The automotive landscape in India is witnessing a remarkable transformation. As fuel prices continue their upward trajectory and environmental concerns take center stage, alternative fuel vehicles are gaining unprecedented traction. In this evolving scenario, Tata Motors has consistently pushed the envelope with its iCNG technology, and now, the company is preparing to extend this innovation to its newest offering—the stylish Curvv SUV-coupe.
Recently, a heavily camouflaged test mule of the Tata Curvv iCNG was spotted near Swargate in Pune, Maharashtra. Despite the black and white camouflage wrap, the vehicle’s distinctive coupe-like sloping roofline gave away its identity. The test vehicle didn’t feature emission testing equipment at the rear, suggesting that Tata Motors is currently focusing on testing other aspects of this forthcoming model.
For the uninitiated, the Tata Curvv was launched earlier this year as India’s first mainstream SUV-coupe, offering a distinctive blend of SUV robustness and coupe-like styling. With the upcoming iCNG variant, the Curvv will join the Nexon as the second vehicle in Tata’s lineup to offer an impressive four fuel options—petrol, diesel, electric, and now CNG.
Game-Changing Dual-Cylinder Technology
What truly sets the Tata Curvv iCNG apart is its dual-cylinder CNG technology. Unlike conventional CNG vehicles that typically house a single large cylinder in the boot, significantly compromising luggage space, Tata’s innovative approach incorporates two smaller CNG cylinders positioned beneath the luggage area.
This groundbreaking technology, already implemented in the Nexon, Punch, and Altroz iCNG models, addresses one of the most significant drawbacks of traditional CNG vehicles—limited boot space. The dual-cylinder setup allows for a more efficient use of space while maintaining a generous boot capacity. For a style-conscious SUV-coupe like the Curvv, this is particularly crucial as it preserves the vehicle’s practicality alongside its aesthetic appeal.
The dual-cylinder technology comes with several advantages:
- Uncompromised Boot Space: The intelligent placement of twin CNG cylinders below the luggage area means owners won’t have to sacrifice boot space, a common complaint with conventional CNG vehicles.
- Better Weight Distribution: The two smaller cylinders distribute weight more evenly, contributing to improved handling and ride quality compared to a single larger cylinder.
- Enhanced Safety: The dual-cylinder configuration incorporates sophisticated safety measures, including leak detection, thermal incident protection, and a fire protection device.
- Improved Range: With a potential for larger combined gas capacity, the dual-cylinder setup might offer better CNG-only range compared to single-cylinder competitors.
Powertrain Specifications
Under the hood, the Curvv iCNG is expected to feature the same 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Nexon iCNG. This would make it only the second turbocharged CNG vehicle in India after the Nexon iCNG, a significant feat considering the engineering challenges involved in developing a turbocharged CNG powertrain.
In the Nexon iCNG, this engine produces approximately 99bhp and 170Nm torque when running on CNG. We can expect similar performance figures for the Curvv iCNG, though exact specifications remain under wraps. The engine will likely be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, while an automatic gearbox option cannot be ruled out, given Tata’s recent advancements in automatic CNG technology with the Tiago iCNG AMT.
The turbocharged CNG engine should provide a perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency, addressing the power deficit often associated with CNG vehicles. This is particularly important for the Curvv, which positions itself as a premium, lifestyle-oriented offering rather than just an economical city runabout.
Premium Features Retained
If the test mule sightings and insider reports are anything to go by, the Curvv iCNG will retain all the premium features of its petrol and diesel counterparts. This is in line with Tata’s philosophy of offering an uncompromised CNG experience, where choosing the more economical fuel option doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort, convenience, or technology.
Expected features include:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- 9-speaker JBL sound system
- Multi-color ambient lighting
- Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)
- 360-degree camera
- Electronic parking brake
- 6 airbags (standard)
The only notable changes would likely be to the instrument cluster, which would incorporate CNG-specific information such as fuel levels and mode indicators. Additionally, an extra button on the center console to switch between CNG and petrol modes would be present, similar to other Tata iCNG models.
Comprehensive Safety Features
Safety has always been a cornerstone of Tata Motors’ vehicle development philosophy, and the Curvv iCNG is expected to continue this tradition. The standard Curvv has already achieved a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash test, and the CNG variant will likely maintain these high safety standards.
