicle, the acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h comes up in just 5.3 seconds. These are decent numbers for a vehicle which is primarily meant for urban commute. Using a fast charger, the battery can be juiced up from 10% to 70% in a mere 36 minutes. These are healthy statistics for a vehicle of this size and application.
On the other hand, even the MG Comet comes with all sorts of capabilities which make it an ideal city car. It carries a 17.3 kWh IP67-rated lithium-ion battery pack which powers the electric motor to generate a decent 41 hp and 110 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Clearly, the torque figures are identical, while the power figures are comparable too. Based on MG’s GSEV platform, the Comet is good for a range of 230 km on a single charge. Remember, Comet has a 4-seat layout due to its compact dimensions. With an AC charger, the battery takes 7 hours to charge. The owners also get to select between three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sports. This ensures that the EV delivers desirable performance as per the needs of the users.
Specs | VinFast VF3 | MG Comet |
Battery | 18.64 kWh | 17.3 kWh |
Range | 210 km (NEDC) | 230 km |
Power | 43.5 PS | 41 hp |
Torque | 110 Nm | 110 Nm |
Charging | 36 mins (10% – 70% w/ DC charger) | 7 hours (0-100% w/ AC charger) |
VinFast VF3 vs MG Comet – Interior and Features
Let us now move on to the interior and the kind of amenities the two EVs offer. Since these are urban affordable electric cars, one can’t expect all the latest bells and whistles like other modern cars. That is not the aim of such products. Having said that, both car companies have equipped their vehicles with all the basic tech and convenience functionalities to pamper the customers to some extent. The VinFast VF3 comes with:
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Flat Bottom Steering Wheel
- Rotary Dials for HVAC
- 10-inch Free-Standing Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- Textured Dashboard
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Wireless Charging
- Keyless Entry
- 285-litre Boot Compartment
- Power Windows
- ABS
- EBD
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Multiple Airbags
- Manual AC
- Foldable Co-driver Seat
Similarly, the MG Comet is well-equipped to take care of all the needs of the passengers. The main highlights include:
- 10.25-inch Infotainment Display
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- iSmart Connected Car Tech with over 55 functions
- 100+ Voice Commands
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Smart Start System with Digital Bluetooth Key
- One Touch Slide & Recline Passenger Seat
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
- Rear Parking Camera and Sensors
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
- High Strength Vehicle Body
Design Comparison
Thereafter, let us get into the design of these two compelling propositions. In fact, I feel design is the key to both these cars since they are compact. The VinFast VF3 combines modern elements with an old-school silhouette and retro charm. At the front, we get to see a black area with a chrome belt which culminates into the rectangular and traditional headlamps on either side. The bonnet is upright and the lower section contains a simple bumper with rugged black components. On the sides, the wheel arches are constructed out of matte black material which holds the alloy wheels. Apart from that, the black side pillars and the floating roof effect inform the new-age theme. At the rear, the boxy appearance continues with an upright boot lid, black bumper and compact taillamps on a black panel which runs the width of the body. All in all, the SUV certainly looks sporty and cute.
On the other hand, even the MG Comet bears a cute and distinct appearance. It is evident that it has been designed for urban usage. The front fascia contains an LED light bar which makes up the compact bonnet section. In fact, this light bar extends towards the side fenders where it meets up with the ORVMs. The main headlamp cluster is located on the extreme edges of the bonnet. Lower down, it even gets horizontal LED light bars which act as fog lamps or turn indicators. On the sides, it gets a black roof and black side pillars for that floating roof effect. There are barely any creases on the door panels. In fact, the tiny wheels look right on a car of this size. This is already a quite unique approach. Finally, the tail section contains an LED light strip which runs the width of the car, an almost similar taillamp cluster as the headlamps, vertical reflector lights on the extreme edges of the bumper and an upright stance. I must admit that the overall layout is quite unorthodox.
My View
Now, we know that the VinFast VF3 has not been launched in India yet. In fact, that is the reason why we don’t even know the full scope of features and specs of the compact EV. We took the reference of the model available on sale in the international market. Still, it is hard to see why things will be all that different for our market. Therefore, we can expect all these features on the Indian-spec model too. Once the launch takes place, we will also be able to know the exact prices and the variant lineup. That will allow us to have a direct and more meaningful comparison with the MG Comet. I shall update this post once we see the Vietnamese EV in the flesh. Until then, the buyers just have the option of the MG Comet if you want a compact EV for city usage. In any case, it was also said that the first two EVs in the country from VinFast will be the VF6 and VF7. Let us keep an eye out for that.