After several teasers and extensive promotional campaigns on social media, Tata Motors finally launched the Curvv coupe SUV in the market. To be available in both ICE and fully-electric derivatives, Tata announced prices for the latter today, while prices for the diesel and petrol versions of the coupe SUV will be revealed later next month.
The Curvv will be the first offering from Tata Motors in the compact C-segment of SUVs, bridging the gap between Nexon and Harrier. Both the ICE and EV versions of the Curvv will be visually and functionally almost identical to each other, barring the powertrain setup in each. Stay tuned to Express Drives, as we bring all the details from the launch of the new Tata Curvv live from ground zero.
Tata Curvv EV Launch Highlights
As mentioned previously, the Curvv EV is based on an updated version of the Acti.ev platform which made its debut with the Punch EV earlier this year. Tata claims the platform can support models with multiple shapes and sizes, which means this architecture will be extended to other models like the upcoming Harrier EV and Sierra EV.
Tata Curvv becomes the second SUV in the segment after Kia Seltos to come with tehe option of 18-inch alloy wheels. Although the R18 alloy wheels with aero inserts are expected to be reserved only for the top-spec trim of the coupe SUV.
Curvv EV offers 3 drive mode combinations as standard: Eco, City and Sport along with Multi-Mode Regen with paddle shifters. Ground clearance for Curvv EV 45 stands at 190mm whereas for Curvv EV 55 stands at 186mm.
Tata Curvv ICE’s crowning feature is the innovative 1.2-litre Hyperion turbo petrol engine, a brand-new powertrain from Tata Motors. This 1198cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine will make its debut in the Curvv ICE, delivering an impressive 123 bhp at 5000 rpm and a peak torque of 225 Nm between 1700-3500 rpm. Crafted from lightweight aluminium, the engine boasts a water-cooled variable geometry design, ensuring responsive low-end torque. Tata Motors promises a quieter and more refined driving experience compared to the Revotron motor.
In addition to the Hyperion engine, the Curvv will also offer two familiar options: the 1.2-litre turbo petrol Revotron unit and the 1.5-litre diesel unit, both borrowed from the Nexon ICE. The former produces 118 bhp and 170 Nm of torque, while the latter delivers 114 bhp and 260 Nm. Transmission choices for the Curvv ICE range are expected to include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Tata Motors has updated the iRA conncected app software which now supports intergated charge point for Curvv EV. Other new features include roadside assistance, The coupe electric SUV also supports Vehicle to Load (V2L) and Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) charging at up to 3.3 kVA and 5 kVA, respectively.
Like other EVs from Tata Motors, the Curvv EV is available in standard and long-range versions. The standard version has a 45kWh battery pack offering a claimed range of 502km. In comparison, the long-range version gets a 55kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 585km. Tata says that the batteries can get up to 150 km worth of charge in just 15 minutes, and 10-80 percent charge in 40 minutes, on a 70kW DC fast charger.
The smaller battery variant gets a less powerful 148 bhp motor wheras the larger battery variant gets a 165 bhp electric motor. Both units push out 215 Nm of torque. Tata claims that the Curvv EV can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 8.6 seconds and can attain a top speed of 160 kmph.
Tata Motors will offer the Curvv and Curvv EV in six and five colour options, respectively. The former will be available in Pristine White, Flame Red, Empowered White, Pure Grey, Virtual Sunrise and Opera Blue. Both versions will also come in dual-tone colours with a black roof.
On the other hand, the all-electric Curvv EV can be had in an ll-new Virtual Sunrise, Pristine White, Flame Red, Empowered White, and Pure Grey.
During the presentation of the Curvv and Curvv EV, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors, Passenger Vehicle Division said, “while the industry is seeing flattish growth…mid-size SUVs seeing strong 20% growth”. He further added that he is not too worried about the current drop in EV sales, and hopeful that updated CAFE norms next year will further push EV sales.
Tata Motors has announced the introductory prices for Curvv EV starting at Rs 17.49 lakh and going up to Rs 21.99 (ex-showroom). There are five trims on offer: Creative, Accomplished, Accomplished+S, Empowered+, and Empowered +A.
Prices for the fossil-fueled Curvv will be announced on September 2. Bookings for Curvv EV commence on 12th August 2024 whereas bookings for the petrol and diesel-powered Curvv will commence only after the price announcement of the same.
Tata Motors claims a class-leading boot space of 500 litres with the second-row seats up. The second-row comes with 60:40 split and the boot space can be expanded up to 973 litres.
Tata Motors will offer a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite in Curvv and Curvv EV consisting of as many as 20 safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist , etc.
Tata Curvv EV comes equipped with a first-in-segment Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) which gives out sound alerts in slow speeds of up to 20 kmph in crowded areas in order to ensure safety of pedestrians.
