Tata Curvv: Worth The Wait Or Should You Pick One Of Its Rivals?

The Tata Curvv SUV-coupe is slated to go on sale sometime in the second half of 2024, with prices likely to start from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom)

The already crowded compact SUV segment is set to expand further soon with the launch of the Tata Curvv. While it will have many potent rivals to compete against, the Curvv has its own unique qualities that are likely to help it draw many buyers, including its SUV-coupe appeal and an expansive features list. So if you are planning to buy a new compact SUV in the next few months, should you wait for the new Tata Curvv, or go for one of its rivals? Let’s find out.

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2024 Hyundai Creta: BUY For New Features And Design, Improved Safety And Multiple Powertrains

The Hyundai Creta was recently launched in a facelifted avatar, giving it a fresh exterior and even a revamped dashboard design. It’s provided with new features such as a 10.25-inch full digital driver display, and dual-zone climate control. In terms of safety tech, the new Creta got additional features such as a 360-degree camera and Level-2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), further bolstering the safety suite of the SUV. With the facelift, Hyundai also brought back the option of a turbo-petrol powertrain on the Creta – the 1.5-litre unit (160 PS/253 Nm) but only with a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission). Other engine options include a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit and a 1.5-litre diesel, both with choice of manual and automatic transmissions.

Kia Seltos: BUY For Looks, Equipment, And Multiple Powertrain Options

Back in mid 2023, we got the facelifted Kia Seltos with more features, improved looks, and the option of a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit with multiple transmission options including an iMT gearbox (manual without the clutch pedal). The Seltos, with the midlife refresh, got a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Kia even enhanced the SUV’s safety suite by equipping it with Level-2 ADAS having features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking. Like the Creta, the Seltos also offers a less powerful petrol engine as well as a diesel engine option.

Maruti Grand Vitara/ Toyota Hyryder: BUY For Strong-hybrid Powertrain, All-wheel-drive Option, And Segment-best Mileage

Only two SUVs in the segment, namely the Maruti Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder, get the choice of a strong-hybrid powertrain. Both SUVs share the same set of features like a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats. Both also have a premium design inside and out. Maruti and Toyota also offer the regular petrol variants of these SUVs with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, which is not available with any other compact SUV at the moment. With their strong-hybrid powertrain, both SUVs offer the best mileage in the segment but a compromise has to be made in terms of the boot space, due to the placement of the battery pack.

Volkswagen Taigun/ Skoda Kushaq: BUY For Enthusiastic Performance And Tested Safety

The Skoda Kushaq or the Volkswagen Taigun should be your pick if you seek thrilling performance and a fun-to-drive compact SUV. Both the models get 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options with multiple transmissions including a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter and a 7-speed DCT. These SUVs are also the only models in the segment to have a 5-star crash test safety rating from the Global NCAP. However, while both these SUVs offer great performance and safety, their cabins and features lists have become outdated by comparison, and need an update soon.

Honda Elevate: BUY For Spacious Cabin And Affordability

The Honda Elevate, one of the newest offerings in the segment, comes with just a single 1.5-litre petrol engine. While it isn’t as exciting as its German counterparts while driving, the Elevate does offer a smooth and relaxed experience, thanks to its well-refined CVT automatic gearbox. Although the Honda SUV isn’t as feature loaded as its Korean rivals, it does get the basics right along with some premium features like ADAS and wireless phone charging. Honda is offering it with a sophisticated looking cabin having great materials, focussing on value rather than technological gimmicks. Another reason to consider the Honda Elevate over the other models is its pricing, with its top variant being more affordable than top variants of its rivals by over Rs 4 lakh.

MG Astor: BUY For A Well-built Cabin And ADAS

While the MG Astor is unlikely to be the most popular SUV here it still has a lot to offer, like a well-appointed cabin and the inclusion of ADAS in its features list. The bright red cabin has a premium build quality along with a good set of features, an AI assistant, and two petrol engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol, and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol. The latter even adds a bit of sportiness to this compact SUV.

Citroen C3 Aircross: BUY For 7-seater Layout, Comfortable Ride Quality And Affordable Pricing

If you want a compact SUV with the choice of a 5-seater or a 7-seater layout, it’s the Citroen C3 Aircross you have to go for. The 7-seater version comes with a removable third row of seats to expand luggage storage area. Citroen has provided it with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual transmission but there are no automatic or diesel powertrains on offer. The C3 Aircross comes with great ride and handling, and offers great comfort to the passengers. It is also one of the most affordable compact SUVs on sale, with prices starting from Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The C3 Aircross can be the perfect car for those looking for a compact SUV for their big family. However, all of this comes at the cost of a basic features list without any premium comforts, and a lack of powertrain options.

Also Read: Tata Curvv vs Kia Seltos vs Honda Elevate: Specifications Comparison

Same Prices, Other Options: Sedans And Bigger SUVs

At a similar price range for the Tata Curvv and its segment rivals, you get the choice of premium compact sedans as well. These models have better rear seat space and boot capacities but have a lower ground clearance.

On the other hand, you also have the option of picking a slightly bigger SUV such as the Mahindra XUV700 or the Tata Harrier. Given their prices, you will be able to buy their lower- or mid-spec variants with a bit of compromise in terms of features. That said, they will offer more in-cabin space and comfort given their size.

Also Check Out: Tata Safari 5-Star Safety Behind The Scenes: How Tata Conducts Internal Crash Tests To Make Its Cars Safer For Indian Roads

Tata Curvv: HOLD For Unique Looks, Features, Safety Rating, And Multiple Powertrains

One of the biggest reasons to wait for the Tata Curvv is its unique design because of its coupe-like roofline. The closer-to-production model that has been showcased still had flush-fitting door handles and 18-inch alloy wheels. It is likely to be equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Its safety net could include six airbags, a 360-degree camera, TPMS and Level 2 ADAS. Being a modern Tata offering, you can also expect it to have a high safety rating from the crash-testing authorities like Bharat NCAP. Tata has also confirmed that the Curvv will be provided with both turbo-petrol and diesel engine options, along with the choice of multiple transmissions.

Let us know whether you will wait for the Tata Curvv or plan to buy one of its already available rivals instead in the comments.