The mid-size SUV segment in India is about to get heated even further despite stiff competition among the existing players.
The upcoming Tata CURVV will be a direct rival to the mighty popular Hyundai Creta. CURVV will be among the first coupe SUVs in the country. This body type was restricted to high-end premium vehicles until now. However, Tata Motors aims to push the envelope and democratize this silhouette for the masses. In this way, CURVV will stand out from the rest of the field. In addition to the body type, the CURVV is set to offer multiple powertrains, the latest tech and convenience features, striking looks and top-notch safety equipment. On the other hand, Hyundai Creta is the highest-selling mid-size SUV in the country. Soon to be launched in an electric avatar, the future seems exciting. For now, let us compare the two on the basis of what we already know.
Tata CURVV vs Hyundai Creta Specs Comparison
Tata CURVV
The Tata CURVV will be available in three ICE powertrains and an electric version. Talking about the ICE versions, it will borrow the engines from the Nexon. Hence, there will be a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 110 PS and 170 Nm and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which churns out 115 PS and 260 Nm. However, the CURVV will even get the option of a 1.2-litre direct injection turbo petrol mill which is good for 125 hp and 225 Nm of peak power and torque. We will see this engine on the higher trims. These engines will pair with manual and automatic transmissions to ensure that every buyer gets what they are looking for.
On the other hand, the CURVV EV could borrow the electric mill from the Nexon EV. It will use the Gen 2 Acti.ev architecture. While the exact details about the battery size and range are not available yet, I believe it will get 30.2 kWh and 40.2 kWh battery packs just like the Nexon. With the larger battery, we could get a driving range in excess of 450 km. The power and torque outputs could be around 127 PS / 215 Nm and 143 PS / 215 Nm, depending on the variant. These are the specifications of the Nexon EV. We might even get slight tweaks to these figures. All details will emerge tomorrow at the launch event.
| Specs | Tata CURVV (exp.) | Specs | Tata CURVV EV (exp.) |
| Engine | 1.2L (P) 1.5L (D) | Battery | 30.2 & 40.5 kWh |
| Power | 125 hp / 115 PS | Range | > 450 km |
| Torque | 170 Nm / 260 Nm | Power | 127 PS / 143 PS |
| Transmission | MT / AT | Torque | 215 Nm |
Hyundai Creta
On the other hand, Hyundai Creta is also one vehicle which offers various powertrain options so that buyers can choose according to their requirements. One could select either a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill which produces 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel engine which makes 115 PS and 250 Nm of the most powerful engine in the segment – the 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill which produces a mammoth 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak power and torque. The transmission duties are carried out by manual, automatic, CVT and DCT gearboxes. It won’t be unfair to say that the customers will definitely be spoilt for choice while buying the Creta.
In the last few months, I have reported the electric iteration of the Creta being tested extensively on the Indian roads. Hence, we will definitely have an electric Creta on sale soon. While nothing has been announced about its specifications, I believe these could be something similar to what we have on the Kona Electric. Therefore, it might have a 39.2 kWh Lithium-ion polymer battery which powers a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). In the Kona Electric, this configuration results in a decent 136 PS and 395 Nm of peak power and torque. Using a 50 kW DC fast charger, the EV charges in just 57 minutes from 0-80%. The range could hover somewhere around 452 km. Let’s see if the electric Creta gets a similar powertrain.
| Specs | Hyundai Creta | Specs | Hyundai Creta EV (exp.) |
| Engine | 1.5L (P) / 1.5L (D) 1.5L (Turbo P) | Battery | 39.2 kWh |
| Power | 115 PS / 116 PS / 160 PS | Range | > 450 km |
| Torque | 144 Nm / 250 Nm / 253 Nm | Power | 136 PS |
| Transmission | MT / AT | Torque | 395 Nm |
Tata CURVV vs Hyundai Creta Price Comparison
In terms of prices, the Hyundai Creta ICE ranges from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20.15 lakh, ex-showroom. The electric Creta might commence at somewhere around Rs 22 lakh. On the other hand, the Tata CURVV could be priced in the range of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 17 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the electric variant might bear a price tag starting from Rs 17 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Expected Price | Tata CURVV | Hyundai Creta |
| ICE | Rs 10 lakh – Rs 17 lakh | Rs 11 lakh – Rs 20.15 lakh |
| EV | Rs 22 lakh | Rs 17 lakh |
Tata CURVV vs Hyundai Creta Features Comparison
This is an interesting segment. Since the Tata CURVV will be a brand-new vehicle, it will come with all the latest bells and whistles. Tata already ensures that it loads up its offerings with the latest tech to pamper its customers. Going by what has been revealed till now officially or via spy media, the cabin of the CURVV is bound to be premium. This includes the latest amenities like:
- Harrier-inspired Steering Wheel with Illumination
- 12.3-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Digital Instrument Cluster
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Automatic AC
- Textured Dashboard
- Premium Audio System
- 360-Degree Camera
- Connected Car Tech Features
- ADAS
On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta is already among the most well-equipped vehicles in this segment. Hyundai is known for making relatively premium cars at affordable prices. In fact, its main attraction since its inception has been feature-rich vehicles regardless of which segments they belong to. No wonder the latest Creta comes with the latest tech and convenience features. The top highlights include:
- 10.25-inch Connected Supersceen Infotainment Screen
- Digital Instrument Cluster
- 64-colour Ambient Lighting
- Touch-based AC Controller Unit
- Half Crystal Polished Passenger-side Dashboard
- Voice-Enabled Panoramic Sunroof
- Level 2 ADAS Active Safety – Hyundai SmartSense with 19 features
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- 360-Degree Camera
- Ventilated Front Seats
- 8-Way Powered Driver’s Seat
Our View
Now, choosing between these two can be a really hard choice. Both of them are immensely capable and impressive SUVs. Even though we don’t know the full details of the CURVV, there is enough data to show just how compelling it would be. Apart from that, it will be offered in electric, petrol and diesel trims. One advantage over the Creta will be the coupe design. I know that looks can be subjective. Still, I feel that Indian customers will take a liking to the coupe silhouette appearance which will enhance the road presence of the CURVV significantly.
On the other hand, one can’t go wrong with the Hyundai Creta. Again, we are yet to receive the details of the electric Creta. Still, knowing what we know about the ICE variant, it is one of the most desirable SUVs in this segment in the country. Its sales data is a testament to that. Therefore, Tata Motors definitely has a task on its hands to fend off a fierce competitor like the Creta. We should wait for the official launch of the CURVV to know the specific details pertaining to features and prices. Only then will we be able to make a decision.
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