Tata Motors will offer the ICE Curvv in five trims namely Smart, Pure, Creative, Accomplished, and Empowered. These will be sub-divided into several variants depensing on the engine and transmission options on offer.
Besides the 1.2-litre Hyperion, the Curvv will also offer the 1.2-litre turbo petrol Revotron unit and an updated1.5-litre Kryotec diesel unit, both borrowed from the Nexon ICE. The former kicks out 118 bhp and 170 Nm of torque whereas the latter kicks out 114 bhp and 260 Nm. All three engine options of the Curvv ICE range will be offered with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCA) gearbox. Other transmisson options will include a 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed AMT.
The biggest highlight of the Curvv ICE will be the new 1.2-litre Hyperion turbo petrol engine from Tata Motors. This 1198cc 3-cylinder petrol mill will make its debut in the Curvv ICE and it is expected to churn out 23 bhp at 5000 rpm and a peak torque 225 Nm at 1700-3500 rpm. This is a lightweight engine made of aluminium with a water-cooled variable geometry which is supposed to offer responsive low-end torque. According to Tata Motors, the engine is designed to be quiet and more refined than the Revotron motor.
The ICE-powered Tata Curvv will be underpinned by an all-new ATLAS (Advanced Tech-Forward Lifestyle Architecture) platform. The ICE version of Curvv will be available in three powertrains includiing the 1.2L Hyperion turbocharged petrol engine making its debut in the Curvv.
The Curvv EV is built on Tata’s new Gen 2 EV architecture called the Acti.ev platform. The electric Curvv promises a range of 400-500 km on a single charge, with options for both front-wheel drive (single motor) and all-wheel drive (dual motor). Two battery pack options offered: 45 kWh and 55 kWh, largest in their segments.
Tata Motors has elevated the Curvv to a premium level with a range of upscale features. The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch infotainment system from Harman, the largest in the midsize SUV segment, complemented by a nine-speaker sound system for an immersive audio experience. The Curvv also boasts front ventilated seats, with a 6-way power adjustable driver seat and a 6-way manually adjustable front passenger seat, ensuring optimal comfort.
Additional premium features include a two-step rear seat recline, a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, an all-digital instrument cluster with navigation map display, and an electric parking brake with auto-hold. Furthermore, paddle shifters with regenerative braking modes add a touch of sportiness to the driving experience.
Going by the images of the pre-production concept, the Curvv is expected to flaunt a minimalist layout for its cabin interiors. This means less buttons on the dashboard and console, and more integrated controls via touch panels. Highlights will include a floating touchscreen infotainment display, a fully-digital instrument console, Tata’s new two-spoke steering wheel with a touch panel, and touch-based HVAC controls.
The ICE Curvv and Curvv EV will boast nearly identical designs, showcasing a distinctive coupe silhouette. The Curvv features an all-LED lighting suite, including connected LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye functions, adding a touch of sophistication. Similar to the Punch EV, the headlamps will also display a charging indicator.
The split headlight design accommodates LED projector lights, sequential LED indicators, and a front charging lid. Additionally, the coupe SUV comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, all-four-disc brakes, and flush door handles. The only discernible differences between the two variants will be the badging and the presence of a frunk (front trunk) in the fully-electric Curvv EV.
Tata Motors delivered a strong Q1 performance in FY25 with a net profit of Rs 5566 crore, up 73.8% YoY from Rs 3203 crore in Q1FY24. The revenue from operations came in at Rs 108,048 crore in Q1FY25, up 5.7% YoY from Rs 102,236 crore.
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director TMPV and TPEM said: “Our multi-powertrain strategy and strong portfolio of SUVs led to steady sales. While the personal segment retails have grown for EVs, there was a sharp decline witnessed in the fleet segment. Going forward, we expect an improvement in overall sales on the back of the onset of the festive season and the launch of Curvv, India’s first SUV Coupe.”
Tata Motors will enter into the hotly contested compact C-segment of SUVs with the Curvv range, which means it will have a long list of rivals to contend with. The ICE-powered Curvv will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Citroen C3 Aircross, and the upcoming Citroen Basalt.
Whereas, the Curvv EV will have to compete against the likes of MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400, besides upcoming electric SUVs in this space like Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti Suzuki eVX.
As mentioned earlier, Tata Motors will offer the Curvv in both combustion engine and fully-electric powered versions. The former will be available in petrol and diesel engines whereas the EV version will be offered with multiple battery pack options.
The Curvv is one of the highly anticipated car launches of 2024 and Tata Motor’s most awaited product in the passenger vehicle segment. The coupe SUV was first displayed as a concept in 2022 and later presented at the 2023 Auto Expo. A closer to production concept was displayed at the inaugural Bharat Mobilty Expo earlier this year.
Finally, the production-spec Curvv broke covers on July 19. Since the past 1 month, Tata Motors has been aggressively promoting the upcoming coupe mid-size SUV on various social media platforms as well as television.