Tata Curvv launch, EV, review, price, 2024, range, performance, mileage – Introduction

The all-new Tata Curvv marks the producer’s first foray into the midsize SUV section, which has been dominated by established gamers such because the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Whereas the ICE model has been revealed and can go on sale quickly, the Curvv EV is the primary to be launched. It’s accessible in two distinct variations – 45 and 55 – signifying the battery capability. We acquired an opportunity to drive the range-topping Curvv EV 55 Empowered variant, and here is our take.

Tata Curvv EV evaluation: design and dimensions

One of many largest speaking factors in regards to the Curvv is its styling. Once we first noticed the idea on the Auto Expo final 12 months, we have been wowed by its futuristic design however skeptical about what number of parts would make it to the manufacturing mannequin. That is the place Tata has knocked it out of the park, because the Curvv EV appears to be like prefer it has come straight off the present flooring.

The entrance finish options the acquainted Tata look, much like the Nexon EV and Punch EV, with a skinny LED mild bar spanning the width on the prime, a closed-off grille that homes the charging port behind the Tata brand, and a trendy, chrome-trimmed decrease airdam. All lights are LEDs, and there’s a fake skid plate. The principle headlamp cluster is positioned on the outer edges of the chiseled bumper. Like the opposite two electrical SUVs, the Curvv’s mild bar additionally reveals welcome/goodbye animations and doubles up as a cost standing indicator. Nevertheless, throughout our check drive, the DRLs stopped working briefly.

Alongside the perimeters, Tata has geared up the Curvv EV with aero-efficient door handles that sit flush with the physique and have a small mild for finding them at midnight. Not like different vehicles with related handles, the Curvv’s don’t reveal themselves while you unlock the automobile; as a substitute, it’s important to press one finish after which pull the flap from the opposite. Probably the most noticeable design characteristic on the aspect is the attribute sloping roofline, which is neatly built-in into the boot lid. Tata has additionally used physique cladding across the wheel arches and on the decrease portion of the doorways to interrupt up the visible mass. Nevertheless, it’s completed in gloss black, which will probably be troublesome to maintain scratch-free and clear. The wheels are 18-inches with an aero-optimised design, additional enhancing the Curvv’s idea automobile appears to be like.

Similar to the entrance, there’s a full-width LED mild bar on the rear too, and a fake silver skid plate under the gloss black quantity plate housing. There’s a roof-mounted spoiler aspect, a shark-fin antenna, and, like all coupe-SUVs, it lacks a rear washer/wiper. Additional, the raked rear finish additionally signifies that rear visibility is not nice from the within. The Curvv EV is being supplied in 5 paint shades and the “Digital Dawn” shade you see right here appears to be like unbelievable within the steel. Tata has additionally debuted a brand new key fob with the Curvv EV, completed in gloss black and brushed aluminum, which appears to be like and feels considerably extra upmarket than the earlier model.

The Curvv EV measures 4,310mm in size, 1,810mm in top, and 1,637 mm in width, and has a 2,560mm wheelbase, making it bigger than the Nexon EV in all features besides top. In comparison with the MG ZS EV, the Curvv EV’s size, top and wheelbase are 13mm, 12mm and 25mm much less, respectively. Floor clearance is a sizeable 186mm with the 55kWh variations (190mm for 45kWh), whereas the 18-inch wheels are the biggest within the section. Tata additionally claims a 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution and a water wading capability of 450mm.

Just like the Punch EV, the Curvv EV relies on Tata’s Acti.ev structure, which suggests it advantages from an 11.6-litre frunk that may accommodate the charging cables (with out its case, nonetheless). The rear boot provides a spacious 500 liters and may be additional expanded with the 60:40 split-folding rear seat. Moreover, it comes with a correct spare tire and a puncture restore equipment.

