The heart of the Curvv is Tata’s 1.2L GDi turbo petrol engine. In actual driving, the engine delivers a linear throttle response, which works well in stop-and-go city traffic. However, the promised punch is elusive. The turbo engages around 1,800 rpm with minimal lag and pulls till about 5,000 rpm. Beyond this, power delivery remains subdued, especially during overtakes or hill climbs.

The manual transmission features long throws and an abrupt clutch—similar to the Nexon. I strongly recommend getting the Curvv GDi in the DCT variant if you want the sporty experience it was designed for. On highways, the engine maintains steady cruising speeds but lacks the dynamism needed for spirited driving. Fuel efficiency is also underwhelming, with real-world figures hovering around 12.6 kmpl in mixed driving conditions—likely due to its 17-inch wheels and high-riding stance.

Curvy comes with some quite functional driving modes. Beyond just power delivery, Sport Mode also stiffens the steering, providing better feedback and control at higher speeds. This makes cornering sharper and fuel economy not so sharper. The latter is best highlighted in ECO mode. I engaged it briefly and the mileage jumped 3 kmpl, over the course of 40 km

The suspension leans towards performance rather than outright comfort. While the ride is not uncomfortable, moderate thuds and bumps make their way into the cabin. High-speed stability is excellent, and lane-changing capability is commendable.

Stepping into the cabin, the Tata Curvv initially impresses with its modern layout and advanced infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The spacious cabin provides ample headroom and legroom for all five occupants. However, the appeal is short-lived when the hard plastics on the dashboard, door panels, and other surfaces become evident.

Tata has always given plenty of thigh support and comfort and the Curvv is no exception. My uncle is a heavily built middle aged guy and praised the lower body support and had mixed opinions about the shoulder support in Curvv.

The materials' utilitarian feel contradicts the car’s premium aspirations, especially at its price point (₹22 lakh on-road). While storage solutions are practical and controls are logically arranged, the interior lacks the refinement expected at this price. Comfort on longer journeys is compromised, particularly for rear passengers due to the sloping roofline—an unavoidable tradeoff for standout styling. The rear AC vents are appreciated by the lack of ventilated seats is a bummer and Tata’s wants you to spend at least a couple of lakhs more for it on the Accomplished S trim 

The Creative S variant I drove also came with a massive sunroof, and a fantastic 8 speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The speakers are quite good once you fiddle with bass/treble settings. The Touchscreen measures 10.2 inches and has so far worked well. But based on plenty of user complaints we are expecting it to glitch soon, lol.

The Tata Curvv boasts a bold and distinctive design, reminiscent of high-end German coupes like the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. When I first saw the images, I was skeptical, but I admit the Curvv looks fantastic in person, especially in Daytona Grey.

The front fascia features a striking grille and sleek headlamps, lending the vehicle an aggressive stance. Its sculpted body lines and stylish alloy wheels add to its modern appeal. The design ensures it stands out in urban traffic. The hood is chalk full of power bulges which gives it a raging bull kind of vibe. The side is equally dynamic with two prominent creases near the belt line. The top trims have gloss black side sills, wheel arches and front and rear spoiler. 

The R16 wheels would have been overkill on any other car but they hardly fill the wheel wells on the massive arches of Curvv. Our Curvv “DID NOT” had a full width LED. I mean come on! I have seen them on top trims and they are pretty cool.

The Curvv comes equipped with a solid safety package, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. The 5-star BNCAP rating further solidifies its appeal as a safe and stylish vehicle.

The Curvv currently has no direct rivals due to its unique coupe-SUV styling. Mahindra’s upcoming EV twins come close, but they remain untested.

The 2025 Tata Curvv GDi is an enticing proposition, with safety and styling as its biggest strengths. If you're opting for the 1.2L Hyperion engine, go for the DCT variant, as the manual gearbox can be tiring once the “car guy” factor wears off. You’ll also need to make peace with visible hard plastics, a stiff-ish ride, and average fuel economy.