Tata Motors has launched the Series X variants of the internal combustion engine-powered Curvv in India. The Series X treatment is available across the range, and focusses on maximising the value offered. However, the Pure+ and Creative+ are the sharpest in terms of pricing and packaging. These offer a significant value-advantage over corresponding variants of rivals like the Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara , Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Here is a closer look.
The Curvv Series X competes with mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Tekton, Renault Duster, Maruti Grand Vitara, Victoris, Toyota Hyryder and more. Let’s limit the scope of this comparison to four main rivals- Victoris, Grand Vitara, Creta and Seltos, as these are all in high demand.
The Pure X+ trim, priced from Rs 11.79 lakh, ex-showroom, competes with The Victoris VXi, Grand Vitara Delta, Seltos HTE (O) and Creta EX. The Creative X+ that starts at Rs 12.91 lakh, ex-showroom, has Victroris ZXi, Grand Vitara Zeta, Seltos HTK, and Creta EX (O) as its rivals. These are based on pricing alone.
The Pure X+ variant comes with flush door handles, LED DRLs, LED headlamps and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Many of these features are missing on the rivals. Flush door handles, for example, are absent on the Creta, Grand Vitara and Victoris. The Grand Vitara Delta has bi-halogen headlamps, whereas the Creta comes with projector LED headlamps.
Inside, none of the rivals have seats with passive ventilation. Other such features include Benecke-Kaliko Oyster white upholstery, 10.25-inch infotainment system (7-inch units on the Victoris and Grand Vitara, 8-inch unit on the Creta. The Seltos HTE (O), however, has a 10.25-inch touchscreen), and 4+2 speaker audio system.
The Pure+ trim also comes with autofolding ORVMs, which are absent on models like Grand Vitara, Victoris and the Creta. The Seltos and Creta come with manual AC whereas the Series X Pure+ comes with a fully automatic climate control. It is also the only model other than Seltos and Victoris in this comparison to offer wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto,
The boot space is another area where the Series X Curvv has a massive advantage. It comes with a 500-litre boot. The Victoris offers just 439 litres, Grand Vitara 373 litres, Seltos 447litres, and the Creta 433 litres. Grand Vitara has the smallest boot and Curvv Series X the largest, in this comparison.
- Victor V11: Rs 11.85 lakh
- Grand Vitara Delta: Rs 12.15 lakh
- Seltos HTE (O): Rs 12.41 lakh
- Creta EX: Rs 12.07 lakh
Now, let’s take the case of the Creative+ trim. This is more feature-packed than the Pure+. It comes with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Victoris ZXI and Grand Vitara Zeta come with 17-inch alloy and steel wheels respectively. The Seltos HTK and Creta EX (O) get 16-inch steel wheels.
Other than the Creta EX (O), none of the rivals offer a panoramic sunroof at this price point. On the Series X, the sunroof gets voice assist function as well. The Creta EX (O) and Seltos HTK come with manual AC. The Series X and the other two SUVs get automatic climate control. Another key differentiation is the 360-degree 3D camera with blind view monitor. It is only the Seltos HTK and Series X Creative + that come with front parking assist as well. The Creative+ also has a better audio system than the Victoris and Grand Vitara- 4 speakers and 2 tweeters.
Let’s now look at the prices:
- Winner ZXI: Rs 13.77 lakh
- Grand Vitara Zeta: Rs 13.90 lakh
- Seltos HTK: Rs 13.41 lakh
- Creta EX (O): Rs 13.14 lakh
Clearly, the Curvv Series X Creative+ has a notable price advantage.
Clearly, the competition is with a set of well-established compact SUVs and Tata Motors had to get the packaging and value proposition right to find success. The Series X has addressed one of the biggest shortcomings of the previous Curvv- rear seat experience. The front seat-backs are now slimmer and the rear seats have been pushed rearward and lower. This has generated more room at the rear. Plus, as seen above, the equipment array has been made stronger. The Pure+ and Creative+ trims easily outsmart comparable variants of most rivals, with their features.