Tata Curvv EV evaluation: inside and options

Step contained in the cabin, and also you’ll discover that a lot of the dashboard is shared with the Nexon EV. It will get the identical fundamental design, together with the 2 massive screens on prime and the gloss-black HVAC panel decrease down. What’s completely different is the four-spoke steering wheel, which can also be shared with the brand new Safari/Harrier, and the textured trim piece on the sprint. Tata’s use of sunshine gray and ivory upholstery on this top-spec Empowered variant is visually interesting and accentuates the sense of house inside, though will probably be difficult to maintain clear. The entrance seats are notably comfy, with tender padding and wonderful assist. Moreover, the motive force’s seat is electrically adjustable, whereas the entrance passenger seat provides top adjustment and each seats characteristic air flow.

What’s a downer although is that, just like the Nexon EV, the Curvv EV lacks correct cupholders up entrance. The USB and 12V slots, positioned forward of the gear lever, are onerous to succeed in, and the storage below the armrest is restricted. The steering wheel, whereas engaging, isn’t as good to carry. It’s angled barely away from you, the rim is a bit too thick for my liking, and the horn pad within the centre isn’t nicely completed, with a pointy edge on prime. Nonetheless, the general match/end, and materials high quality are respectable and acceptable for this worth level.

Legroom is loads however headroom will probably be tight for individuals over 6 ft.

The longer wheelbase in comparison with the Nexon means you’ve gotten extra legroom behind the Curvv, however, unsurprisingly, headroom is much less because of the roofline. Nonetheless, individuals as much as six ft tall can match comfortably, due to the scooped-out headliner and the backrest that may be reclined. Nevertheless, taller passengers could discover the under-thigh assist missing because of the excessive flooring owing to the battery placement under. Creature comforts again right here embrace AC vents, a USB Sort C charging port and a centre armrest with cupholders.

Tata has additionally thrown all the pieces on the Curvv when it comes to options. It begins with the slick 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, shared with the Nexon EV. Along with standard smartphone connectivity, it additionally contains Tata’s arcade.ev app suite, which packs in a number of streaming companies and video games to maintain you entertained whereas charging. The ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster is crisp and vibrant, although considerably cluttered. A notable characteristic is the choice to show the blind view monitor both on the touchscreen or within the cluster itself; the Nexon EV solely reveals it on the touchscreen. You possibly can even have the navigation as a full display within the cluster like Audi’s Digital cockpit, however we did discover some points with it. For instance, the full-screen map disappears when you point out, and the blind view monitor pops up within the cluster. So, you should reselect the full-screen map after every indication. However this gained’t be a difficulty do you have to select to show the blind view monitor on the touchscreen.

New options embrace a panoramic sunroof, configurable ambient lighting, an electrical tailgate with gesture management, a sound alert as much as speeds of 20kph to warn pedestrians, and Stage 2 ADAS tech. In our restricted time with the automobile, ADAS options just like the lane preserve help and the adaptive cruise management labored nicely. Additionally a part of the tools checklist is leatherette upholstery, a superb-sounding 9-speaker JBL audio system, a crisp 360-degree digicam, a wi-fi cellphone charger with cooling, auto headlamps/wipers, and linked automobile tech by way of Tata’s iRA app.

Just like the Nexon EV, the Curvv EV too comes with vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) expertise, which suggests it may be used to cost different EVs or energy electrical home equipment. Tata is even providing a variety of equipment with the Curvv EV. As for security, top-spec Curvv EVs get 6 airbags, ESP, an digital parking brake with auto maintain, entrance and rear parking sensors, hill-hold help, hill-descent management, and disc brakes throughout.   

Tata Curvv EV evaluation: powertrain and efficiency

Powering the Curvv EV is a front-mounted, everlasting magnet synchronous motor that sends energy to the entrance wheels solely. Whereas each variants, the 45 and 55, have the identical 215Nm torque output, the 55 makes the next 167hp than the 45’s 150hp. Three drive modes are part of the bundle – Eco, Metropolis and Sport – managed by way of the rotary knob within the centre console.

As anticipated, the Curvv EV feels essentially the most energetic in Sport mode. Throttle response is fast and it’ll provide the full reserve of torque, in contrast to the opposite drive modes which prohibit it to about 70 %. The highest velocity can also be the next 160kph in Sport, in comparison with 120kph in Eco and Metropolis. Tata claims a 0-100kph time of 8.6sec, however we managed to get a time of 9.6sec in our preliminary checks which have been lower than our standard requirements.

