Should a Creta buyer wait for the Curvv?

The compact SUV segment is one of the hottest segments in India. However the segment will be on fire as Tata Curvv will soon enter the race. Currently we have the kings like Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and recently updated Hyundai Creta, which has attracted a lot of attention with its new design and richer cabin & features. So in such a case, should you buy the Hyundai Creta facelift? Or instead wait for the Tata Curvv?
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Tata Curvv

As we all know, Tata Curvv is the upcoming Creta rival SUV from Tata Motors. It will be available as EV along with petrol and diesel powertrains. What’s unique about the Curvv is the styling. Unlike other typical boxy SUVs, Tata Curvv will boast coupe SUV design language. The concept was earlier shown at the Auto Expo 2023 whereas we got a glimpse of a close to production model at the Bharat Mobility Show 2024.

Design

Talking about the design, the Curvv will have a similar front design as seen on recent Tata SUVs. The DRLs are similar to the new Nexon but will get the connected treatment which only the Nexon EV gets. On the other hand, the grille looks similar to the one we can see on the Harrier facelift. Rest it will get vertically placed LED headlamps and fog lamps. The side profile will be unique, thanks to the sloping roofline. The elements at the rear will be sporty and will likely get connected LED tail lamps.

Interior & Features

The interior however is yet to be revealed by the brand. That said, a few spy shots have revealed the Nexon-like interior on the Tata Curvv. In fact a spy shot even revealed the purple theme that is offered with the Nexon facelift. Rest, it will likely get a 4-spoke steering wheel from the Harrier/Saferi facelift, touch based AC controls, 12.3-inch touchscreen system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and JBL speakers.

Engine specifications

As far as the powertrain options go, Tata could offer either 1.2-litre TGDi engine or 1.5-litre TGDi engine, along with 1.5-litre diesel engine. The 1.2 TGDi produces 123bhp & 225Nm torque while the 1.5 TGDi will produce 168bhp & 280Nm of torque. Out of these two, we doubt if Tata introduces the 1.5-litre TGDi with the Curvv. The 1.5-litre diesel however is the same that Nexon offers. The 1.5-litre diesel produces 113bhp and 260Nm of peak torque. In terms of transmission options, Tata could offer a 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCA, and 6-speed AMT gearboxes.

Curvv vs Creta

Putting the Curvv against its Korean rival, the Hyundai Creta has a different approach altogether. Firstly the Creta has a more conventional body design but does get a bold front look altogether. The interiors are inclined more towards offering luxury appeal than the Curvv’s sportier design. However, you can buy the Creta N Line for sportier appeal as it gets sporty elements on the outside, complemented with black and red interiors. In terms of features the Creta gets almost everything that Curvv will offer along with additional features like ADAS and dual zone climate control. That said, it will be too early to compare the features as the list is yet to be confirmed for the Curvv.

The Hyundai Creta comes with a 1.5-litre (113bhp/144Nm) NA petrol engine which is mated with manual and iVT gearboxes. It also gets a 1.5-litre (158bhp/253Nm) TGDi engine mated with 7-speed DCT (Manual for N Line). Lastly, it gets a 1.5-litre (114bhp/250Nm) diesel engine which is mated with manual and torque converter automatic transmission. So although the engine options are very similar, the Creta diesel has an advantage for the automatic gearbox against the Curvv’s AMT.

Curvv vs Creta – Which one to buy?

Buying one of these SUVs depends completely on your taste. Tata Curvv will likely get launched in the second half of 2024 whereas the Creta facelift is already ruling the Indian roads. The Curvv gets a unique coupe-SUV design and will likely get a similar feature list like the Creta. Even the powertrain options are very similar but the Creta has an advantage for diesel automatic. In terms of pricing, Hyundai Creta is priced between Rs 12.29 lakh to Rs 23.55 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), again, expect a similar price range for the Creta as well. Overall, wait for Curvv or buy the Creta now, you will not regret the decision you make!