Tata Motors has been testing the waters with bold design and platform experimentation for quite sometime now. In 2024, Tata launched Curvv with a bold and unconventional design with a coupe silhouette.   and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It doesn’t follow the usual midsize SUV template that’s become almost boring at this point. Positioned between the Nexon and Harrier, the Curvv introduces a new design language, a fresh powertrain architecture, and a revised cabin and tech stack, all of which signal the brand’s evolving product strategy.

I have spent a week with the Curvv Petrol Manual Accomplished+A. Let’s have a look at how this radical rethink holds up in the real world?

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Curvv is powered by a newly developed 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, internally referred to as ‘Hyperion’. This engine introduces gasoline direct injection (GDI) for the first time in Tata’s lineup. It delivers 123 BHP and 225 Nm of torque, with a temporary torque boost up to 250 Nm via a feature called ‘Torque Rush’ in Sport mode.

The engine block is all-aluminium with added structural ribs and includes a variable geometry turbo, friction-optimized pistons, and sodium-cooled exhaust valves. The result is a motor that offers significantly better low-end torque and smoother delivery across the mid-range. Mild vibrations are present on cold starts but subside quickly. On the whole, refinement is an improvement over Tata’s older turbo petrol engines, and the engine note, particularly the turbo whistle adds to the driving experience without sounding harsh.

Paired with it is a 6-speed manual gearbox that’s mechanically solid, though not particularly quick. The throws are long, and the clutch, while light, has a slightly awkward engagement point that takes getting used to.

Design and Dimensions

Honestly, the first thing that gets people talking about the Curvv isn’t the engine or gearbox — it’s the design. This thing turns heads. The sloping roofline, flush door handles that light up, connected DRLs, satin-finish grille elements, and massive 18-inch alloys make it look far more premium than its price tag would suggest. It even ditches the rear wiper, a rare move, but one that gives it a cleaner coupe silhouette. Rear visibility does take a hit, sure, but from the outside it looks stunning.

In terms of footprint, the Curvv is 4308 mm long, 1810 mm wide, and 1630 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2560 mm. Ground clearance stands at 208 mm, and boot capacity is rated at 500 litres, among the largest in its class. The 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R18 tyres offer a solid stance. The car comes with all-wheel disc brakes on this variant, resulting in predictable braking performance and a well-weighted pedal response.

Interior

Tata’s gone with a wine-maroon dual-tone theme across the seats, dashboard, even the steering wheel. It feels thoughtfully done, not just for the sake of being different. There’s ambient lighting under the dash and across the roofline (even inside the panoramic sunroof frame), with brightness and color customization.

Another thing that stood out for me was the lack of cup holders for the front seats. There are only two usable cup holders, that too on the back seat’s hand rest. The front seats are ventilated, the driver’s seat is powered. Legroom, under-thigh support no complaints here, however, the back seats lack headroom for tall people. In comparison to the size outside, the car doesnt feel that spacious from inside, especially on the back. The boot is massive at 500 litres, and the powered tailgate with gesture controls feels far more upmarket than you’d expect in this segment.

Infotainment and Tech

The infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface is responsive and integrates well with voice assistants. Below this is a separate illuminated digital panel for touch-based HVAC controls and other functions like hazard lights, hill descent control, and 360-degree camera activation. The instrument cluster is a 10.25-inch fully digital display with customizable views. Tata has also integrated a 9-speaker JBL sound system with a subwoofer, offering selectable audio modes and enhanced clarity.

Connectivity and smart tech features include OTA updates, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, embedded apps like JioSaavn, and smart assistant support (Google, Alexa). A wireless phone charger is provided, alongside both Type-A and Type-C charging ports. A cooled glove box, bottle and umbrella holders, and a rear parcel tray with boot lighting are also part of the layout.

In terms of safety, the Curvv Accomplished+ A comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, traction control, hill start and descent assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX mounts. It has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP for both adult and child occupants. The inclusion of an electronic parking brake with auto-hold and front + rear parking sensors adds to urban usability.

A standout aspect of the Accomplished+ A variant is the integration of Level 2 ADAS features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist (activates after you hit 60kmph), forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, driver attention alerts, traffic sign recognition, and rear cross-traffic alerts. In my limited trial, I can say, these features are tuned conservatively and activate appropriately for Indian road use without being intrusive. You can also control the sensitivity for some of these features.

Boot access is powered, with multiple access methods: button, key fob, request sensor, and foot-swipe gesture. The subwoofer is positioned in the boot, and tools are neatly integrated into the boot lining.

Fuel efficiency came out around 9-10 kmpl in city driving with moderate traffic and 12–13 kmpl on highways with steady driving.

Verdict

For buyers looking beyond traditional silhouettes and legacy powertrains, the Tata Curvv provides an early glimpse into how Indian OEMs are responding to consumer demand for smarter, more differentiated vehicles. With the Curvv, Tata is reshaping the value perception in the midsize SUV market. You get coupe aesthetics, high-end cabin, robust new powertrain tech, and a segment-first ADAS suite all under ₹18lakh (expected for this variant as ex-showroom price). It’s not the most dynamic driver’s car yet, and the manual transmission won’t suit everyone, but as a lifestyle crossover with substance, the Curvv delivers.