You can tell right away when you go into the Tata Curvv that this isn’t your typical sport utility vehicle. It seems different, not very different, but new enough to make you stop and think about it for a moment. Particularly for something that will be priced in the compact SUV market, there is something about the design, the materials, and the contemporary appearance that gives the cabin a premium—or at least premium-ish—feel.
The first thing that catches your eye is the dashboard. It is a broad slab with a neat design, a blend of glossy and soft-touch components, and in the more expensive models, a very amazing ambient light strip that runs across it. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the light actually adds a pleasant feeling to nighttime driving. As you travel your hands down, the materials definitely feel a little less sophisticated, even though they are decent on the upper parts. The center console region and lower dash still have an excessive amount of hard plastic. Although it doesn’t appear horrible, you can see the compromise when you tap it or put your knee on it.
Nevertheless, the design itself has developed. It is obviously influenced by several elements of Tata’s more recent design ethos. One of the main features is the twin-screen arrangement. Together with a fully digital instrument cluster, the main infotainment screen is a sizable 12.3-inch device that is snappy and fluid. Unlike some previous Tata devices, these displays are bright, sharp, and don’t lag. However, occasionally, after starting the car, it took a second longer for the screen to boot up. That unit might have been the only one, but it’s something to consider.
Compared to some of the previous Tata vehicles, the infotainment system feels more streamlined and user-friendly. There is a JBL 9-speaker sound system that sounds rather well for this price bracket, and you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vocals are clear and the bass is tight. Although it’s not a complete audiophile setup, it’s far superior to what most people would anticipate when they come in. Additionally, all of your linked car features, vehicle information, camera views, and ambient lighting colors are displayed on the center screen. Although helpful, the 360-degree camera’s clarity could have been a little higher. In dim light, some grains can be seen.
Let’s now discuss seating. To be honest, the front seats are really cozy. They are spacious, padded, and, if you choose the premium model, vented, which is a huge help during the sweltering Indian summers. The majority of the adjustment is electric, and it’s quick to establish a comfortable driving position. Tall and short drivers won’t have too much trouble because the steering is also tilt and telescopic adjustable.
On the other hand, the back seats are a little inconsistent. Not very spacious, but not claustrophobic either, is the legroom. Three adults will be squeezed in, while two will be comfortable. However, the headroom is the larger problem. Anyone taller than 5’10” may notice that their head is coming a bit too near to the roof liner due to the coupe-like sloping roofline. Although it lacks the laid-back, upright SUV vibe, it isn’t particularly uncomfortable. This may feel a little cramped if you’re the type of person who likes a more open backseat.
The same roofline also makes it a little more difficult to enter and exit at the back than typical. Taller people or elderly passengers may need to duck a little. Although not everyone finds it bothersome, there is a design trade-off. The rear seat’s thoughtfully designed comfort amenities include charging connections, AC vents, and a center armrest.
The boot is one place where Tata has really nailed it. The boot of the Curvv is quite large. You get good depth and width even with all the seats up, and you can make a really large room if you fold the seats down in a 60:40 split. Ideal for hauling your child’s whole cricket set, long shopping outings, and weekend road adventures.
Inside the cabin, storage is a bit of a mixed bag. The glovebox is manageable and not overly deep. The front cupholders are unexpectedly unpractical, despite the nice door pockets. It gets crowded if you have two bottles or cups because they are oddly positioned next to each other and directly beneath the climate controls. Wireless charging is also available, but because the pad is tucked away in the middle tunnel, it’s easy to forget your phone there, especially if it slides around a lot.
The USB ports are another problem. Although it looks smooth on paper, the front ones are hidden beneath this glossy black panel next to the bottom center dash, which is actually rather irritating. It can be challenging to locate the port or put in a cable without looking, particularly when you’re driving. Additionally, the glossy panel is quite susceptible to smudges and fingerprints.
The Curvv has a lot of tech features. Level 2 ADAS capabilities, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane keeping, are available on the highest trim levels. Although that seems remarkable on paper, these technologies aren’t always flawless in real-world Indian traffic situations. False alarms do occasionally occur, particularly in congested areas where many motorcycles are weaving in and out. However, it’s still nice to see similar features appear in less expensive vehicles.
It’s important to note that some early users have complained about the air conditioner acting a little strangely. Despite being set to low temperatures, some customers have reported that the air conditioner unexpectedly begins to blast heated air. It might be a sensor problem or a software fault, but it’s the kind of thing that only becomes apparent in regular use and is difficult to spot during a test drive. I hope it’s not common and is resolved in software upgrades.
Overall, the build quality is good, as we’ve come to expect from Tata lately. There aren’t many squeaks or rattles, the doors seem heavy, and they close with a nice thump. Once more, though, several cabin features—such as the chrome strips, the plastic edges, or the finishing by the window controls—do feel a touch rough or incomplete. When you’re paying attention, you certainly see them, but they don’t detract from the experience.
The inside does receive high marks for design. In some variations, the inclusion of dark blue or burgundy accents provides a high-end touch. Tata seems to be attempting to offer some personalization to its clients without going overboard. It’s wonderful that the digital cluster has multiple viewing modes and is clean. Unfortunately, the touch-based climate control interface isn’t very user-friendly. Since you don’t want to constantly pressing and miss a touch panel to adjust fan speed, physical buttons would have been much preferable, especially when driving.
In conclusion, the Tata Curvv’s interior makes a strong initial impression. Everything works: the design, the technology, and the layout. Additionally, it’s a significant improvement over Tata Interiors’ state even a few years ago. However, the more time you spend indoors, the more minor problems you become aware of. These minor reminders that this is still a car with a price tag aren’t deal-breakers. Small details that detract from the otherwise upscale feel include the location of the USB connector, some rough plastics, strange AC behavior, and the limited rear headroom.
Nevertheless, the Curvv has a lot going for it if you’re searching for a car that feels new, has a lot of features, a good sound system, a contemporary digital dashboard, and something that distinguishes out with its coupe SUV style. Although it won’t be flawless, very few vehicles in this price range are. And occasionally, those minor flaws even lend a slightly more personal touch to the experience.