MG Windsor Exclusive EV

The MG Windsor EV is a good, value-for-money option in the market. Owners have been largely satisfied with their purchase, with no particular known flaw or fault with the vehicle. We suspect that the advice you've been getting seems to be hearsay rather than first-hand experience. 

Yes, the user-experience isn't the easiest as most functions are embedded in the rather slow touchscreen. However, this is something that, as an owner, you will get used to. What you will appreciate, though, is the sheer cab and boot space on offer, which for its price seems unmatched. 

Since you have a budget of Rs 20 lakh, we'd recommend you seriously consider the entry-level Kia Carens Clavis EV, which is a three-row electric MPV. It is a lot more expensive than the MG Windsor EV, but it feels more premium and more polished. 

You will have to reach out to a reputed specialized service provider to discuss the possibilities of modifications on either of these two cars to make them handicap-friendly.

It really comes down to what you value more from your EV. The Tata Punch EV is a size smaller and, after the recent facelift and near Rs 2 lakh price correction on the top variants, it has become significantly more affordable. As a result, the top spec Punch EV now undercuts the base MG Windsor EV by over a lakh, while offering a lot more equipment for the money.

From a technical and usability point of view, even though we have not yet driven the facelifted version, the Tata Punch EV has a clear advantage in range. Its larger 40 kWh battery pack should deliver a better real-world driving range than the base variant of the MG Windsor EV, which uses a 38 kWh battery. Being smaller and lighter also helps the Punch extract more efficiency from its battery. In top spec form, it is very well equipped, and if most of your driving involves one or two adults. It will feel easier to live with, simpler to drive in traffic and much easier to park in tight city spaces thanks to its compact dimensions. 

The Windsor EV, however, plays to a completely different strength. If you want a larger car with an outstanding sense of space, it is hard to beat even when compared to cars from a segment above. In comparison, while the Punch EV’s rear seat is adequate, it can start to feel cramped for adults on longer drives.

In simple terms, pick the Punch EV top variant if you want better range, more features for the price and a compact, city-friendly EV that will mostly carry two people. Choose the Windsor EV if cabin space and rear seat comfort matter more to you than features and outright range.

Considering you already own a Honda City, which is a large and spacious sedan, we would recommend the MG Windsor EV in the bigger battery Pro version. The Windsor is a ground up EV and offers one of the best senses of space for its price and size. It is well equipped and, with the larger 52.9 kWh battery, you can realistically expect a range of over 350 km, which is more than sufficient for your daily 80 km commute. It is also a comfortable car for four adults, and the boot is generously sized.
If you want something smaller, the Tata Punch EV is also worth considering, especially with the long range 35 kWh battery pack. This should deliver a real world range of around 230 km. The Punch is a pleasant car to drive, and if you are planning to buy one, this is also a good time as Tata is about to launch the facelifted version. Do note that deliveries may extend beyond your preferred 10 March timeline.

In our tests conducted in Eco mode, with the climate control set to 22 degrees in full automatic mode, the MG Windsor delivered an efficiency of 8.6km/kWh in the city and 7.6km/kWh on the highway, averaging 8.1km/kWh, which extrapolates to an average real-world range of 308 kilometres. In ‘Normal’ mode, however, under mixed conditions, its efficiency drops noticeably, but you can still expect approximately 230-250 kilometres on one charge.

Given your 52km daily usage, you will need to charge the 38kWh battery version twice a week, and even your highway drives of approximately 150km should be doable in a single charge, without any range anxiety. 

Overall, the Windsor is a practical and spacious car. Its touchscreen is slow to boot up, and all the functions (for mirrors, lights, etc) are embedded in it; however, with time, you will get used to it.

The best sub Rs 20 lakh EV for city use and short distances is the MG Windsor. It has compact dimensions which give it good manouverability in the city but without compromising on cabin space, which is very generous. It is easy-to-drive, well-equipped and has enough range for your daily runs of 75km and more. 

A brittle ride and a fair bit of road noise that creeps into the cabin are the only real drawbacks. You can get the Exclusive Pro and Essence Pro, depending on how much you can stretch your budget.

While the Tata Punch EV is a good all-rounder, it is perhaps a size too small for a family of 5 or to be chauffeur driven in. The Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and Windsor have far more spacious cabins, but then the Mahindra is low on boot space when it comes to your 180-200km round trip. However, this would still be our pick as it has a spacious cabin for 5, tough chassis and comfortable ride quality. 

The Windsor may be more spacious on the whole, but its suspension and ride are quite stiff, and its large touchscreen, which controls the entire car, is full of bugs and glitches. Moreover, in standard guise, it has a very low range, and you would have to move up to the Pro version, which will increase your budget. Also consider the Tata Nexon EV, which, though expensive, feels like a more complete car than any of these.