The Tata Curvv made its debut at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo in a form that's almost ready for production, showing off some changes in its design since its last appearance. However, the SUV was first glimpsed back in 2022 when Tata revealed the Curvv EV concept, an electric version of the vehicle. The recent ICE (internal combustion engine) variant shares the same basic shape and size as the original EV version, but there are some notable differences in design, which we'll explore here.
Front
One of the most obvious changes is in the grille. The ICE version of the Curvv has a black grille with horizontal chrome elements, similar to the new Harrier and Safari models, while the EV concept had a closed-off grille matching the body color.
Additionally, the Curvv features vertically placed headlights like other updated Tata models, but the ones on the Curvv EV are triangular in shape with multiple lighting elements. The width-spanning daytime running lights (DRLs) are similar in both versions, but the bumper design differs. While both have a black front bumper, the Curvv ICE incorporates horizontal chrome elements like its grille.
Side
While the overall design and silhouette of both the Curvv EV and ICE are similar, there are some differences. The rear spoiler on the Curvv ICE sits slightly lower compared to the EV, and there are differences in the design of the door cladding. However, the most significant difference is in the alloy wheels. The Curvv ICE features petal-shaped dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels while the Curvv EV boasts larger dual-tone alloys with a more aerodynamic design.
Rear
The differences in design are clearer here. Both versions have the same LED-connected tail light setup, but the Curvv EV concept also includes lighting elements around the rear windshield and on the bumper.
Similar to the front, the brake lights have a different design, and the rear bumper differs as well, with the Curvv ICE featuring a skid plate not present in the Curvv EV concept.
Cabin
The components and dashboard layout of the Curvv and Curvv EV are fairly comparable. Both feature large screens for infotainment and driver’s display, Tata’s new steering wheel with a backlit Tata logo, and a touch-based climate control panel. This demonstrates Tata's readiness to implement its new cabin design philosophy across its road cars which received these details less than a year later.
However, the Curvv EV’s cabin has a more minimalistic design, giving it a clean look with only a few elements. The ICE-equipped Curvv, on the other hand, features some design changes, including a different theme, a 4-spoke steering wheel instead of the 2-spoke one, two changes to the dashboard: a gloss black strip and a new enclosure for the digital driver's display.
Tata has not yet formally unveiled the interior of the most latest Curvv displayed. Since the unit on show at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo was still in the process of being near-production ready, we can presume that additional internal and external design modifications can be made.
Expected Launch & Price
Tata will launch the Curvv EV first, likely between July and September 2024, with an expected starting price of Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). The petrol- and diesel-powered Curvv will follow 3 to 4 months after the EV, with an expected starting price of Rs 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Curvv EV will compete with the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric. However, the ICE Curvv will face a tougher challenge as it enters the compact SUV segment, competing against the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.