Tata Motors made a bold bet with the Curvv — a coupe-styled SUV designed to attract buyers who find traditional SUVs too boxy and sedans too ordinary. The Curvv’s raked roofline, sharp design, and wide choice of powertrains (both ICE and EV) position it as a lifestyle choice that does not compromise on practicality. After spending time with both the diesel and the Curvv EV on roads around Hyderabad, we have a clear picture of whether this striking SUV delivers on its visual promise.
Quick Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.2L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Diesel / EV (45 kWh / 55 kWh) |
| Power (Diesel) | 118 bhp |
| Torque (Diesel) | 260 Nm |
| Power (EV, 55 kWh) | 167 bhp |
| EV Claimed Range | ~502 km (ARAI, 55 kWh) |
| Transmission (ICE) | 6-MT / 7-DCT |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm |
| Boot Space | 500 litres |
| Seating | 5 |
| ARAI Mileage (Diesel) | ~23.7 km/l |
| Ex-showroom Price (starting) | ₹9.99 lakh (ICE) / ₹17.49 lakh (EV) |
Design & Exterior
The Curvv’s coupe-SUV body is the star attraction — and it earns every head-turn it gets. The sloping roofline flows cleanly into a steeply raked rear windscreen, giving the Curvv a fastback appearance that is genuinely rare at its price point. The front features Tata’s new design language: tri-arrow LED DRLs, a sleek bonnet, and a prominent chrome-trimmed front bumper. The EV variant adds a closed-off grille and an illuminated Tata logo.
Despite the raked roofline, Tata’s designers have managed to maintain 500 litres of boot volume — class-leading — by extending the bootlid deep into the rear. The Curvv rides on 18-inch alloy wheels on higher variants, filling the arches well. Seven colour options include Pristine White, Flame Red, and an Empowered Oxide EV-exclusive dark purple. Road presence is commanding without being aggressive — exactly right for the buyer this car targets.
Interior & Cabin Quality
The Curvv’s interior is a significant step forward for Tata. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup (instrument cluster + infotainment, identical to the Harrier EV) dominates the dashboard. A floating centre console houses the gear lever, wireless charging pads, and a rotary drive mode selector. Leatherette seats with ventilation (on top Accomplished+ trim), a panoramic sunroof, and 64-colour ambient lighting create a genuinely premium feel.
Rear headroom is where the coupe roofline extracts a price — tall passengers (above 6 feet) will notice headroom is tighter than in a traditional SUV. Legroom, however, is excellent thanks to the longer wheelbase (2,560 mm). The 500-litre boot is the party trick — a class-beating figure that makes the Curvv very practical despite its sporty silhouette. The cabin NVH is well-managed, especially in the EV variant where the absence of engine noise is particularly appreciated.
Infotainment & Technology
The Curvv uses Tata’s Arcade.ev infotainment architecture (on EV) and a similar connected system on ICE. The interface has a clean, tile-based layout with voice command support. Connected car features via the Tata iRA app allow remote start (EV pre-conditioning), charging schedule, and SOS call. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on mid and above variants.
ADAS on the Accomplished+ trim includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control — a robust Level 1/2 suite. A 360-degree camera is sharp and well-processed. The infotainment system updates via OTA — Tata has demonstrated this with meaningful updates in the Nexon EV family over recent years.
Engine & Performance
The 1.5L diesel is the workhorse for most Curvv buyers. 118 bhp and 260 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DCT, delivers strong mid-range pull ideal for highway overtaking. ARAI mileage of 23.7 km/l is exceptional for a vehicle this size; real-world highway efficiency of 18–20 km/l cuts long-distance fuel costs significantly. The 1.2L turbo petrol with 118 bhp is better suited to city use and is available at a lower price point.
The EV variant’s 167 bhp motor gives it the quickest real-world acceleration — city launches are brisk and effortless. The 55 kWh battery’s 502 km ARAI range translates to approximately 400–420 km in real-world mixed driving — more than adequate for most families’ weekly and monthly travel patterns without a charging stop.
Ride Quality & Handling
The Curvv’s suspension — MacPherson struts at front, a semi-independent torsion beam at rear — is tuned for comfort-first with adequate handling capability. City roads are handled well; the suspension absorbs irregularities without the harsh edge that afflicts some of Tata’s older models. Highway ride is settled and refined — the Curvv cruises comfortably at 100–120 km/h. Body roll in corners is controlled — not sporty, but predictable and safe. The electric power steering is light in the city and firms up progressively at speed.
Safety Features
The Curvv carries Tata’s strong safety DNA — the structure uses high-strength steel and the car is expected to match or exceed the Nexon’s 5-star NCAP credentials. Standard safety includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring. ADAS (ACEBS, LDWS, BSM, RCTA) adds meaningful active safety on top variants. isofix child seat anchors come as standard across the range.
Price & Variants
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price |
|---|---|
| Smart (1.2T Petrol MT) | ₹9.99 lakh |
| Pure (1.5 Diesel MT) | ₹11.49 lakh |
| Creative (1.5 Diesel DCT) | ₹14.49 lakh |
| Accomplished+ (1.5 Diesel DCT) | ₹16.49 lakh |
| Curvv EV (45 kWh) | ₹17.49 lakh |
| Curvv EV (55 kWh) | ₹19.49 lakh |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 500 L best-in-class boot space | Rear headroom tight for tall adults |
| Striking coupe-SUV design | Torsion beam rear (not multi-link) |
| Both ICE and EV available | Rear visibility limited due to slope |
| 23.7 km/l diesel mileage | DCT can be hesitant in crawl traffic |
| 502 km EV range option | ADAS only on top trim |
Verdict
The Tata Curvv succeeds at what it set out to do: offer the style of a coupe-SUV without sacrificing the practicality Indian families demand. The 500-litre boot, comfortable five-seat cabin, and class-competitive pricing across both ICE and EV variants make this an easy recommend. The diesel DCT Creative at ₹14.49 lakh is a particularly sweet spot — excellent mileage, a smooth gearbox, and enough features to satisfy most buyers.
For EV buyers, the 55 kWh Curvv EV at ₹19.49 lakh offers a compelling alternative to the Nexon EV — more space, a better design, and competitive range. If the coupe-SUV shape appeals to you, the Curvv is the most practical way to get it in India today.
