Tata Curvv New 1.2-litre Turbo-petrol Engine, How Well Does It Drive?

Tata recently launched the Curvv SUV-coupe on our shores starting at an attractive price of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It is a unique-looking SUV when compared to its direct competitors, and has many plus points on its side which make it an appealing SUV-coupe in its segment. One such factor is the availability of multiple engine options (both petrol and diesel) which caters to the needs and requirements of different sets of buyers. 

With the Curvv, Tata also introduced the new 1.2-litre TGDi (direct injection) turbo-petrol. In this article, we explain how the engine is to drive and take you through its pros and cons in detail. 

Tata Curvv: T-GDI Petrol Engine 

First, let’s take a look at its detailed specifications to understand what the engine is capable: 

It is the most powerful engine in the Curvv’s powertrain options, and is available with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT options. Apart from this engine, the Curvv is also available with a lower-spec Nexon-sourced turbo-petrol engine (Revotron) and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Detailed specifications of the two other engines can be checked here. 

The new direct injection engine feels like a well-tuned and smoother version of the regular 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. It feels more responsive than the familiar Revotron engine and the increase in the power and torque as you go up the revv band feels more rewarding and exciting. 

The engine provides a relaxed drive in city conditions, and even on highway conditions, it does not feel underpowered. Even though it is more capable than the naturally-aspirated petrols offered by rivals, it does not feel as thrilling or refined to drive as some of its rivals with turbo-petrol engines. These rivals include the likes of VW Taigun, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. 

Overall, it is a powertrain that can be considered as it does feel like a step up when compared to the base-spec petrol engine. It’s not the punchiest pick in its segment, but it certainly is an engine which is good enough to suffice for your needs and will make for a good daily drive. 

To enjoy a good engine, you need good ride and handling. In this parameter too, the Curvv does a fairly commendable job. The ride feels comfortable and smooth throughout, even with the large 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Rivals 

The Tata Curvv is priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Grand Vitara, and VW Taigun.