Tata Motors has entered the fastest selling, lucrative mid-size SUV segment by launching the all-new Tata Curvv.
Tata Motors has entered the fastest selling, lucrative mid-size SUV segment by launching the all-new Tata Curvv. Till date Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have dominated this space.
While Tata Motors has launched the Curvv EV in the market priced from Rs 17.49 lakh to Rs 21.99 lakh, the petrol and diesel trims cost between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 17.7 lakh for the top end model.
The Tata Curvv EV is available in two distinct versions – 45 and 55 – signifying the battery capacity. We test drove the range-topping Curvv EV 55 Empowered variant to check out what it promises.
The Exterior
At first glance what strikes you the most is its design and styling. The front features the familiar Tata look, a la the Nexon EV and Punch EV, with a thin LED light bar spanning the width at the top, a closed-off grille that houses the charging port behind the Tata logo, and a stylish, chrome-trimmed lower airdam. All lights are LEDs, and there’s a faux skid plate. The Curvv EV’s design takes inspiration from more expensive coupe SUVs, such as the glossy black body cladding, flush-fitting door handles, and the signature sloping roofline. Also, the EV-specific elements such as the aero inserts for the 18-inch alloy wheels, blanked-off grille, and a charging port located on the fascia.
The car is equipped with LED light bars at the front and rear. One also notices the brand has given attention to detail which is also impressive. For example, the new key fob looks premium and fitting for a car of this class. The Curvv EV is also equipped with aero-efficient door handles that sit flush with the body and feature a small light for locating them in the dark. The most noticeable design feature on the side is the characteristic sloping roofline, which is neatly integrated into the boot lid. There is a roof-mounted spoiler element, a shark-fin antenna, and, like all coupe-SUVs, it lacks a rear washer/wiper.
The Interior
Once you step inside, you notice the similarity with the Nexon EV, but with a fresh contemporary layout. The dashboard is attractive with contrasting coloured stitching, faux carbon fibre and leather finish layers. It is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and the glossy black centre console features user-friendly touch buttons and toggle switches for controlling fan speed and temperature. The driver’s console has a 10.25-inch digital display that serves as a navigation system, enhancing convenience.
The Curvv EV also gets a wireless phone charger, connected tech, voice command controlled panoramic sunroof, 9-speaker JBL sound system, cruise control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, air purifier and ambient lighting. The car has front-ventilated seats, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 6-way manually adjustable front passenger seat. The rear space does not have as generous space as other SUVs in its category but it is comfortable and spacious. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults and a child in the middle. The Curvv EV is the first in its segment to come with a powered tailgate with gesture controls and has 500 litres of boot space, the best in the segment. The 55 kWh model has a ground clearance of 186 mm and 190 mm for the 45 kWh.
The Drive Experience
The Curvv EV provides two battery pack options, namely 45kWh and 55kWh units and we test drove the latter, which develops 165bhp and 215Nm of torque. There is a single electric motor powering the front wheels, and it has an ARAI-certified range of 585km on a single full charge. Tata claims that the battery can be charged up with a range of 150km in a mere 15 minutes with the help of a DC fast charger. Like the Nexon EV, the Curvv EV features three driving modes: Eco, City, and Sport which can be set via the rotary knob in the centre console.
As you drive along, the City mode provides good performance and it is more than adequate to drive around locally. When you switch to the Eco mode, the drive is dull but sprightly enough. However, the Sport mode makes it the most energetic as the throttle response is immediate. You pick up speed quite nicely and you reach the triple-digit speed easily without knowing it. Although we have not tested it fully for the mileage, my bet is the realistic range of approximately over 400km on a single full charge. The ride and handling are smooth and as it gathers speed on the highway, the car has got a good grip of the road. The SUV feels tough and composed, even on the worst of roads as it absorbs bumps and potholes, giving a smooth drive.
Should I buy one?
