Tata Curvv Petrol & Diesel Review: Which Engine Option Is for You

The Tata Curvv is undoubtedly one of the most unique offerings from the carmaker in recent times, and that’s saying something. I remember first seeing the concept version of the Curvv almost two years ago and thinking it was a bold move by Tata. Fast forward to today, and we now have the production version of the coupé SUV. It closely resembles the concept we saw back then, looking just as striking and unconventional. While you may have already seen our review of the electric Curvv, it’s time to get up close and personal with the petrol-powered versions of this coupé SUV.

Tata Curvv Review: Exterior Design

Design is always subjective, but if you were to ask for my opinion on the Curvv, I’d rate it very highly. Tata has been excelling in the design department for some time now, and the Curvv is no exception. Its futuristic appearance almost reminds me of the vehicles in Cyberpunk 2077. The design of the Curvv closely mirrors that of the electric version, with the same coupé SUV silhouette. While the front has the same sleek DRLs and light bar with a welcome function, the rear is dominated by a connected taillamp. The proportions of the Curvv are also identical to those of the EV version.

Since we were driving the top-end trim, our test model came equipped with stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, although the lower variants get 16- and 17-inch options. What I really like is the fact that the flush door handles are available even on the base variant. In fact, LED lighting is also standard across the entire range.

The ICE Curvv, however, sets itself apart from the EV in terms of the grille design. While the EV version opts for a closed-off unit, the internal combustion model features shiny accents and functional openings to allow airflow, much like a conventional car. The bumper design follows a similar approach, and overall, I prefer this to the EV’s design – it adds more character to the front of the vehicle.

Despite the Curvv's futuristic design, I noticed some quality issues. One of the two units we drove had unsightly weld marks clearly visible on the boot frame. Additionally, the black plastic surrounding the liftgate had large gaps where it met the metal frame. In our diesel unit, the interior rear-view mirror even came off while trying to adjust it. These problems weren't present in all vehicles, but they do suggest that Tata needs to keep a close eye on their quality control department if it doesn’t want to disappoint customers.

Tata Curvv Review: Interior Space & Features

Much like the exterior, the Curvv's interior design and features are nearly identical to those of its EV counterpart, with a few changes. Instead of the bright white upholstery in the EV, you get darker-coloured options, which are easier to maintain and still look good. My favourite feature is the large well-designed 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It has a clean user interface, and you can even display Google Maps on it, making navigation more intuitive.

In the top trim, you get a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, while lower variants come with 10.25-inch and 7-inch options. The large display enhances content legibility, although the animations could be smoother. The system isn’t slow to respond, but the choppy animations can make it feel less fluid than it is. The infotainment supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is nice. The higher trim also features a 9-speaker JBL surround sound system, which sounds good, though not as impressive as some competitors.

I also appreciate the 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, which offered great comfort throughout the drive. The front seats are ventilated, but the button to activate this feature is awkwardly positioned at the base of the seat, making it somewhat inconvenient to access. The centre console provides space for a couple of USB charging ports and a wireless charging pad, but cup holders are still missing.

The rear bench offers good cushioning, along with AC vents and both Type A and Type C USB charging ports. However, the sloping roof compromises headroom, particularly for taller individuals. If you want that stylish roofline, you'll have to accept this trade-off. To slightly improve comfort, the backrest of the rear bench can recline, though only by a small degree. The door pockets are also quite cramped, so you're better off using the cup holders in the centre armrest. Overall, apart from the limited space, I found the second-row experience quite satisfactory.

Tata Curvv Review: Boot Space

Before we delve into the boot space, I must mention the powered tailgate. It’s great that Tata has included a powered tailgate on the Curvv, as it increases the convenience of everyday usability. However, I did notice that it takes a few seconds longer to open compared to most other cars – not a deal-breaker, but something worth noting. As for the boot itself, you get 500 litres of space, which is ample for half a dozen small to medium-sized bags. Folding down the second-row seats nearly doubles the cargo capacity, so you’ll have no complaints with the Curvv in this department.

Tata Curvv Review: Engine options

Tata offers the Curvv with three engine options, and we got to test two of them. The first was the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a new addition to Tata’s line-up. The second was the 1.5-litre Kryojet diesel unit. Both engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or Tata’s 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCA).

Let’s start with the diesel engine, which produces 116bhp and 260Nm of torque. The moment you press the accelerator, you feel an immediate surge of torque – typical of a diesel engine, which hits the red line quickly and delivers a solid punch with each shift. The issue, however, lies with the DCA (dual-clutch automatic) gearbox. It tends to get confused rather easily. If you drive gently, it performs fine, but when you start pushing the SUV, the gearbox struggles to find the right gear. This was particularly noticeable while climbing inclines, where there was a distinct lag between pressing the throttle and the Curvv actually delivering the necessary power.

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Now, moving on to the new turbocharged petrol engine – it was a blast to drive and incredibly smooth as well. It stays quiet when you’re cruising or taking it easy, but the moment you accelerate, it lets out a satisfying roar that isn’t too harsh on the ears. Our petrol model came paired with a 6-speed manual, which complemented the engine perfectly. The gear ratios are well-spaced, and the shifts are seamless. Overall, I had far more fun pushing the petrol Curvv with the manual gearbox than I did driving the diesel with the automatic.

Tata Curvv Review: Ride & Handling

In typical Tata fashion, the suspension is finely tuned, offering a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. On rough roads, there’s minimal bouncing, and around sharp corners or a twisty section of the road, the Curvv instills plenty of confidence. Even at higher speeds, it holds its line well. Now, the steering could have been be a bit more direct for added precision, but, then, I’m nitpicking here. However, the brake pedal does feel somewhat ‘wooden’ – it’s heavy to press and lacks the sharpness in terms of braking power that I would have preferred.

While driving, I also noticed that the A-pillar is quite thick, which can somewhat obstruct your view, particularly when looking to the right. The shape of the bonnet and the seating position also make it a bit tricky to judge the edges of the car. However, I was impressed with the quality of the surround-view camera – it provides a bright, crisp image, which is often lacking in other cars. The Curvv also comes equipped with 20 Level 2 ADAS features, and they function very well. I would recommend selecting the most relaxed setting for the automatic braking, as the system can sometimes engage the brakes a little too early.

Tata Curvv Review: Verdict

While I am highly impressed by the Curvv’s design, Tata still needs to address some quality issues. The interior feels luxurious with plenty of features, but it lacks a bit in terms of storage space and rear headroom. The petrol engine is a joy to drive, especially when paired with the manual gearbox. The diesel offers plenty of torque, though the automatic gearbox can be somewhat problematic. What really makes the Curvv stand out is the pricing. With a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh, which goes up to Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers excellent value for money, along with some extra style points. Conventional SUVs might offer more space and practicality if that’s your priority, but if you’re after a unique and capable set of wheels, the Curvv is a fantastic option.

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