Tata Curvv EV India Review: A Game-Changer Or Just Hype?
The Curvv is a Creta rival and that means it enters into a competitive space within the sub-Rs 25 lakh segment
We have been waiting for a long time for the Tata Curvv and finally it is here. First we get the EV version, while later we will drive the petrol as well as the diesel too. The Curvv is a Creta rival and that means it enters into a competitive space within the sub-Rs 25 lakh segment. However, within the EV segment, there are only a handful of cars right now which means unlike the petrol or diesel, the EV version has less competition.
That said, Tata Motors wants to go beyond EVs and appeal to the traditional ICE buyer too. In that sense, the Curvv EV is an important launch and more so with its keen pricing. We drove the top-end 55 kWh battery pack version to see if it has been worth the wait.
The Curvv is a coupe SUV and it does look quite appealing while in the flesh it arguably looks even better. Standing tall, the front-end has the similar Nexon EV like face but with more presence.
Look closer and you will see an aero inspired bumper design plus connected light bar. The EV has a closed off grille of course while it has a nice welcome and goodbye animation plus there is a charging flap at the front too. This charging flap can be electrically opened from the inside and when you start driving, that button disappears from the centre console.
At the side, the clean surfacing is nice too and you will see flush door handles with illumination. Large 18-inch alloys with aero inserts also look futuristic while filling the wheel arches. The talking point is the rear with the sloping coupe-like styling which looks attractive plus a subtle spoiler/connected tail-lamps further ramp up the presence. In the grey colour it looks superb and that is a key highlight for sure.
Inside, it is a mix of Harrier and Nexon EV with a four spoke steering wheel along with a light coloured upholstery. It would be difficult to keep the seats clean though but it does give the cabin an airy look. Design is easy on the eye and there are soft touch materials on the dash with leatherette inserts. The lower half of the dash could be better in quality though but the overall look is indeed quite premium. There is a digital instrument cluster which can be configured and you can put the map view there too.
The main 12.3-inch touchscreen is easy and slick to use with no lag while there is plenty there including in-built apps, a crisp 360 degree camera, EV related info and other settings. It is easy to fathom and not confusing while voice commands are also a way to use the functions. Speaking of which, you can use voice commands in Hinglish to open the panoramic sunroof.
Other than that you get climate control, a cooled glovebox, powered drivers seat with ventilation for both seats, ADAS level 2, powered handbrake and tailgate with gesture, 9-speaker JBL audio, and more. The JBL audio system sounds superb and is customisable too while the blind view monitor can be customised to be either at the central screen or the cluster.
Space at the front is good with ample support while the rear seat is a bit cramped. For someone of my height at 6 feet, there is simply not enough legroom or headroom with the coupe SUV roofline coming into the picture. It feels smaller than rivals at the rear seat and there is no middle headrest too but there is a rear seat recline which helps matters a bit. While not being uncomfortable, the Curvv does feel slightly hemmed in at the rear. On the other hand storage is good at the rear while at the front we would have liked more storage towards the centre console.
The boot at 500 litres is simply massive and you can open it via a gesture or with the key while it works every time with the gesture as and when we tried.
The driving position is spot on and unlike the Harrier/Safari the centre console does not intrude with your knees. The footwell is also spacious enough while even when changing drive modes, there is no voice message to say so. Tata Motors have listened to feedback and the new e-shifter is also much more intuitive to use than the earlier ones with no lag.
The Curvv starts off with silence but there is also a faint sound which alerts pedestrians up to 20km/h. Performance is fast, smooth and eager with the 55kWh battery pack having ample power. There is a single motor with 167 bhp and 215Nm which gives you plenty of performance.
It is smooth and responds instantly. There are three drive modes and Sport means slight wheelspin while we think City is good enough while Eco is not too slow as well. The steering is also light and easy to use while the car does not feel big while driving through narrow Udaipur roads. As speeds increase, body control is similar to the Nexon with a bit of roll but it feels enjoyable to drive with a sense of directness. The tough suspension and the 186mm ground clearance is also a big bonus which helps you take it across all kinds of terrain as we did.
Range is a big topic and here, the 55kWh battery pack version (with Prismatic cells, not on the 45kWh version) promises 585km but in the real world expect 400-450km. We got around 400 but that is due to the acceleration tests that we did and a city drive will yield more. The regenerative braking can be controlled via the steering wheel and comes in three levels too which in the highest offers a pretty strong regen. The brakes work very well too.
We feel the Curvv EV ticks a lot of boxes but importantly it promises a lot of real world range to the tune of 400km at a price which is less than rivals. At Rs 21.9 lakh for this fully loaded version, you get great looks, long equipment list and ample power. The Curvv has its rear seat space as its only weakness but other than that, this could seriously tempt ICE buyers to convert to EV.
What we like: Looks, interior, features, range, performance, ample ground clearance
What we do not like: Cramped rear seat, no dual zone climate control
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