Tata Motors may have entered the midsize SUV segment later than others, but its bold Coupe design has quickly become a hot topic in the market. The company has announced that deliveries of the Curvv have begun. Built on the new ATLAS platform, similar to its electric version, the Curvv comes in four variants: Smart, Pure, Creative, and Accomplished. Competing with segment leaders such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun, Tata Motors is confident that the new midsize SUV will make a significant impact.
Tata Curvv Review: 1.2-litre TGDi Hyperion
Tata Motors has introduced the all-new 1.2-litre turbo petrol Hyperion engine, delivering 123 bhp at 5000 rpm and 225 Nm of torque between 1750 and 3000 rpm. This new powertrain can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; we tested the manual variant.
The refined turbo petrol engine provides an additional torque boost in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears, allowing for a noticeable surge of power when accelerating. This means that when we pressed the gas pedal, the engine delivered extra torque for 5-6 seconds, ensuring the Curvv has plenty of responsiveness for overtaking or quickly increasing speed. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol is agile at low revs, and the turbo engages smoothly, effectively masking any lag. Notably, the power delivery remains strong and consistent, offering a spirited driving experience.
As remarkable as the engine is, sadly, the manual transmission hamstrings its performance due to long throws and a vague gear shift sensation. The gear stick seems excessively large and heavy.
Tata Curvv Review: Handling and Ride
The era of heavy hydraulic steering in Tata SUVs, which many found unwieldy for city driving, is behind us. The new electric power steering is lighter and more responsive, enhancing manoeuvrability. Built on the ATLAS platform, the Curvv boasts impressive handling characteristics for its class, offering stability on the road and instilling confidence during sharp turns, thanks to its balanced 50:50 weight distribution that minimizes body roll.
However, the ride quality presents a mixed bag with its 18-inch alloy wheels. At lower speeds, the firm suspension can make bumps more noticeable, but as speed increases, the Curvv delivers a smoother ride, especially benefiting passengers in the second row.
Tata Curvv Review: Safety
The Curvv comes with 6 airbags, ABS and EBD, ESC, all four disc brakes, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. The top variant of the Curvv is equipped with a Level ADAS suite that has 20 functions including traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection and more.
Tata Curvv Review: Features and Design
The Curvv offers features like class-leading 12.3-inch infotainment system, flush door handles, an electrically powered tailgate with gesture controls, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster with navigation maps, driver and front driver’s seat and 6-way powered seats. The Curvv also has a 500-litre boot, the best in the segment.
The Curvv EV features a distinctive design with its sloping roofline and elevated stance thanks to a ground clearance of 208 mm. It showcases a split headlight design with connected LED daytime running lights positioned below the hood. It also features welcome and goodbye animations and sequential turn signals. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with all-LED lighting, including fog lamps that offer a cornering function.
Tata Curvv Review: Should you buy it?
The Tata Curvv distinguishes itself not only with its striking aesthetics but also through its meticulously crafted seats, which provide exceptional comfort and a host of cutting-edge features, including several industry firsts. Under the hood lies the powerful yet refined 1.2-litre turbo petrol Hyperion engine. While the manual transmission could use some improvement, the dual-clutch transmission should offer an involving driving experience. The pricing for the Hyperion engine is set at Rs 14.99 lakh for the manual variant and Rs 16.50 lakh for the dual-clutch automatic. This new turbo petrol engine is celebrated for its smooth power delivery and overall refinement. In summary, the Curvv delivers a well-rounded package, combining bold design, advanced technology, and impressive performance.
