Tata Motors is riding high on its success. Having achieved its best-ever sales for the third year in a row, they’ve now rolled out the Curvv EV (electric vehicle), a stylish new player in the growing electric vehicle market. And the EV SUV coupe couldn’t have arrived at a better time. With the carmaker already holding a commanding 70% share of the EV market and a 48% bump in EV sales over FY24, it is a rather bold statement whose success or failure will decide where the brand is headed.

Design and Build Quality 

The Curvv EV certainly makes a strong first impression with its sharp, coupe-inspired design and sleek LED lighting. It’s bold, futuristic, and turned a lot of heads at Udaipur’s hotspots on a Sunday morning–something that would have been unbelievable a decade ago. In fact, it looks so futuristic that a group of onlookers inquired about all details of the car before confirming if it could ‘go in the water’ while a colleague asked in shock if it was a Tata. Soft-touch materials cover most of the dashboard and door panels, giving the cabin a more upscale vibe. The use of leatherette on the seats and steering wheel adds to the premium experience, though there are some hard plastics in less visible areas, such as lower door trims and the rear of the front seats. Ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof and a large, floating touchscreen that integrates seamlessly with the digital instrument cluster make the interior feel premium with its minimalist design and quality materials. 

But there were some early hiccups—like a loose panel on the central console that needed a quick push back into place. Hopefully, this was just a quirk of the pre-production model, but it’s something to watch out for when the production cars hit the road. 

Features & Safety 

The Curvv also comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS. This suite of safety and convenience features includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, all of which are not intrusive. The adaptive cruise control works seamlessly both in city traffic and on highways, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead without being overly aggressive in braking or acceleration. Lane-keeping assist gently nudges the steering to keep the car centered in its lane, though it’s non-intrusive and doesn’t override the driver’s control. The automatic emergency braking is effective, responding promptly to both vehicles and pedestrians. Both features can be adjusted for sensitivity, offering a flexible spectrum to find your sweet spot. The inclusion of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert adds an extra layer of confidence when changing lanes or reversing. 

It’s a well-rounded package including conveniences like the powered tailgate which worked as it’s supposed to every time on our drive. It gives you all the tech you need, without going overboard. 

 Performance and Range 

The Curvv EV comes with two battery options: a 45 kWh pack that offers a range of 502 km and a 55 kWh pack that extends it up to 585 km, at least on paper. The 167 hp and 215 Nm of torque delivers a solid punch, especially in Sport mode where the 0-100 km/h sprint takes just 8.6 seconds. While it’s no slouch, the initial wheelspin makes it feel more dramatic than it perhaps is.  

Range is the cornerstone of any EV discussion, and the Curvv EV doesn’t disappoint on that front. It comes with two battery options: a 45 kWh pack offering a claimed range of 502 km and a 55 kWh pack with a stretch target of 585 km. However, in real-world conditions, you’re likely looking at closer to 330-350 km for the smaller battery and 400-425 km for the larger one, depending on your driving habits and conditions. This performance is competitive, but not class-leading, when compared to rivals like the MG ZS EV. Charging options are versatile too, with DC fast charging taking the battery from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes.

Ride and Handling 

On the road, the Curvv EV strikes a good balance. The suspension is tuned for comfort, so it handles city streets and highway drives well enough. However, some sharp bumps could be felt and heard inside the cabin—especially at higher speeds. The steering is light and easy, perfect for city driving, though it isn't calibrated for a sporty drive. Also, the car’s weight can be felt when you’re driving solo, without luggage, particularly on uneven roads. Since these could have been issues specific to the test car, we will reserve our verdict for a more thorough test later. 

Space and Comfort 

Inside, the Curvv offers decent space, particularly in the front where legroom is ample. The rear seats, however, are a bit of a mixed bag. The sloping roofline looks cool but eats into headroom, which might leave taller passengers feeling a bit cramped. It also restricts the view out the rear windshield. The floor-mounted battery also raises the seating position, which reduces under-thigh support. But it doesn’t skimp on features and comes with ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a punchy JBL sound system, making it a comfortable ride for most. 

First Impression 

Hits 

1. Striking Exterior Design: The Curvv EV’s bold, coupe-inspired design is a head-turner, blending sharp lines with sleek LED lighting that exudes a futuristic appeal. It’s a fresh look that stands out in the compact SUV segment.
2. Premium and feature-rich Interior: High-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and leatherette on the seats and steering wheel, along with large floating touchscreen infotainment system to the digital instrument cluster. The inclusion of features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and ambient lighting enhance the overall premium feel.
3. Level 2 ADAS: The Advanced Driver Assistance System offers a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features are well-calibrated to be non-intrusive, providing added safety without compromising the driving experience.
4. Strong Performance: With up to 167 hp and 215 Nm of torque, the Curvv EV delivers quick acceleration, especially in Sport mode where it hits 0-100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds. The regenerative braking system is effective, enhancing both driving efficiency and comfort.
5. Competitive Range Options: Offering a claimed range of up to 585 km, the Curvv EV provides flexibility for both city commutes and longer drives. Real-world ranges of 330-425 km are impressive and should satisfy most drivers’ needs. 
6. Practical Tech Features: The powered tailgate and customizable ambient lighting are practical touches that enhance everyday usability. The tailgate operated smoothly every time during testing, and the ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication. 

Misses 

1. Limited Rear Headroom: The stylish coupe-like roofline compromises rear headroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers in the back.
2. Build Quality Concerns: The loose panel issue in the central console during testing raises concerns about long-term durability, even if it was a pre-production quirk.
3. Firm Ride Quality: While generally comfortable, the Curvv EV’s suspension can feel a bit firm over rough surfaces, especially at higher speeds. The car’s weight is also noticeable on uneven roads.