We’ve driven the Tata Curvv EV already, and I have no doubts in stating that it impressed us. But while the Curvv EV still sits in a bit of a niche to say so, only having the MG ZS EV as its sole rival, petrol and diesel versions of the Curvv, have their task cut out. And that’s because the Curvv goes up against at least half a dozen well-established names in the midsize SUV segment! So this is where things get very interesting for the Tata Motors coupe SUV, because it goes up against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate and MG Hector. Get the drift?
What’s also interesting to note that the Curvv EV and Curvv here are both based on Tata Motors’ new ATLAS platform which has been derived from the platform that underpins the Nexon. The EV and petrol and diesel versions also look identical from most angles, but certainly not from the front! And that’s because Tata Motors has done a good job in terms of helping you distinguish the petrol and diesel versions from the EV. The grille looks different and so does the bumper. However, I still feel the Curvv’s front end looks a little too similar to the Nexon’s, and that’s a product that sits a segment below, which might just irk some buyers.
Good news for them is that the Curvv certainly looks more premium though, thanks to its sequential turn indicators and welcome and goodbye animation. You also get flush door handles with a welcome light. Our test car was a bronze-hued one and got bronze elements on the grille to match its shade, while the red diesel Curvv we drove had the same elements but in piano black. In fact there’s generous helpings of piano black all round, including the bumpers and even the wheel cladding. Move to the sides and you’ll find the Curvv showing off its sloping roofline, while running on nice looking, 18-inch wheels on higher variants. Ground clearance is 208mm, helping the Curvv assert its SUV status, but the gap in the wheel arches takes away some of the coupe SUV charm. The rear three-quarter angle is the best to look at the Curvv thus, thanks to its sloping roofline and the beautifully designed, connected tail lamps.
We only drove the top of the line, Accomplished + A variant with two-tone interiors finished in black and wine red, which look very appealing. Quality of plastics and the excellent fit-finish levels also help the Curvv feel more premium. The steering wheel is the same unit we’ve seen on other Tata cars with a large, piano black panel in the centre, with an illuminated Tata logo. It feels a little too large though and the array of controls on it also takes some getting used to. Seats are comfortable and supportive, but I am an inch under six feet in height and choosing my sweet spot in the driver’s seat had me sit a little too close to the roof. On the same note, despite Curvv’s 4.3 metre length, having a six footer sit behind me would have his knees touch my seatback and effectively, the cabin feels slightly cramped.
What’s more, while better than before, the front USB ports still sit in a cavity and the wireless charging pad sits between the front seats, so there are no cup holders in the centre. As for the rear seat, it is comfortable and even gets a recline function, though more legroom and kneeroom would have been welcome.
Tata Motors has equipped the Curvv with a tonne of features so you get stuff like ambient lighting, a 6-way powered driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with voice command, an air purifier, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, an electric parking brake even in the manual version and more. Tata Motors has also gone high on tech and equipped the Curvv with its iRA connected technology besides plonking a 12.3-inch touchscreen onto the dashboard that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, besides voice assist for virtual assistants, an app suite for games, music and the like, and a 9-speaker JBL audio system with multiple sound modes. This is besides the 10.25-inch instrument cluster display that can even display navigation in a full screen format. Neat! On the safety front, you get 360-degree view besides 6 six airbags as standard, hill descent control and Level 2 ADAS as well. The Curvv is also equipped with a powered tail gate with gesture activation, so a little kick underneath is all that’s needed to open or close it. And this, is a segment first.
Tata Motors is offering the Curvv with not one but two petrol engine options. One is the 1.2-litre Revotron engine we’ve seen before, which offers 118PS and 170Nm while the other is an all-new, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit called the Hyperion, that offers 125PS and 225Nm. Its ECU is also programmed to offer an additional 25Nm when you go full throttle, but only in third or fourth gear. The engine impresses with its power delivery and throttle responses, thanks to its direct injection. There’s a slight hint of turbo lag at low revs, but acceleration is quick. The engine also impresses with its strong midrange punch, as once the turbocharger is spooled up, there’s a strong, linear thrust that continues through the rev range. So the engine continues to pull cleanly even when you rev harder, and while it does have a bit of the typical three cylinder feel when revved hard, the Hyperion impresses overall. And while the Hyperion can be had with a 7-speed DCA gearbox, I only drove the manual version. The six-speed gearbox is good to use with its short throws, though the stick could slot better when shifting gears.
I foresee a lot of buyers going in for the Hyperion paired to the DCA gearbox though, considering that turbocharged petrol engines mated to dual clutch transmissions are in vogue currently. On the other hand, it’s interesting to see Tata Motors offer a diesel engine in the Curvv too. While several manufacturers have discontinued or never offered diesels in this segment, Tata Motors clearly see a lot of potential for oil burners even today. Of course, there’s no denying a lot of midsize SUV buyers still prefer going in for a diesel engined powered SUV. Tata Motors is offering its tried and tested, 1.5-litre Kryojet engine that produces 115PS and 260Nm. But bigger news here is that besides the six speed manual gearbox, you can also pair the diesel engine to an all-new, 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox too!
This is the first time we’re seeing a dual clutch automatic gearbox get paired to a diesel engine, in the midsize SUV segment specifically. This also goes to show Tata Motors’ confidence in the continued popularity of diesel engines and also its commitment to offer a top of the line transmission with a diesel engine. In fact on the same note, Tata Motors chose to employ an all-new dual clutch automatic gearbox in the Curvv, as the torque output is here and the DCA we’ve seen in other Tata cars like the Altroz wouldn’t have worked here. The diesel engine feels as punchy and offers a strong wave of torque from low revs, which continues well into the midrange. There’s a likeable feel to the motor thus, while the gearbox feels quick to swap cogs and has a likeable feel to it. Again, given the rising demand and preference for automatics, offering a dual clutch automatic gearbox in the Curvv diesel is a smart move from Tata Motors I feel.
The past few years we’ve also seen Tata Motors offer SUVs that handle well and impress on the ride quality front too, and the Curvv continues that trend. So while it handles well around corners, the Curvv also soaks up ruts and potholes well. The suspension setup and chassis offer the confidence to enter corners enthusiastically as the Curvv holds its line well. It stays planted even when chucked hard into a corner, while the steering offers good amounts of feel and feedback, adding to confidence. The Curvv also lets you change lanes quickly when driving spiritedly, though admittedly, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning from the ADAS onboard can be a little intrusive. At the same time the Curvv also offers impressive ride quality, soaking up bumps, undulations, potholes and more with ease, thus ensuring occupants are comfortable.
To reiterate, the midsize SUV segment the Curvv is positioned in is the most hotly contested one in the country like I mentioned. But having driven its petrol and diesel versions both I can tell you, Tata Motors has come well prepared. The Curvv also has the advantage of being a coupe SUV, which should help it appeal to buyers, especially the younger lot. And with introductory prices beginning from ₹ 9.99 lakh ex-showroom for the petrol and ₹ 11.49 lakh for the diesel, the Tata Curvv is certainly an interesting addition to the midsize SUV segment.
