I'm experiencing EVs for the first time and the power on tap is addictive. While the Abarth was no less, its pull wasn't linear.
BHPian jagan88 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
The car:
It's a Comet EV. I don't need a full 4/5 seater. This is going to be for the office commute and the fun drives around the city. Something that can be comfortable, quick and cheap to drive.
The Variant:
Now that the car is decided, it's time to think of the variants.
During this conversation here, I learnt AjayV is also looking for the Comet. After a brief chat with him, decided to go for the top variant, Exclusive. Until then I was thinking of the base variant, Pace. But I needed the large touch screen, so contemplated booking a Play variant. Later when I compared it against the Exclusive (and not the Plush),
Booking Experience:
I test-drove the vehicle at both PPS Gachibowli and Raam Kondapur. I also visited the KPHB, Hyderabad for a quotation.
All three had the same offer on the Jan-March variants (Pace, Play and PLush) with free insurance (worth ~50k).
I was okay to book the Play variant if PPS writes off the Teflon coating (with 5k). I even asked them to not do any polish and cut the 5k. So essentially, not a discount. They didn't agree.
In the meanwhile, I decided to upgrade to the Exclusive variant and reached Raam Kondapur to book the vehicle if they allow me to take the insurance by myself and cut down the Teflon coating cost. They agreed and I made the booking by paying 21,000.
The salesperson was surprised knowing I was okay to pay more price for the latest Exclusive but not taking the Plush variant with a discount (insurance).
The salesperson is not knowledgeable at all.
Delivery:
I waited for about a week and on 3rd May, I received the call that the car had arrived at the showroom. AjayV shared the PDI he uses with me and I visited the showroom, checked the vehicle (basic PDI) and confirmed to take the delivery that evening
The evening went uneventful. I proceeded to clear the balance, and the Teflon coating was done, but no accessories were opted for, I took the insurance on Acko (~21k) and shared it. The temporary registration was done and as soon as the number was passed, we left.. wooosh! The SA didn't even bother to give a demo. Took it for late late-night drive to Tank Bund.
First drive impressions:
I'm used to having glances on the road (owned Abarth previously). But Comet gets stares right in the face! Everyone turns their heads and peeps inside.
The cabin is super silent and the sound it makes resembles that of the metro trains. I'm experiencing EVs for the first time and the power on tap is addictive. While the Abarth was no less, the pull wasn't linear in it. The Hexa is more like a ride on an elephant, the Comet is a rabbit.
The first charging experience:
I have a 16 Amps socket nearby and connected the portable charger that came with the car. Somehow the car didn't charge. I made calls to SA, but he has no idea why. I tried a few combinations (changed sockets, locked, and unlocked the car) and it started charging.
Observations and Niggles:
Over this weekend, I did about 100+ kms and here are some observations I took note of.
- The app keeps showing an Electric Power Steering error.
- The dashboard keeps showing a "low tyre pressure" warning. I filled up 35psi on all tyres and the error didn't go away.
As usual, the SA on the call didn't know much and asked me to ignore it and that this shall be checked or rectified during the initial inspection visit they do this week.
- The sports mode brings a grin every time! Especially the way this picks up speed up to 50kmph. I think that's all that is needed in the city.
- Wireless Airplay got disconnected automatically once during the drive.
- A/C go turned off twice during the drive
- The regen braking was turned off once.
- I didn't find how to exit the car play. There are no hardware/software buttons to come out of Apple Carplay
- There's a mic button on the steering. But that didn't recognize my Carplay. When I asked it to call someone, it said no device was found (my Carplay and maps are ON during this time). So yes, the device is connected. I think it's only looking for a connected Android device.
- The steering-mounted controls are very flimsy.
- The range displayed is not real-time. I hate this. It always shows 2x of the battery per cent remaining and not the range based on the style/mode of driving.
- There's no user manual.
- There's no mute shortcut icon or hardware button. My Hexa has it.
- No second key even on the top variant.
Finally, some pictures.
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