Abhijeet A
New Delhi: Tata Motors has thrown down the gauntlet in the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment with its revolutionary new offering, the Tata Curvv. Blurring the lines between a muscular SUV and a sleek coupe, the Curvv has already made a thunderous entrance, clocking impressive sales figures since its launch. This bold design statement, backed by a trio of powerful engine options including a much-awaited diesel, is Tata’s most audacious move yet to challenge the established kings of the segment. But as the initial excitement settles, the real question emerges: does this stylish new contender have the substance to dethrone the undisputed segment leader, the Hyundai Creta, and fend off formidable rivals like the Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Key Features at a Glance
| Specification | Tata Curvv (Top-Spec Expected) |
| Engine Options | 1.2L Turbo-Petrol (123 bhp) / 1.5L Diesel (116 bhp) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 7-Speed DCA (Petrol), 6-Speed AT (Diesel) |
| Key Interior Feature | 12.3-inch Touchscreen Infotainment, Panoramic Sunroof |
| Standout Feature | Unique SUV-Coupe design |
| Boot Space | ~500 Litres |
| Expected Price | Starting from ~₹10.00 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
Price Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Tata has priced the Curvv aggressively to undercut its main rivals, with an ex-showroom price expected to start from ₹10.00 lakh for the base petrol variant and potentially rising to over ₹19.50 lakh for the top-end diesel automatic. This strategic pricing makes it an incredibly attractive proposition. However, the final on-road price will be higher.
Here are our expert estimates for the on-road prices of the new Tata Curvv in India’s major metropolitan hubs:
- Delhi: ₹11.50 Lakh – ₹22.50 Lakh
- Mumbai: ₹11.90 Lakh – ₹23.50 Lakh
- Bengaluru: ₹12.20 Lakh – ₹24.00 Lakh
- Chennai: ₹11.80 Lakh – ₹23.00 Lakh
(Note: These are estimated on-road prices and can vary based on the variant, engine choice, RTO taxes, and insurance premiums.)
Tata Curvv vs. Its Biggest Rivals
The Curvv enters a battlefield dominated by titans. Its unique design is its biggest weapon, but the competition is fierce, with each rival having its own dedicated following and proven track record.
| Feature | Tata Curvv | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | From ~₹10.00 Lakh | From ₹11.11 Lakh | From ₹11.19 Lakh | From ₹11.42 Lakh |
| Engine (CC) | 1199cc Petrol / 1497cc Diesel | 1497cc Petrol / 1493cc Diesel | 1497cc Petrol / 1493cc Diesel | 1462cc Petrol / 1490cc Hybrid |
| Power (BHP) | 123 (Turbo-Petrol) / 116 (Diesel) | 113 / 114 | 113 / 114 | 102 / 91 (Hybrid) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | ~18-22 kmpl (est.) | ~17-21 kmpl | ~17-20 kmpl | ~21-28 kmpl |
| Key Feature/Weakness | Feature: Standout coupe design & powerful engines. Weakness: New entrant, long-term reliability untested. | Feature: Feature-loaded cabin & refined ride. Weakness: Polarizing new design. | Feature: Premium interior & multiple ADAS features. Weakness: Stiffer ride quality. | Feature: Best-in-class mileage (Hybrid) & AWD option. Weakness: Underwhelming performance. |
Our Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Tata Curvv is a breath of fresh air in a segment crowded with conventional boxy SUVs. It’s a statement piece, designed for the buyer who wants to stand out from the crowd.
The Tata Curvv is the perfect vehicle for you if: You are a design-conscious individual who prioritizes style and road presence above all else. Its coupe-like roofline is a guaranteed head-turner. Beyond aesthetics, it’s for the buyer who wants a powerful and feature-loaded vehicle without paying the premium demanded by its Korean rivals. With a choice of potent turbo-petrol and diesel engines, it appeals to both performance seekers and long-distance travelers. The spacious cabin and large boot make it a practical, albeit stylish, choice for modern Indian families.
While the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer a more conventional and proven package, and the Maruti Grand Vitara appeals to the mileage-conscious buyer, the Tata Curvv makes a compelling case for itself with its blend of stunning design, powerful performance, and aggressive pricing. It’s the bold choice for the discerning buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Tata Curvv have a 5-star safety rating?
While the Curvv has not yet been tested by Global NCAP, it is built on the same platform as the Tata Nexon, which boasts a 5-star safety rating. It’s widely expected that the Curvv will also achieve a top safety score.
Is the Tata Curvv’s coupe roofline practical for tall passengers?
This is a common concern with coupe-SUVs. Tata has engineered the Curvv to maximize interior space, but tall passengers (over 6 feet) might find the rear headroom slightly more compromised compared to traditionally shaped SUVs like the Hyundai Creta or Maruti Grand Vitara.
Which is a better engine: the Tata Curvv’s turbo-petrol or the Hyundai Creta’s?
The Tata Curvv’s 1.2L GDi turbo-petrol engine (123 bhp) is more powerful than the Hyundai Creta’s 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine (113 bhp). For those seeking more spirited performance and better highway overtaking capability, the Curvv’s turbo-petrol is the superior choice.
Will there be a Tata Curvv EV?
Yes, Tata Motors has already showcased the Curvv EV concept, and it is expected to launch after the internal combustion engine (ICE) versions are established in the market. It will compete with the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV and Maruti Suzuki eVX.
