Tata Curvv iCNG – India’s First CNG-Powered SUV Coupe Coming Soon
Tata Motors is preparing to launch the Curvv ICE on September 2, 2024. The Desi coupe SUV will then get two petrol and a diesel engines. Ahead of the launch, new rumours have surfaced suggesting that Tata Motors could be considering a Curvv iCNG soon. Despite its unconventional styling, the Curvv is predicted to do well in sales. The all-electric version has had high acceptance in the country and there is much anticipation around the ICE form as well. This is probably why the manufacturer is considering a CNG powertrain.
At the launch event for the Curvv EV, Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors, hinted at the potential for a CNG variant. He revealed that while it’s too early to confirm a launch, the car’s design has been tailored to accommodate CNG technology.
“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,” Chandra stated in an interview withACI.
The CNG variant is expected to come with Tata’s 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine, borrowed from the Nexon. It will also have the twin-cylinder technology for efficient CNG storage. The same was used in the Curvv CNG concept showcased at the Bharat Mobility Show, and in the Nexon CNG slated for an early 2025 release.
Tata seems to have taken inspiration from the success of Grand Vitara CNG and Hyryder CNG. Chandra admits that there is a clear demand for CNG in the segment, and goes on to say that Tata Motors is keen on capitalizing on the same.
Curvv.EV Expected To Be A Huge Success
Tata Motors is equally optimistic about the future of the Curvv EV. According to Chandra, the electric variant could account for up to 30% of the moniker’s total sales. He expressed confidence that more mainstream buyers would opt for the electric version, citing factors like price parity with petrol-automatic options and the Curvv EV’s real-world range of over 400 kilometres. While the company is still in the “discovery phase” and hasn’t set specific volume targets, Chandra believes the Curvv EV will gain significant traction in the Indian market.
Reports from various Tata Motors dealerships from around the country also add to the optimism. Dealers report potential Nexon EV buyers upgrading to Curvv.EV, in hopes of a better value proposition. Those looking for higher variants of the Nexon EV are the most prone to this transition.
CNG Could Give A Competitive Edge in the Market
Pricing for the internal combustion engine (ICE) versions of the Curvv is expected to be highly competitive. The potential introduction of CNG variants later in time, would make the Curvv the only model in the SUV coupe segment (or even among mid-size SUVs) to offer four distinct fuel options: electric, petrol, diesel, and CNG. This powertrain portfolio is expected to give Tata Motors a unique edge in business, and it will be interesting to see how these affect the overall sales and customer preferences.
In the larger picture, the CNG variants should be able to garner good volumes, as people have lately been open to alternate fuel options. CNG and electric powertrains have recently been recording good climbs up in terms of acceptance. It could be thus a matter of time before we get to see bookings for the Curvv iCNG soar and the waiting period rise.