Tata Curvv EV: Boldest Tata Yet
The Nepali EV scene has been dominated by a whirlwind of Chinese entries each flashier, more futuristic, and more packed with gizmos than the last. But don’t count the Indian players out just yet. Tata Motors, which has been quietly beefing up its EV portfolio, has now thrown its most audacious punch, (Not the Tata Punch), the Tata Curvv EV. And if there’s one word to describe it, it’s this: courageous.
DESIGN: COUPE, NOT CONVENTIONAL
The first thing that sets the Curvv EV apart is its coupe-like SUV silhouette. A rarity in this segment, the sloping rear roofline sharply contrasts the competition. Now, coupe-SUV designs tend to divide opinion. But as we drove the Tata Curvv around the city, we noticed heads turning. That’s always a good sign. It looks distinct, unmistakably electric, yet avoids blending into the increasingly homogenous EV crowd. If there’s one tweak we’d suggest, it would be to give the rear a more squatted stance to amp up the sportiness.
Currently, there’s a bit too much happening at the back with the connecting tail lamps, a shark fin antenna, spoiler-like details, a faux skid plate; and notably, no rear wiper. Tata says the rake makes it unnecessary; we say it’s cost-cutting.
From the profile, the 18-inch wheels fill out the arches nicely. The flush door handles come with tiny lights that help you find them in the dark, though you’ll have to press to open them since they don’t pop out. Tata has opted for a glossy finish on the cladding which, while premium looking, is a scratch magnet.
The car measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,637 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,560 mm; 62 mm more than the Nexon EV. Ground clearance sits at 190 mm.
Up front, the design feels familiar. If you’ve seen the Punch EV or Nexon EV, you’ll feel right at home. A light bar connects the sleek DRLs, with a lighting animation that plays while charging or locking. The electronically-operated charging port sits smack in the middle of the front bumper.
Practical? Yes. But it could prove costly in case of a front-end collision. A frunk, stacked LED projectors, and acoustic vehicle alert systems round out the face.
INTERIORS: FAMILIAR, FUNCTIONAL, AND FLAWED
Step inside and you’re met with a cabin very reminiscent of the Nexon EV. The layout is familiar, the materials decent, and the build feels reassuringly solid. There’s leatherette on the dash, silver accents, and a Harman-sourced 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and support for multiple voice assistants.
The steering wheel is borrowed from the larger Harrier and Safari, complete with regen-control paddle shifters. The seats, ventilated and electrically adjustable for the driver, offer good comfort though shoulder support feels a bit lacking.
However, some quirks stand out. There are no soft-touch plastics, and the fingerprint-prone glossy surfaces may trigger your inner neat freak. Even more puzzling? No visible cupholders up front. You’ll find them hidden inside the glovebox. This, we found to be particularly odd.
The window switches look like they came from the Indica Vista era, and they did. Visibility is a mixed bag. Thick A-pillars create minor blind spots, and rearward visibility is compromised due to the coupe shape. You’ll rely heavily on the camera and sensors here.
REAR SEAT AND BOOT: FORM OVER FUNCTION
At the back, things get tighter. The coupe design compromises headroom, especially for taller passengers (we tested with a 6’3” adult). The raised floor, which is a result of the battery pack, puts you in a slightly knees-up position. Compared to similarly-priced Chinese rivals, cabin space here feels lacking.
That said, reclining rear seats and a panoramic sunroof do help make it a more pleasant space. Rear passengers also get A/C vents, a center armrest, and a three-point seatbelt for the middle occupant. Storage is minimal and the seatback pockets are missing.
Boot space is generous, offering 150L more than the Nexon EV and includes a spare tyre. The electronically operated tailgate with gesture control adds a nice touch, and while the seats fold down, they don’t lay flat. There’s also hidden underfloor storage and a decent level of flexibility.
PERFORMANCE AND RANGE: CONFIDENT, NOT CRAZY
Under the hood, or rather, under the floor, the Curvv EV is powered by a 98 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor producing 133 PS and 215 Nm of torque. It's paired with a 55 kWh battery pack that claims an ARAI range of 585 km. Real-world estimates are closer to 400-425 km, based on C75 tests.
Using a 7.2 kW AC charger, it’ll go from 0-100% in around 8 hours. A 70 kW DC fast charger can juice it from 10% to 80% in just 45 minutes.
This setup propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h. The immediate torque delivery ensures brisk acceleration, making overtaking maneuvers effortless and city driving a breeze.
The Curvv EV offers multiple driving modes—Eco, City, and Sport—to cater to varied driving preferences. In City mode, the car provides a balanced performance suitable for daily commutes, while Sport mode unleashes the vehicle's full potential, delivering exhilarating acceleration. Eco mode focuses on maximizing efficiency, ideal for longer journeys.
Regenerative braking is adjustable via paddle shifters, allowing drivers to select the level that best suits their driving style. This feature not only enhances driving efficiency but also contributes to a more engaging driving experience.
Built on Tata's new Acti.ev platform, the Curvv EV boasts a well-tuned suspension system that adeptly absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride across various terrains. The 50:50 weight distribution ensures balanced handling, and the car feels planted even at higher speeds. While there's a hint of understeer when cornering aggressively, the overall driving dynamics inspire confidence.
The Curvv EV is equipped with a suite of ADAS features, including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). These systems enhance safety and reduce driver fatigue, especially during long journeys. However, we also noted that AEB can be a bit intrusive in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and LDW may be overly sensitive when making minor lane adjustments.
VERDICT: A STRONG STATEMENT FROM TATA
The Tata Curvv EV isn’t perfect. Space at the rear is limited, the cabin ergonomics are occasionally odd, and some design choices feel debatable. But what it lacks in absolute finesse, it makes up for with boldness. Tata is aiming higher—and this feels like a stepping stone to a new design and product philosophy.
If you’re in the market for an electric SUV that doesn’t conform to the norm, the Curvv EV makes a solid case. It’s different, and in a world of same-same EVs, that might just be enough.
