Both Tata CURVV and Citroen Basalt were launched in the first week of August and are direct rivals which is what makes this comparison all the more intriguing.
Tata CURVV and Citroen Basalt are aimed at popularizing the coupe SUV body type for the masses. Initially reserved exclusively for premium high-end luxury vehicles like the BMW X6, this striking silhouette eluded mass-market car buyers since its inception. As technology, accessibility and skills expand, Indian carmakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra are trying to infuse this design into regular cars. Similarly, the French carmaker will also launch the C3 Aircross-based coupe SUV in India in the coming days with the same aim. Let us compare the two in terms of the details available at the moment.
Tata CURVV vs Citroen Basalt – Specs
Tata CURVV is a coupe SUV which will be available with petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. The EV is based on the Gen 2 Acti.ev architecture., whereas the ICE model will use the updated Nexon platform. The petrol trim will be the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo unit making 125 hp of peak power. The diesel engine will most likely be borrowed from the Nexon. Hence, one could expect the 1.5-litre turbo diesel mill churning out a decent 115 PS and 260 Nm of peak power and torque. Both these engines will be offered with manual and automatic transmissions. Apart from that, there will also be an electric powertrain the details of which will emerge at the launch. I expect it to be similar to the Nexon EV.
On the other hand, even the Citroen Basalt will borrow its engine and transmission options from the C3 Aircross. In fact, it will utilize the heavily localized CMP platform. Hence, there will be a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is good for 110 PS and 205 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine will pair with a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. At present, there are no reports of an electric mill. Note that Renault already has the e-C3 as their affordable electric vehicle for the mass market.
| Specs | Tata CURVV (exp.) | Citroen Basalt |
| Engine | 1.2L (P) 1.5L (D) | 1.2L (P) |
| Power | 125 hp / 115 PS | 110 PS |
| Torque | 170 Nm / 260 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Transmission | MT / AT | MT / AT |
Tata CURVV vs Citroen Basalt – Price
The prices of the Tata CURVV in petrol and diesel variants range from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 17.69 lakh, ex-showroom. These are enticing prices. It ranges from Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 13.83 lakh, ex-showroom. In any case, it will definitely be more affordable than the CURVV.
| Price | Tata CURVV | Citroen Basalt |
| Base Model | Rs 9.99 lakh | Rs 7.99 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 17.69 lakh | Rs 13.83 lakh |
Tata CURVV vs Citroen Basalt – Design
We are clear about the design of both these coupe SUVs. The CURVV will bear a modern appearance with a striking front end. In fact, the fascia is defined by a connected LED light bar with LED DRLs on the bonnet, a vertically-stacked LED headlamp cluster on the extreme edges of the bumper and a unique design insignia on the front section. The side profile includes elegant alloy wheels, flush-fitting door handles, unique side pillars and chunky wheel arches with black cladding. Apart from that, the coupe SUV gets a shark fin antenna at the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler, and a sloping roofline culminating into a bootlid-mounted spoiler. Note that there will be slight distinctions between the ICE and EV versions in terms of exterior design like the front section and alloy wheels. All in all, the coupe SUV certainly possesses the capabilities to make heads turn.
On the other hand, even the Citroen Basalt will embody the coupe SUV silhouette, as evident from its official teasers. At the front, it gets the Double Chevron logo at the centre with chrome strips on either side which culminate into LED DRLs. These encapsulate the LED headlamps and there is a large grille section with rugged elements like a sturdy skid plate. On the sides, the sloping roofline is the distinction the Basalt carries along with squarish wheel arches and elegant alloy wheels. At the rear, the roofline ends up seamlessly integrating into the bootlid. Again, it is fully capable of offering a compelling and attractive road presence.
Expected Features
At this point in time, the exact details of the features on both these coupe SUVs are not clear. Still, based on the reports and spy shots of both these SUVs, we can deduce a few amenities that will most likely make it into the production model. To start with, let us glance at the top functionalities expected in the Tata CURVV.
- 12.3-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- Digital Instrument Cluster
- Electronic Parking Brake
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Automatic AC
- Textured Dashboard
- Premium Audio System
- Two-Spoke Steering Wheel with Illumination
Similarly, going by the spy media and other sources online, the Basalt will borrow a lot of elements from the C3 Aircross but there will be some differentiations to set the two apart. The main highlights include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless Smartphone Charger
- 6 Airbags
- Digital Instrumentation
- Automatic Climate Control
Our View
This is quite an interesting comparison between the only two mass market coupe SUVs in the country. On the one hand, you have the new Citroen Basalt which offers tons of modern amenities at a really attractive price point. In fact, the value-for-money aspect of the Basalt will be its major draw for a whole bunch of potential customers. On the other hand, if you wish to stick with a more established and bigger brand, going for the Tata Curvv makes sense. There is a wide range of variants to choose from. This will ensure that you will get a trim that will suit your needs perfectly. I would like to encourage you to test drive both cars to get a feel of how they behave. Accordingly, you can make up your mind.
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