All New Tata Curvv EV Coupe-SUV Review

Since the Curvv EV is larger than the Nexon EV, it shares some similarities with it in both design and how it feels inside and out.

Highlights

55kWh battery pack has 167bhp and 215Nm

Benefits from the new scalable Acti.ev platform

Claimed range of 585kms, 0-100kmph in 8.6 seconds

Tata Motors is leading the Indian electric vehicle market with a wide range of EVs. They have everything from the Tiago EV and Tigor EV to the newly launched Punch EV, and the best-selling Nexon EV. After a long wait, Tata has introduced something new—the all-new Tata Curvv EV.

The Curvv is built on Tata's new Acti.ev platform and is now their top electric vehicle. It features a coupe-SUV body style designed for a wide audience. The Curvv EV was launched before its gasoline-powered version, with prices ranging from Rs 17.50 lakh to 22 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom), which isn’t much higher than the Nexon EV. But does the Curvv EV have what it takes to attract Nexon EV buyers with its stylish sloping roofline? Let’s see.

Tata Curvv EV: Design & Styling

The Curvv's sloping roofline is its standout feature, but from the front, it’s easy to confuse it with the Nexon EV at first glance. However, the Curvv has a longer wheelbase, greater overall length, and, even with the sloping roof, it's taller than the Nexon EV. Built on a newer platform, the charging port is now located at the front and can be operated both manually and electrically.

From the side, the Curvv's stylish 18-inch alloy wheels are not just good-looking but also designed to improve aerodynamics. The 55-profile tires fit perfectly in the wheel arches, giving the coupe-SUV a strong, muscular appearance.

You’ll appreciate the glossy finishes on the body cladding, which give the Curvv a premium look similar to more expensive cars. However, it’s uncertain how well these finishes will hold up once scratches start to appear. The rear three-quarter view is the best angle to admire the Curvv, thanks to its sloping roofline, sleek LED tail lamps that stretch across the back, and sharp lines and creases. I do wish the roofline had a sharper slope that ended at a point, like in some coupes, instead of flattening out at the end. Still, the Curvv’s overall design has been compared to an Italian SUV, which is a big compliment.

Tata Curvv EV: Interior and Features

Inside, the Curvv’s cabin looks very familiar because it’s almost identical to the Nexon EV's. One thing it does borrow from Tata’s larger models, like the Harrier and Safari, is the four-spoke steering wheel. A key difference in the Curvv is the metallic finish that runs across the dashboard, giving it a unique touch. It also features ambient lighting throughout. However, aside from these changes, the cabin feels very similar to the Nexon EV, and I wish they had done more to make it stand out.

For example, the center console where the USB ports are located is difficult to reach, a problem that was present in older Nexon models and has been carried over to the Curvv. The seat backrests could also be taller to provide better support. Given that the Curvv is based on a dedicated EV platform, you might expect more space, a floating cabin design, and a modern dashboard layout, but that's not the case here. On the plus side, the Curvv does come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, updated with the Arcade.ev app. However, the digital driver's display could have been improved. While it offers a lot of information, the battery percentage, which is crucial, is tucked away in a corner with very small text.

The back seat of the Curvv is important, especially for a coupe-SUV. Getting in, I noticed the entrance is a bit narrower than expected, with a thick door sill. Once inside, you might feel slightly awkward because the battery under the floor raises the seating position. Although the backrest can be adjusted for reclining, I wish the seats were set a bit lower so you could sit more comfortably with better leg support from the base bolsters. I also expected more space here compared to the Nexon EV, but that’s not the case. It’s best to consider the Curvv as a four-seater, as fitting three adults in the back would be quite cramped; you might squeeze a child in the center, but not much more.

In terms of practicality, the Curvv offers rear AC vents and a dedicated Type-C port. There’s also a folding armrest with cup holders and three-point seat belts for all rear passengers. However, I wish the door pockets were a bit bigger, and the door design could have been improved compared to the Nexon EV, but it remains the same. On the bright side, despite being a coupe-SUV, the Curvv provides a generous 500 liters of boot space, enough to easily carry weekend luggage for four people.

Tata Curvv EV: Powertrain and Performance

When driving the Tata Curvv EV, visibility is a notable challenge. The rear view is obstructed due to the thick C-pillar and the rear windscreen, which can be tricky, especially for new drivers, and might take some time to get used to.

In terms of specifications, the Curvv EV comes with two battery pack options. The model we’re driving has the larger 55 kWh battery pack, delivering about 167 bhp and 215 Nm of torque. The smaller option has a 45 kWh battery and provides close to 150 bhp.

When driving the Curvv EV, the acceleration is smooth and refined, just like you’d expect from an electric vehicle. It has a consistent and linear acceleration, similar to the Nexon EV, with minimal delay or vibrations whether you're driving in the city or at high speeds on the highway.

The Curvv EV offers three driving modes: Eco, City, and Sport. In Eco mode, the performance feels more subdued, while City mode provides a balanced experience that's likely preferred by most drivers. For a more responsive and precise throttle, Sport mode is the way to go. Tata claims the Curvv EV can go from 0 to 100 km/h in about 9 seconds, and the way the power is delivered when you accelerate strongly makes this claim quite believable.

A new feature in the Curvv EV is the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), which is typically found in more expensive EVs. This system creates an artificial sound to alert pedestrians to the vehicle’s presence, enhancing safety. Fortunately, the sound is pleasant and not annoying, and it turns off once you reach speeds above 20 km/h.

Tata Curvv EV: Ride and handling

The Curvv EV features a larger, heftier steering wheel compared to the Nexon, which enhances the driving dynamics with its substantial feel. However, the steering is overly assisted, making it less responsive in tight corners as it requires more input and takes nearly three turns to go from lock-to-lock. At city speeds, it’s light and easy to handle, but it gains a good amount of weight as you reach highway speeds, making it comfortable and manageable.

One of the standout features of the Curvv EV is its excellent ride quality. At low speeds, it handles bumps and uneven surfaces smoothly, keeping the ride comfortable and flat. It absorbs most of the harshness from the road effectively. Even on rough or deteriorating roads, the ride remains impressive. At higher speeds, a bit of road impact is felt inside the cabin, but it’s well-damped. While there might be some vertical movement on uneven surfaces, especially at the back, it never becomes uncomfortable.

Overall, the Curvv EV is a great car to drive. It offers comfort and adapts well to various driving conditions. For those who only have one car, its realistic range of around 400 km is quite sufficient. While the certified range is 585 km for this battery pack, you can expect a real-world range of about 350-400 km. Additionally, it supports 70 kW fast charging, which allows you to charge from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes.

Tata Curvv EV: Verdict

The Tata Curvv EV meets and slightly exceeds our expectations. While its coupe-SUV body style is a notable feature, it's not necessarily its biggest selling point. What really stands out are its attractive design, solid overall packaging thanks to Tata's EV expertise, and its enjoyable driving experience paired with excellent ride quality. However, it does have its flaws.

The new platform in the Curvv EV could have provided more cabin space and addressed some of the Nexon EV’s shortcomings, but it mainly focuses on the stylish sloping roofline, which, while attractive, could be improved ergonomically. Additionally, the exterior design, which is similar to other Tata models, might not appeal to everyone. The Curvv EV also suffers from minor electronic glitches, a common issue with Tata cars, which can be unpredictable and annoying despite not being major problems. 

The biggest selling point of the Curvv EV is its aggressive pricing. At its introductory rates, it’s likely to attract buyers who might have considered the MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV400, or even the Nexon EV. Additionally, it offers an appealing option for those looking at petrol or diesel automatics in the C-SUV segment, making it a strong contender in a broader market.