With loads of features, spacious, striking and practical design, comforts and impressive mileage range, Tata Motors has got the right mass-market Curvv EV in hand. With a competitive price range of Rs 17.49 lakh - Rs 21.99 lakh, it does make for a compelling choice.
While Tata Motors has launched the Curvv EV in the market priced from Rs 17.49 lakh to Rs 21.99 lakh, the petrol and diesel trims cost between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 17.7 lakh for the top end model.
The Tata Curvv EV is available in two distinct versions – 45 and 55 – signifying the battery capacity. We test drove the range-topping Curvv EV 55 Empowered variant to check out what it promises.
The Exterior
At first glance what strikes you the most is its design and styling. The front features the familiar Tata look, a la the Nexon EV and Punch EV, with a thin LED light bar spanning the width at the top, a closed-off grille that houses the charging port behind the Tata logo, and a stylish, chrome-trimmed lower airdam. All lights are LEDs, and there’s a faux skid plate. The Curvv EV’s design takes inspiration from more expensive coupe SUVs, such as the glossy black body cladding, flush-fitting door handles, and the signature sloping roofline. Also, the EV-specific elements such as the aero inserts for the 18-inch alloy wheels, blanked-off grille, and a charging port located on the fascia.
The car is equipped with LED light bars at the front and rear. One also notices the brand has given attention to detail which is also impressive. For example, the new key fob looks premium and fitting for a car of this class. The Curvv EV is also equipped with aero-efficient door handles that sit flush with the body and feature a small light for locating them in the dark. The most noticeable design feature on the side is the characteristic sloping roofline, which is neatly integrated into the boot lid. There is a roof-mounted spoiler element, a shark-fin antenna, and, like all coupe-SUVs, it lacks a rear washer/wiper.
The Interior
Once you step inside, you notice the similarity with the Nexon EV, but with a fresh contemporary layout. The dashboard is attractive with contrasting coloured stitching, faux carbon fibre and leather finish layers. It is equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and the glossy black centre console features user-friendly touch buttons and toggle switches for controlling fan speed and temperature. The driver’s console has a 10.25-inch digital display that serves as a navigation system, enhancing convenience.
The Curvv EV also gets a wireless phone charger, connected tech, voice command controlled panoramic sunroof, 9-speaker JBL sound system, cruise control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, air purifier and ambient lighting. The car has front-ventilated seats, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 6-way manually adjustable front passenger seat. The rear space does not have as generous space as other SUVs in its category but it is comfortable and spacious. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two adults and a child in the middle. The Curvv EV is the first in its segment to come with a powered tailgate with gesture controls and has 500 litres of boot space, the best in the segment. The 55 kWh model has a ground clearance of 186 mm and 190 mm for the 45 kWh.
The Drive Experience
The Curvv EV provides two battery pack options, namely 45kWh and 55kWh units and we test drove the latter, which develops 165bhp and 215Nm of torque. There is a single electric motor powering the front wheels, and it has an ARAI-certified range of 585km on a single full charge. Tata claims that the battery can be charged up with a range of 150km in a mere 15 minutes with the help of a DC fast charger. Like the Nexon EV, the Curvv EV features three driving modes: Eco, City, and Sport which can be set via the rotary knob in the centre console.
As you drive along, the City mode provides good performance and it is more than adequate to drive around locally. When you switch to the Eco mode, the drive is dull but sprightly enough. However, the Sport mode makes it the most energetic as the throttle response is immediate. You pick up speed quite nicely and you reach the triple-digit speed easily without knowing it. Although we have not tested it fully for the mileage, my bet is the realistic range of approximately over 400km on a single full charge. The ride and handling are smooth and as it gathers speed on the highway, the car has got a good grip of the road. The SUV feels tough and composed, even on the worst of roads as it absorbs bumps and potholes, giving a smooth drive.
Should I buy one?
With loads of features, spacious, striking and practical design, comforts and impressive mileage range, Tata Motors has got the right mass-market Curvv EV in hand. With a competitive price range of Rs 17.49 lakh - Rs 21.99 lakh, it does make for a compelling choice.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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