Tata Curvv

The Tata Curvv is the Internal Combustion Engined (ICE) version of the Curvv EV that has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 9,99,000 (ex-showroom). So, instead of electric power, it features two petrol and a single diesel engine option. At the moment the Curvv has only been launched and we are yet to drive the car for a complete first drive review. Hence, this is a review of the Curvv based on our initial impressions from the launch.

At first glance, the family resemblance to the rest of the Tata lineup is immediately obvious. But if you take a closer look, you’ll notice a few subtle changes that help to distinguish the Curvv from the Nexon, especially from the front. These include a larger upper grille portion and a slightly different treatment to the bumper design. But since they are dimensionally similar from the front, it will be hard to tell which one is which on the road, at least initially.

That said the Curvv is based on a new ATLAS platform which means it has a longer wheelbase than the Nexon and so from the side, it's quite obviously a bigger car at just over 4.3 metres in length. And it’s from this angle where the swooping roof line, large 18-inch alloy wheels filling up large wheel wells, that the Curvv impresses. It's also much more obviously a step up from the Nexon from anything other than head-on.

The rear is undoubtedly the most distinctive angle for the Curvv. It’s sporty, edgy and stands apart from all segment rivals save the Citroen Basalt. It will still certainly make a big impression in the real world, just like its EV counterpart.

Some of the exterior feature highlights that are also shared with its stablemates, the Nexon, the Harrier and Safari are: Sequential LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye animations, bi-function LED Headlamps LED fog lamps with a cornering function, shark fin antenna, sequential turn indicators and connected LED tail lamps. Like the Curvv EV, it too features flush-mounted door handles, but we’re not big fans of these manually operated ones that make opening the doors a bit more complicated than it should be. 

Like the Curvv EV, the Curvv also borrows its interiors from the Nexon. However, this grape-coloured upholstery looks quite striking compared to the more sombre grey dual tones from the electric-powered variant. The large 12.3-inch infotainment screen paired with the 10.25-inch driver info display and the 9-speaker JBL sound system means that it is one of the most well-equipped cars in the segment. Even the 360-degree camera, if it’s anything like the Curvv EV’s, should also be segment-leading. 

That said, one criticism that we had with the Curvv EV still applies here. For Tata customers who already own a Punch and Nexon, the Curvv’s interior may not feel like a significant upgrade in terms of material quality and cabin design. 

One big question mark left from the Curvv EV's first drive experience is that of the cabin space especially for bigger, taller passengers. Unlike the EV version, the ICE Curvv doesn’t have batteries under the floor, which should ideally free up a lot more space inside. This is one aspect we would be looking at closely when we experience the car at the first drive experience shortly. 

As with all Tata cars we expect the Curvv to receive top marks in its crash safety tests. 6-airbags are standard and there is ADAS Level 2 with a complete suite of active safety features like lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, rear collision warnings and adaptive cruise control with a stop and go function. In addition to this there is the 360 degree camera, traffic sign recognition and emergency assistance call buttons. 

Boot space is a class leading 500 litres on paper. And if it’s anything like the Curvv EV boot, then it will probably be one of the best in the segment. That in addition to also having a 60-40 rear seat split with the seats folding down to accommodate even more luggage on occasion. 

The Curvv will be available with three engines, two turbo petrol and a turbo diesel.

The pick of the bunch is the 1.2-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol. This is a new engine for Tata Motors that was revealed at the 2023 Bharat Mobility Expo and produces 125 PS/225 Nm. It will be available with either a 6-speed manual or their 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine making 120 PS/170 Nm is the same engine from the Nexon and will be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT.

Finally, the old trusty 1.5-litre diesel will also be shared with the Nexon. This produces 118 PS and 260 Nm. It is mated with a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed DCT.

One notable point is that the Curvv offers a diesel engine option, something its segment rivals lack. Also, the diesel is paired with more advanced dual clutch automatic transmission. 

As with other Tata cars, the Curvv features multiple drive modes and paddle shifters for the automatic versions. 

During our first experience of the Curvv we’ll be looking out for a refined and smooth experience with the different powertrains as well as the dual clutch automatic transmissions. The Curvv will be up against some stiff competition in the segment from both Korean and German segment rivals.

This will again be high on our list of discoverables on our first drive review of the Curvv. Tata cars of recent times have been quite well tuned and find a good balance between sporty handling and comfort and we would hope that the Curvv to be no different.  

The Curvv is certainly a standout in the segment for its unique design, powertrain choices and feature set. But what is crucial, especially in this ICE car, is that Tata makes better use of the space on offer due to the lack of batteries under the floor to give existing Tata customers something that feels like an upgrade in terms of space. And for new customers to the brand, a rear seat experience that is on par if not better than the competition.