Tata Curvv concept foretells many stories all at once

This issue should be dedicated to Tata Motors because not only has the company showcased a concept that is our top story this month but has also put out a number of strong statements, announcing a very aggressive electric vehicle strategy while not shifting focus away from its bread and butter ICE business for now. The Curvv concept foretells many stories all at once. First its length points to how Tata is going to tackle one of the most lucrative SUV segments that is being dominated by the Koreans. Secondly that it has the capability and confidence to move into a hitherto vacant EV segment that will be much more demanding than the segments that the company is currently in. And finally, that the company is keeping ahead of the Curvv in terms of modern and progressive designs, technologies and features as seen on the concept and will be put into production in a couple of years. Will this big gamble really pay off remains to be seen though. For one, hybrid body styles may be successful in the high end segments but have seldom worked in more mass market segments where the tendency has always been to blend in rather than stand out. And there-in lies Tata’s masterstroke as it is probing the market with a comparatively low volume high value product and if the SUV-coupe body shape is not well received as an electric vehicle, there is nothing stopping the company from switching to the more traditional SUV body shape. Aside from the Curvv concept, Tata has a couple more interesting announcements and reveals lined up for April.

Also in this issue we drive electric, hybridm mild-hybrid and performance SUVs along with an electric sports car and also put the latest six/ seven seaters to the test to see which one is the best. We also feature the Indian Car of the Year and the Indian Motorcycle of the Year winners along with all the regulars as we move into a very busy period of launches and drives. Plenty of excitement coming your way but till then drive and ride safe, always wear a seat-belt no matter where in the car you are seated and the same goes for the helmet on a two wheeler.