As compared, the facility supply feels extra measured and linear within the Eco and Metropolis modes and they’re those that really feel finest fitted to on a regular basis use. Even in essentially the most docile Eco mode, progress is fast sufficient, as we timed it to do 0-100kph in 11.6sec. What’s good is that the motor’s NVH is well-contained and you’ll’t hear a variety of that electrical whine while you’re on the transfer.

Tata Curvv EV evaluation: battery, vary and charging

As talked about earlier, there’s two battery packs to select from – a 45kWh and a 55kWh. We acquired to expertise the 55, which has claimed vary of 585km on the MIDC cycle. On our drive, we lined 241km which introduced the battery down from 100% to 33 %, with an effectivity of 6.54km/kWh. This interprets to an actual world vary of about 359km. Do word although, that the majority of our operating was achieved in Eco mode and on the freeway, however we did additionally drive it in Sport mode and thru metropolis streets for a bit. The true-world vary is spectacular and can even allow sure intra metropolis travels.

One other enchancment over the Nexon EV is quick charging. Whereas the Nexon accepts as much as 50kW, the Curvv EV can quick cost at as much as 70kW. This implies it will possibly go from 10 to 80 % in simply 40 minutes with a DC quick charger for the 55 variants. As commonplace, all Curvv EV variants include a 7.2kW AC charger, which might cost the battery from 10 to 100% in practically 8 hours for the 55 and 6.5 hours for the 45. It can be charged by way of an ordinary 15A wall socket.

The Curvv additionally comes with 4 ranges of regen braking, that are managed by way of the steering-mounted paddles. Stage 1 works nicely on the freeway and permits for some coasting, whereas Stage 3 permits one-pedal driving, finest suited to town.

Tata Curvv EV evaluation: journey and dealing with

Like all Tatas, journey and dealing with are a advantage of the Curvv EV. It’s arrange on the firmer aspect, which might make it really feel lumpy at low speeds. However as speeds improve, it feels powerful and composed, even on the worst of roads. Bump absorption is superb however you’ll be able to hear the suspension working over sharp bumps.

Whereas we didn’t encounter many corners on Rajasthan’s straight highways, the Curvv EV’s dealing with may be described as tidy. Physique roll is stored nicely in examine, the steering is direct if not a bit too hefty, and the grip from the EV-specific tyres is respectable. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated from street and tyre noise.

Tata Curvv EV evaluation: worth and verdict

Costs for the Curvv EV vary from Rs 17.49 lakh to Rs 21.99 lakh (ex-showroom). As compared, the Nexon EV vary is priced between Rs 14.49 lakh and Rs 19.29 lakh (ex-showroom). For the additional money, you get a bigger SUV with extra boot house, better vary, enhanced efficiency, and extra options. The Curvv EV additionally manages to undercut its direct rival, the MG ZS EV, which prices between Rs 18.98 lakh and Rs 25.44 lakh, by a big margin. On-road pricing of the Curvv EV is at par with petrol and diesel midsize SUVs (Creta N line and Seltos X line), making it a notable choice. The Curvv EV additionally will get an 8-year/1,60,000km guarantee on the battery and motor and a 3-year/1,25,000km guarantee on the automobile. 

At first look, the Curvv EV would possibly appear to be a Nexon EV in fancy clothes. Nevertheless, contemplating the extra advantages it will get over the Nexon EV — akin to battery dimension, extra options, elevated passenger and baggage house, and the added outlay — the cash spent feels justified. Certain, it is acquired compromises and it does want some software program fine-tuning to iron out the bugs, however these pale compared to this SUV’s strengths. It’s got the concept-car appears to be like that stands out, spacious and sensible design, spectacular real-world vary, composed street manners, and an in depth characteristic set. Tata Motors simply is aware of get mass-market EVs proper and it’s no coincidence that it’s the market chief in that respect, and the Curvv EV simply occurs to be the very best one they’ve put out but. 

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