Seventeen years after the BMW X6 introduced coupe-SUVs to the world, mainstream automakers are now embracing this bold design to give their offerings a unique edge. The Tata Curvv and Citroën Basalt are two fresh entries in this segment, targeting buyers who want a stylish SUV without sacrificing practicality. While the Citroën Basalt aims to attract buyers with aggressive pricing, the Tata Curvv banks on an extensive feature list and Tata’s strong dealership network.
Design: Sharp vs. Sophisticated
Though both SUVs share a coupe-SUV silhouette, their design philosophies differ significantly. The Citroën Basalt leans towards a rounded, minimalist aesthetic, while the Tata Curvv adopts a sharp, edgy look with striking details.
The Basalt edges out slightly in length and wheelbase, offering a more proportionate profile. Its sloping roofline flows seamlessly into the boot, giving it an almost sedan-like appeal. Meanwhile, the Curvv features a continuous tapering roofline, lending a sportier and more dramatic stance. The Curvv also boasts larger, eye-catching 18-inch alloy wheels on higher trims, compared to the Basalt’s stylish but smaller 16-inch wheels.
At the rear, the Curvv impresses with sleek connected LED tail-lamps and angular lines, while the Basalt opts for a simpler yet elegant 3D-effect tail-lamp design. For those seeking a striking road presence, the Curvv has the upper hand, but the Basalt’s balanced and approachable design could appeal to a broader audience.
Interior & Features: Premium vs. Practical
The interiors of both SUVs reflect their priorities. The Tata Curvv embraces a modern, minimalist layout with premium burgundy and silver accents. Its standout features include a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats with electric adjustments on higher trims. However, its front seats are relatively narrow, which could feel restrictive for larger occupants.
The Citroën Basalt, by contrast, has a more traditional design with practical physical controls for the HVAC system. While its cabin feels airy, thanks to beige upholstery, it lacks the premium touch of the Curvv. It also comes with a smaller 10.2-inch touchscreen and misses out on features like cooled seats and a sunroof. However, its seats offer excellent comfort and support, especially for larger passengers.
Space & Practicality: A Roomier Cabin or a Bigger Boot?
Coupe-SUVs typically compromise on rear headroom due to their sloping rooflines. The Basalt handles this challenge better, providing adequate knee room and under-thigh support for rear passengers, along with a more spacious feel. It also features rear AC vents and a center armrest, making it a more comfortable option for taller occupants.
The Curvv, while stylish, sacrifices some rear seat space due to its sharply tapering roofline and panoramic sunroof mechanism. However, it redeems itself with a slightly larger 500-litre boot (compared to the Basalt’s 475 litres), a wide opening, and an electric tailgate for added convenience.
Performance: Refinement vs. Fun-to-Drive
Both SUVs are powered by 1.2-litre, turbo-petrol engines, but their tuning delivers distinct driving experiences. The Tata Curvv offers more power (125hp and 225Nm) and excels in refinement. However, it lacks the energetic response of the Citroën Basalt’s 110hp engine, which feels livelier off the line and more engaging in everyday driving.
The Curvv’s 6-speed manual gearbox, while adequate, has a long clutch travel and vague shifts, making it less enjoyable in traffic. Meanwhile, the Basalt’s gearbox is smoother and its clutch more predictable. The downside is the Basalt’s engine refinement, which lags behind the Curvv, with vibrations and engine noise noticeable inside the cabin.
Ride & Handling: Composure vs. Comfort
Ride quality is a strong suit for both models. The Tata Curvv offers excellent bump absorption and stability at highway speeds, though its firmer setup results in a slightly jarring experience over low-speed bumps. The Basalt, with its softer suspension, delivers superior comfort on rough roads but sacrifices some composure under braking and cornering, with noticeable body roll and weight transfer.
In terms of steering, the Basalt provides better feedback and connection at higher speeds, while the Curvv’s steering, though light and adaptive to drive modes, can feel less engaging in spirited driving.
Pricing & Verdict
The Citroën Basalt starts at ₹12.7 lakh for the top-spec variant, making it significantly more affordable than the top-end Tata Curvv, which goes up to ₹17.69 lakh. However, the Curvv offers a wider price range starting at ₹9.99 lakh, with mid-level trims priced competitively against the Basalt, offering more features for the money.
The Basalt excels in driving dynamics, rear seat space, and value-for-money pricing. On the other hand, the Curvv impresses with its premium interior, extensive features, refined powertrain, and better dealer support. Additionally, its 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating gives it an edge over the Basalt’s commendable 4-star rating.
If you prioritize driving engagement, space, and affordability, the Citroën Basalt is a strong contender. However, for a more luxurious experience, better refinement, and a feature-rich offering, the Tata Curvv emerges as the superior choice.
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