The newly launched Tata Curvv (in electric guise) is the newest entrant in the C-SUV segment and locks horns with the likes of Kia Seltos
This comparison between the Tata Curvv and Kia Seltos is a crucial one for this market segment. The mid-size SUV category has been a consistently burgeoning space in India for a long time now. Products like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, etc. are the hot shots in this segment. Curvv is the second coupe SUV in the mass market after the recently launched Citroen Basalt. Hence, it will possess a distinct appeal which is bound to attract buyers. On the other hand, the Seltos is widely regarded as the best-equipped product among all mid-size SUVs on sale. As a result, this will be an intriguing comparison. Let us see which one meets your needs the best.
Tata Curvv vs Kia Seltos – Specs Comparison
Note that the Tata Curvv comes in electric, petrol and diesel avatars. Since the Seltos doesn’t have an electric version yet, I would like to refrain from discussing the details of the Curvv.ev. Instead, I will focus on the ICE variant. The Curvv will come with three powertrains – a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine generating a familiar 110 hp and 170 Nm, a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which belts out 115 hp and 260 Nm and a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder GDi turbo petrol which is capable of generating a healthy 125 hp and 225 Nm (upto 250 Nm on-demand in short bursts) of peak power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties will be either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. It is the first time a Tata car will use the DCT gearbox with the diesel engine.
On the other hand, the Kia Seltos is available with multiple powertrain options as well. This ensures that all sorts of potential customers get what they are looking for. Seltos comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill which outputs 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 generates a colossal 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties are manual, automatic, CVT and DCT gearboxes. You would see that the Korean auto giant has ensured that a wide range of customers can be catered to. Note that the Seltos borrows powertains and transmissions with its sibling, the Hyundai Creta.
| Specs | Tata CURVV | Kia Seltos |
| Engine | 1.2L (P) / 1.5L (D) / 1.2L (Turbo P) | 1.5L (P) / 1.5L (D) 1.5L (Turbo P) |
| Power | 110 hp / 115 hp / 125 hp | 115 PS / 116 PS / 160 PS |
| Torque | 170 Nm / 260 Nm / 225 Nm | 144 Nm / 250 Nm / 253 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / 7DCT | MT / AT / CVT / DCT |
Price Comparison
In terms of the pricing, we still have to wait until September 2 to know the details about the Tata Curvv. On August 7, the prices of the Curvv.ev were revealed. On the other hand, the Kia Seltos ranges from Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 20.37 lakh, ex-showroom. We shall only be able to come to a conclusion after September 2. Still, if I were to make a logical guess, the prices would range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Price Comparison | Tata Curvv | Kia Seltos |
| Base Model | Rs 10 lakh (exp.) | Rs 10.90 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 18 lakh (exp.) | Rs 20.37 lakh |
Tata Curvv vs Kia Seltos – Features Comparison
Both these SUVs are extremely feature-rich. In fact, that is the biggest pull for a whole bunch of potential buyers. Modern car enthusiasts often look at the kind of tech and connectivity a vehicle offers before making a call to purchase it. Kia is already popular for offering vehicles which are the most well-kitted in their respective segments. However, in recent times, even Tata Motors has created that image. Therefore, this section is very interesting. The top highlights of the Tata Curvv include:
- Arcade.ev App Suite with 20+ Apps
- 9-speaker JBL Sound System
- What2words Navigation System
- Multiple Voice Assistants in 6 Languages
- Alexa Voice Commands with Car-to-Home Functionality
- Electrochromatic Auto Dimming IRVM
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 360-degree Camera
- 4-spoke Smart Digital Steering Wheel
- Paddle Shifters
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold Function
- Unique Light Animations
- 18-inch Alloy Wheels with Aero Inserts
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Wireless Charging
- Multi-mode Regen Braking
- 500-litre Boot Space and a Frunk
- 8-way Powered Driver Seat
- Gesture-Controlled Powered Tailgate
- Voice-Assisted Panoramic Sunroof with Mood Lighting
- 2-step Reclining Rear Seat
Similarly, the Kia Seltos has myriads of modern amenities including:
- Two 10.25-inch Panoramic Dual Displays for Infotainment and Driver’s Instrument Cluster
- 19 autonomous ADAS Level 2 Features
- Voice-controlled Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 34 Safety features
- Kia Connect Connected Car Tech
- Alexa Home-to-Car Connectivity
- Ventilated Front Seats with 8-way Powered Adjustment
- Smart Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection
- 8-Speaker Premium Bose Sound System
- Dual-Zone Fully Automatic Air Conditioner
- OTA Map and System Update
- Voice-Controlled Window Function
- Remote AC Control
- 6 Airbags
- 360-degree Blind Spot Monitoring Camera
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist (HSA)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- All-Four Disc Brakes
- Ambient Lighting
- Paddle Shifters
- Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- Smartphone Wireless Charger
- 8-inch Head-Up Display
- AI Voice Recognition System
Our View
This has to be the most fierce comparison in the mid-size SUV segment. Kia has emerged as a carmaker which has redefined the segment it offers the cars in. They are always categorized as affordable luxury. In contrast to its rivals, Kia cars always offer much more convenience and connectivity features. That is why they are often slightly more expensive than the rest. But it justifies the price tag beautifully. That is the reason Kia has become the fastest carmaker to reach 1 million (10 lakh) sales in India. Seltos is the one who started it. Of course, it was able to perform well due to its Hyundai connection. The market research was already done by Hyundai. Kia just delivered products accordingly. In its current avatar, it is more enticing and impressive than ever. Hence, Seltos is definitely the product to beat in this market space.
On the other hand, I have been quite impressed by what Tata Motors has been able to achieve. It has elevated its standards a lot and its latest vehicles highlight that. It has pushed the envelope to offer the latest gadgets and gizmos to pamper and woo new customers. Apart from that, we know that Tata cars are the best when it comes to official safety ratings. All Tata SUVs bear a 5-star safety rating. In fact, the Indian carmaker claims that it has done a lot of work to ensure that the Curvv will be able to secure 5 stars at the Bharat NCAP. Needless to say, the coupe SUV silhouette is something the buyers will certainly appreciate since it gives the SUV a distinct road presence. Let us wait for the price announcement to see which one of these compelling SUVs makes better sense.
Also Read: Tata CURVV vs Hyundai Creta – Which One Are You Betting Your Money On?
