Tata Motors is having a huge turnaround with new design and products which are climbing to the top of the charts. Hence, the next step is entering new segments and the big one is the 4m plus compact SUV segment dominated by the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti Grand Vitara. For Tata, they are entering full guns blazing with an EV, petrol, and a diesel version. This is the review of the EV which launches first in India.
Exteriors
The Curvv is an SUV coupe and is a fantastic looking vehicle with massive road presence. The proportions are perfect and the SUV coupe design has been perfectly done. It looks big and has a length of 4310mm while having a width of 1810mm. There are five colour options including some exclusive for the EV. It looks bigger than rivals and the front has a similar look to the Nexon EV while the closed off grille along with a light bar which acts as a sequence for when you lock/unlock the car plus a charging indicator.
The EV Curvv looks a bit different from the ICE with aerodynamic inserts too. The slim light bar gives it a mean stance on the road while the charging flap is now at the front which can be eclectically controlled. The SUV coupe like design has an interesting flow with a sedan like roofline at the side plus you get flush door handles with illumination along with 18-inch alloy wheels and EV spec tyres for getting more range. The rear has a butch look with connected light bar and a dark Curvv.ev badging. We found the paint finish to be excellent too.
Interiors
Inside, the Nexon EV seems like an inspiration with a white coloured leatherette upholstery while the steering wheel is not a two-spoke but a four spoke one. There is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display where you can put the map view also via smartphone connectivity. There is a main 12.3-inch touchscreen which is also same as the Nexon EV. That said, the infotainment system is new with more functions now being added. We found the touchscreen to be satisfactory in response and the menu well laid out. Quality is as per class standards while a leatherette strip to the dashboard adds to the flair.
The Curvv EV is very well equipped to rival the Hyundai Creta with a larger touchscreen, climate control, powered driver’s seat, cooled seats for both passengers at the front, a voice enabled panoramic sunroof, connected car tech with Arcade.ev apps, Multi Mood Ambient Lighting, Cooled Glove Box, fast charging, 2 stage rear seat reclining, ADAS Level 2, 6 airbags and more. There is also a 360-degree camera and a Harrier like JBL sound system with 9 speakers along with customisation via different sound modes. We found the audio system to be excellent, the voice assistants work and the 360-degree camera is clear too. We would have liked dual powered seats and dual zone climate control but otherwise it gets it all.
The boot meanwhile also comes with a powered tailgate release via a foot gesture while the boot itself is a massive 500 litre one. Space is acceptable but lags rivals, especially at the rear seat where headroom and legroom are compromised a bit. Tall passengers will find the headroom short but there is a recline option.
Performance
The Curvv EV is available with two battery packs: a 45kWh battery with claimed 502km range ARAI or a larger 55kWh battery pack with 585km range ARAI. There is a front single electric motor with 167PS and 215Nm of torque. On offer are three drive modes and negeri recuperation via steering paddles with three levels. The Curvv like the Nexon EV is smooth and has instant performance. It is not too fast but has the smoothness plus the instant response which is associated with EVs. Tata Motors have tuned the driving performance to be responsive but not too fast.
Put your foot down and there is some wheelspin but is it controlled. City is the default mode while Sport brings more much livelier response but is best used for overtaking. Eco feels slower but is not very much so. The steering weighs up at bigger speeds but is inherently light. Despite its weight and size, the Curvv is easy to drive while the 186mm ground clearance makes approaching our roads easier.
Do note that it has a 450mm water wading capability too. the range is also huge when in comparison to the price with real world figures for the 55kWh battery pack version being 400-450km. While there is some body roll, it feels controlled and is fun to drive with some firmness due to the larger 18-inch wheels. That said, this is an EV which you can drive openly without fear of ground clearance. Also unique to the Curvv is the AVAS or where it produces sounds to warn other people on the roads. There are ADAS functions too.
Verdict
As far as first impressions are concerned, the Curvv does a very good job largely with its stunning looks and the excellent range that you get at this price. The Curvv EV starts at Rs 17.49 lakh and stretches all the way to Rs 21.9 lakh for the 55kWh battery pack version. For the price, you get very good value in terms of the design plus features while only the rear seat space is where it falls short. We recommend the 55kWh battery for more range and it is a one of the best EVs at the sub Rs 25 lakh price while being better than the Nexon EV too.
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