Tata CURVV vs Hyundai Creta – Which One Are You Betting Your Money On?

The mid-size SUV segment in India is about to get heated even further despite stiff competition among the existing players.

The recently-launched Tata CURVV is 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 offers 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 CURVV EV is underpinned by the Acti.ev platform previously showcased with the Punch EV. It comes with two powertrain options bifurcated by the size of the battery – Curvv.ev 45 and Curvv.ev 55. The ARAI-rated range with the 45 kWh battery pack is a decent 502 km, while with the larger 55 kWh battery pack, the range figure stretches to 585 km. As per the internal testing by Tata Motors, in real-world conditions, the users will be able to squeeze out 330-350 km and 400-425 km of range, respectively. In addition to that, the Indian auto giant is confident about the 5-star rating at the Bharat NCAP. This is due to the use of 39% High Strength Steel by weight and 13% Advanced High Strength Steel by weight. Also, it has over 45% higher torsional stiffness compared to a typical mid-size SUV.

The total power output is 167 PS which enables an acceleration time of a mere 8.6 seconds for a 0-100 km/h sprint. This is due to the addition of aerodynamic elements including coupe styling, wheel inserts, LRR tyres, aero curtains, powertrain under tray, flush door handles, and more. Talking about charging, the Curvv.ev supports DC fast charging capabilities upto 70 kW. This ensures that the battery gets juiced up from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes. In fact, 150 km worth of range can be replenished in just 15 minutes. Being an SUV, the ground clearance is a usable 190 mm and the water wading capacity is 450 mm.

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 either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. This is the first time that the diesel version will use the DCT gearbox in Tata’s parlance.

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.

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 20 lakh. On the other hand, the Tata CURVV EV has an introductory price range between Rs 17.49 lakh and Rs 21.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The ICE variants range between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 17.69 lakh, ex-showroom.

Tata CURVV vs Hyundai Creta Features Comparison

This is an interesting segment. Since the Tata CURVV is a brand-new vehicle, it comes with all the latest bells and whistles. Tata already ensures that it loads up its offerings with the latest tech to pamper its customers. At the launch event, Tata officials showcased tons of latest tech, safety, convenience and connectivity amenities the Curvv boasts. These include:

• Alexa Voice Commands with Car-to-Home Functionality
• Electrochromatic Auto Dimming IRVM
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 360-degree Camera
• Arcade.ev App Suite with 20+ Apps
• 9-speaker JBL Sound System
• What2words Navigation System
• Multiple Voice Assistants in 6 Languages
• 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
• Gesture-Controlled Powered Tailgate
• 500-litre Boot Space and a Frunk
• 8-way Powered Driver Seat
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Leatherette Seats
• Wireless Charging
• Multi-mode Regen Braking
• Voice-Assisted Panoramic Sunroof with Mood Lighting
• 2-step Reclining Rear Seat

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. The Tata CURVV looks like a compelling proposition. 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. Therefore, if you wish to experience something new and slightly more affordable, going for the Curvv make a lot of sense. On the other hand, we have to wait for the electric iteration of the Creta as well. Hence, there is a clear picture in terms of the ICE variants but we will still need to wait for the electric Creta to compare the EV versions of these two immensely capably SUVs.

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