Tata Motors has previously shown both an electric as well as a petrol version of its Curvv concept, and announced that both would see a market launch. However, we have learnt that the company is also readying a diesel-powered Curvv.
- New direct-injection turbo-petrol engine to debut with Curvv
- Curvv EV to launch first, followed by diesel
- Will rival midsize SUVs like the Creta and Seltos
As we've reported earlier, the Curvv EV will be the first to go on sale in the second half of this year, with the diesel and turbo-petrol – in that order – launching next. The diesel engine in question would be the same 115hp, 260Nm, 1.5-litre unit that does duty in the Nexon and would come mated to either a 6-speed manual or an AMT. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, which have similar power outputs, are the only other SUVs in this segment to get a diesel.
The Nexon's engine was upgraded to comply with BS6.2 emissions norms last year; Tata used a Passive Selective Catalytic Reduction system instead of an expensive SCR system, which requires a urea tank and injection system.
Despite their overall decline and uncertain future, Tata Motors is clearly not giving up on diesels as they still make up about a quarter (24 percent) of the midsize SUV segment. Thus, with the Curvv getting diesel, electric and petrol powertrains, Tata Motors has a much better chance of gaining a significant share in the very crowded midsize SUV space, which currently has as many as eight contenders.
Tata Curvv India launch timeline
Sources tell us that series production of the Curvv will commence around April this year at Tata Motors’ Ranjangaon plant near Pune. Tata Motors has set a sales target of around 48,000 units for the Curvv SUV, with 12,000 units expected from the Curvv EV.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
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