ZigOpinion: Does The Tata Curvv Offer Enough For A Sensible Upgrade Over Nexon?

There is a lot of buzz around the Tata Curvv, which is the homegrown carmaker’s first shot in the extremely popular compact SUV space. Its unique styling means it looks like no other car in the segment. However when you look at it logically it is just a stretched Nexon, right?

Now there are two ways to go with that aforementioned statement. It might help the Curvv, considering that the Nexon is a great base to begin with for the larger SUV coupe. But on the other hand, has Tata done enough to make the Curvv standout and feel like a proper upgrade? 

First, Let’s See What Rivals In The Segment Do

If you look at the differences from let’s say a Kia Sonet to Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue to Hyundai Creta or the Brezza to Maruti Grand Vitara, all these cars have more than enough factors that make them feel like an upgrade. They offer more in terms of size, space, features and more importantly they give a bigger car feel. 

They also feel different on the inside not only because of the design but they also offer a plusher cabin experience with the use of better materials. Even in the features department, cars like the Seltos, Creta and Grand Vitara offer you with a handful of wow elements that aren’t available with their smaller siblings. 

Almost Identical Features With Minor Upgrades 

When you look at the features list the Curvv and Nexon are nearly identical and with the introduction of the panoramic sunroof in the Nexon, that gap has now become even smaller.

Both cars get a 9-speaker JBL sound system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, an auto dimming IRVM and keyless entry with push button start. On the upside the Curvv does get a a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment vs the Nexon’s 10.25-inch. 

On both cars safety is taken care of by six airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera and electronic stability control. 

Also Read: Tata Curvv Petrol & Diesel Review

The extra features the Curvv offers over the Nexon are a powered driver’s seat, a gesture controlled powered tailgate and Level-2 ADAS. Honestly, none of these features are deal breakers and are something that you can do without. 

It Isn’t An ‘Upgrade Experience’ On The Inside

First of all, kudos to Tata! The Curvv, with its striking exterior design and SUV-coupe silhouette, looks like nothing else on the road. And you can further make it look a whole lot better by picking it up in some bright and unique colours such as the red and gold. But the same can’t be said for its interior. 

Tata Nexon Interior 

The dashboard layout, save for the different colour schemes, is ditto the Nexon. And while it isn’t a bad place to begin with, rivals go a step further by ensuring that their cars are differentiated by using a different design and materials for a better experience.

Tata Curvv Interior 

Also, considering that the Curvv uses an extended version of the Nexon’s platform and has the same dashboard, it carries all its quirks and irritants along such as no cupholders in the higher variants, tough to access USB ports and awkward angles to reach the door pads. At least these basic drawbacks from the Nexon should have been addressed with the much more expensive  Curvv. 

Now coming to the back seat experience. Yes, the Curvv is longer and along with that, one might expect the rear seats to be more spacious but unfortunately that is not the case.

Space on offer in the rear seat is very similar to the Nexon and in fact the sloping roofline makes rear headroom tighter. This results in a car which has just about enough rear seat space for an Indian average height family. Of Course when you pay more, you expect more, and that is something you don’t get in the rear seat of the Curvv. This is where rival cars like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun has an edge over the Curvv. 

More Show Almost Same Go 

Tata offers the Curvv with the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines which are similar in displacement as the Nexon. But we are glad that the new 125 PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol T-GDI engine, which you can opt for in the higher variants, offers great driveability and refinement. However what it lacks is that flagship sporty engine option which you get in cars like the VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta thanks to their powerful 1.5-litre turbo petrol powertrains. 

All Of This Comes At A Steep Price Jump 

If you are looking at it vis-a-vis base variants, the price gap between the two cars is Rs 2 lakh. But when you bring the top variants into the play, that gap increases to Rs 3.5 lakh. One main contributing factor is that the Curvv isn’t eligible for the sub-4 metre subsidies, unlike the Nexon. 

The Tata Curvv Isn’t A Bad Car 

Overall, if you think logically, buying the Nexon over the Curvv makes a lot of sense. However, not every decision is logical, is it? The Curvv is not a bad car at all. Its unique looks make a strong statement, and when you look at it in isolation, it is a well-rounded product. It offers enough space for four occupants, has a large boot, comfortable ride quality, and good performance.

We just wish it offered a true "UPGRADED" experience over the Tata Nexon, considering it’s positioned a segment above for better differentiation and desirability.