Tata Curvv CNG under active consideration

The Curvv may sport a non-traditional coupe-SUV body style, but that isn’t stopping Tata Motors from going all-out in trying to capture volumes in the midsize SUV segment. The Curvv arrives with two EV powertrain options, two petrol engines and a diesel, and we've learnt that a CNG is also on the cards.

Speaking to Autocar India at the launch of the electric Curvv, Shailesh Chandra, Tata Motors managing director said that a CNG version is under active consideration, “While designing the car we have ensured that the design is protected for CNG, and while it’s premature to confirm a launch I can say it’s under active consideration.”

It's the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, not the new direct injection 1.2-litre turbo, that will arrive with a CNG option. This engine also powers the Nexon and the CNG concept was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Show. The CNG Nexon is scheduled to arrive by early 2025.

Tata Motors hasn’t shied away from offering CNG in higher segment models and trims, and had even claimed they were driving the ‘premiumisation of CNG’. The Grand Vitara and Hyryder are available with CNG powertrains in the midsize SUV segment, and Chandra added “we are seeing others in this segment with CNG, so there is interest”.

Curvv EV could account for 30 percent of total sales

On the prospects for the electric Curvv, Chandra says he’s very confident that more regular buyers would look at the EV option. “I am confident because with the price parity we have with other petrol-automatics and [with] 400km-plus real-world range, we will have great traction in the case of the Curvv EV.” However, he did not disclose specific volume targets and called it a ‘discovery phase’. He added that the Curvv EV's sales could “vary from 15 to even 30 percent”.

Prices for the ICE versions of the Curvv will be out on September 2, and the expectation is for a very competitive price ladder. With the possibility of a CNG in the mix, the Curvv would be the only model in the midsize SUV segment to offer four fuel options, so it will be interesting to see how total sales volumes and the model mix pans out.