In addition to the conventional safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and Electronic Stability Control, the Curvv iCNG will incorporate CNG-specific safety measures such as:
- Advanced leak detection system that automatically switches from CNG to petrol mode in case of a gas leak
- Thermal incident protection that cuts off CNG supply to the engine and releases gas from the cylinder directly into the atmosphere through a special nozzle in case of a thermal incident
- Micro switch that turns off the ignition as soon as the fuel lid is opened and doesn’t allow the car to start until the lid is securely closed
- Fire extinguisher strategically placed for easy access in case of emergencies
Intelligent CNG Technology
Beyond the dual-cylinder setup, the Curvv iCNG will benefit from Tata’s advanced iCNG technology, which includes several smart features:
- Direct Start in CNG Mode: Unlike most CNG vehicles that require starting in petrol mode and then switching to CNG, Tata’s technology allows direct starting in CNG mode, enhancing convenience.
- Single Advanced ECU: The vehicle utilizes a single ECU for both petrol and CNG operations, ensuring seamless switching between fuels while maintaining optimal air-fuel ratio.
- Modular Fuel Filter: This reduces maintenance costs and minimizes hazardous waste by requiring only cartridge changes rather than complete filter replacements.
- Auto-Switching Capability: The system automatically switches between fuels based on requirements, ensuring optimal performance at all times.
Market Positioning and Competition
When launched, the Tata Curvv iCNG will occupy a unique position in the Indian automotive market. It will be:
- The first CNG SUV-coupe in India
- Only the second turbocharged CNG vehicle after the Nexon iCNG
- Among the few premium CNG vehicles with high-end features
In terms of competition, there are currently no direct rivals offering a similarly styled SUV-coupe with CNG technology. The closest competitors would be the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder CNG, both of which use a single-cylinder configuration that significantly compromises boot space. The Curvv iCNG’s dual-cylinder technology would give it a considerable advantage over these models.
Expected Launch Timeline and Pricing
According to industry sources, Tata Motors is currently focusing on the upcoming Altroz facelift and the Harrier EV, with the Curvv iCNG likely to be launched during the festive season later this year (around September-November 2025). This timing would capitalize on the typically high automotive sales during the festive period.
As for pricing, the Curvv iCNG is expected to command a premium of approximately ₹1 lakh over the equivalent petrol variants. With the current Curvv petrol range starting at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), we can anticipate the entry-level Curvv iCNG to be priced around ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom), with top variants possibly reaching up to ₹20.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Strategic Significance
The introduction of the Curvv iCNG underscores Tata Motors’ comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of Indian consumers. With the addition of the CNG variant, the Curvv will become one of the few vehicles in the Indian market to offer all four major powertrain options—petrol, diesel, electric, and CNG.
This strategy reflects Tata’s understanding of the Indian market’s transitional phase, where different consumers have varying preferences and requirements based on their usage patterns, infrastructure accessibility, and budget constraints. By offering multiple powertrain options within the same model, Tata provides consumers with the freedom to choose the option that best suits their specific needs without compromising on style or features.
Furthermore, the continuing expansion of the CNG network across India, coupled with the significantly lower running costs of CNG vehicles compared to petrol or diesel alternatives, makes the Curvv iCNG an attractive proposition for consumers seeking to balance running costs with premium features and styling.
A Game-Changer in the Making
The upcoming Tata Curvv iCNG represents a significant milestone in the evolution of CNG vehicles in India. By combining the stylish, coupe-like design of the Curvv with the practical advantages of dual-cylinder CNG technology and a host of premium features, Tata Motors is effectively challenging the perception that choosing a CNG vehicle necessitates compromising on style, performance, or convenience.
As the automotive industry continues its journey toward more sustainable mobility solutions, innovations like the Curvv iCNG serve as important stepping stones, offering environmentally friendlier and more economical alternatives without asking consumers to sacrifice the qualities they value in a modern vehicle.
When launched, the Tata Curvv iCNG will not only expand the choices available to Indian consumers but also potentially reshape expectations of what a CNG vehicle can offer in terms of design, features, and overall ownership experience. In a market as diverse and dynamic as India, such innovations are not merely welcome—they’re essential for driving the industry forward.