The Tata Curvv EV arrives in India at an exciting moment for electric vehicles (EVs). Merging the sporty lines of a coupe and the overall structure of an SUV, the Curvv EV is positioned as a premium offering above the Nexon EV for prospective buyers looking for style, performance, and everyday use. This is a review of the strengths and weaknesses of the Curvv EV.
Design: A Striking Coupe-SUV Appearance
The Curvv EV’s coupe-like design makes a statement when compared to traditional SUVs. The frame has a low-slung, sloping roofline and muscular wheel arches, further complemented by the relatively high ground clearance. The front of the vehicle showcases a large light bar, alluding to the latest from Tata. Towards the rear, the connected taillights are a chic design feature. Despite its sporty design, the Curvv EV is also a practical choice:
- 500-litre boot provides ample room for luggage and can be increased by utilising the 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- 11.6-litre frunk (front-trunk) is handy for storing the charging cables, although the case did not fit.
- Cup compromises: The design choice of thick C-pillars and a small rear windscreen can limit visibility in comparison to other small SUVs and require efforts be made to use the 360-degree camera when parking.
Interior: A Premium And Modern Cabin
The interior of the Curvv EV incorporates elements of the Nexon EV design, but with more premium fittings:
- Dual screen panel: Most of the dashboard is dominated by a large, 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a digital instrument panel, both of which offer wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration, as well as voice commands that can be activated through either Alexa or the Google Assistant.
- Material quality: The stars in this cabin are the light grey and ivory leatherette upholstery (it will stain, tough luck!), textured plastics, and brushed silver use of accents.
- Comfort: The front seats offer ventilation.
Performance: Power and Efficiency in Balance
The Curvv EV features a 167 BHP/215 Nm motor positioned at the front (55 kWh variant), leading to rapid acceleration:
- 0–100 km/h in 8.6 seconds (officially claimed) or approximately 9.6 seconds in actual usage.
- Three driving modes:
– Sport: Activates full power and a top speed of 160 km/h.
– City: Suitable for urban settings and a manageable throttle response.
– Eco: Reduces acceleration but extends driving range. - Regen braking: Four levels available via a paddle at the steering wheel, with Level 3 enabling one-pedal driving.
Range and Charging
The claimed MIDC range is 585 km, and in real usage, it is closer to 350–400 km depending on driving style and conditions. The thermal management system was efficient in thermal extremes. The company has yet to elaborate on charging specifics, but the Acti ev platform likely enables a fast charging capability (estimates for 10–80% under an hour).
Ride and Handling: Assurance Meets Comfort
- Suspension: The firm low-speed tuning does an admirable job absorbing potholes and other road imperfections, while the high-speed straight line stability inspires confidence on high-speed highways.
- Steering: The steering is direct but perhaps a touch too weighted, requiring additional effort during tight manoeuvres.
- NVH levels: The cabin is well insulated from the outside world, with only a slight hint of motor whine and minimal road noise.
Features and Safety
Included in the top-spec Empowered variant is:
- ADAS suite: Lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.
- JBL audio: Crisp listening pleasure from a 9-speaker JBL audio system.
- Ventilated seats and auto-dimming IRVM to keep you comfortable and cool.
- Safety: With six airbags, ESC, and an Acti. EV safety platform expecting a five-star NCAP rating.
Price and Rivals
Starting at ₹17.49 lakh and going up to ₹21.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Curvv EV is less expensive than the MG ZS EV (₹18.98–25.44 lakh) and has an equivalent range with better features, while matching customer cost with petrol/diesel rivals like the Hyundai Creta N Line and Kia Seltos X Line.
Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The Curvv EV is best suited for a premium family EV for urban commuters and part-time highway drivers, and strength-sorted ride quality, usable range, extensive comfort/technology on display trade off against some typically minor drivers like poor rear visibility and harsher low-speed damping are more than just minor inconveniences. If you want a high-quality and technology-driven EV without spending too much, the Curvv EV is a value choice.
| Aspect | Rating (5★) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ★★★★☆ | Striking coupe-SUV styling with functional boot space. |
| Interior | ★★★★☆ | Premium materials and tech, but some ergonomic quirks. |
| Performance | ★★★★☆ | Strong acceleration and smooth power delivery. |
| Range | ★★★★☆ | 350–400 km real-world range is segment-competitive. |
| Ride Quality | ★★★★★ | Best-in-class comfort on rough roads. |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ | Priced aggressively against rivals like MG ZS EV. |
The Bottom Line: The Tata Curvv EV is not just another EV SUV; it is a thoughtfully designed product that takes Indian EVs to a new level, confirming that sustainability and fun to drive can coexist.