Is Tata Planning An Ultra-Frugal Curvv? New Spy Shots Spark Green Fuel Rumours

What's The Big News?

Just when you thought Tata Motors was done shaking up the mid-size SUV segment with the Curvv, they've gone and dropped another hint on our roads. A heavily camouflaged test mule was spotted doing rounds again, sending the Indian automotive world into a frenzy. We aren't just talking about another routine emission test here; there is a very strong buzz that Tata is cooking up something highly eco-friendly under that sloping roofline.

Word on the street is that this could either be a twin-cylinder iCNG version or an E85 flex-fuel compatible iteration of the Curvv. With petrol prices refusing to budge and Maruti Suzuki enjoying massive success with their CNG models, Tata wants a bigger piece of the efficiency pie. If this turns out to be true, it'll make the Curvv one of the most versatile platforms in India, offering petrol, diesel, EV, and now potentially a green-fuel option.

Decoding The Green Tech: Twin-Cylinder CNG Or Flex-Fuel?

Let's break down the possibilities because both options make a ton of sense for the Indian market. Tata's twin-cylinder iCNG technology has completely changed how we look at factory-fitted CNG cars. Gone are the days when buying a CNG car meant sacrificing your entire boot space for a giant metal tank. You can actually fit weekend bags in the back of an Altroz or Punch iCNG, which is something Maruti still hasn't quite figured out how to match.

Bringing that same tech to a premium coupe-SUV like the Curvv would be a masterstroke. Imagine having that striking, head-turning design but with running costs lower than a budget hatchback. If they go the CNG route, it's highly likely to be paired with their 1.2-litre turbo-petrol motor. That would make it the first turbo-petrol CNG car in its class, offering both punchy performance and pocket-friendly running costs.

Alternatively, the E85 flex-fuel angle is equally juicy. The Indian government has been pushing hard for ethanol blending, and Tata showcased their flex-fuel engines at the Bharat Mobility Expo earlier. An E85-compatible Curvv would appeal to the environmentally conscious buyer who doesn't want to deal with the range anxiety of an EV or the occasional long queues at CNG stations (and honestly, those queues can test anyone's patience).

Visual Clues And What We Spotted

Looking closely at the spy shots, the test vehicle doesn't look radically different from the standard Curvv we see on roads today. It retains that aggressive coupe-like stance, the connected LED light bars, and those flush-fitting door handles that feel very premium. However, the presence of extra testing equipment and emissions apparatus at the rear suggests that the powertrain is undergoing rigorous real-world calibration.

Insiders suggest that Tata is working hard to ensure that any alternative fuel variant doesn't lose out on the premium cabin experience. You'll still get the massive infotainment screen, the digital driver's display, and the panoramic sunroof that Indian buyers absolutely adore. Tata knows that today's buyer won't settle for a stripped-down, commercial-feeling car just because it runs on green fuel.

Specs At A Glance

How Does It Stack Up Against The Competition?

If Tata pulls off a CNG variant for the Curvv, they'll have a massive first-mover advantage in the mid-size coupe-SUV space. Right now, if you want a premium SUV with factory-fitted CNG, your options are pretty limited. The Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder offer CNG, but they use mild-hybrid naturally aspirated engines that can feel a bit sluggish on the highway when fully loaded with luggage.

A turbo-CNG Curvv would easily outpunch those rivals in terms of mid-range torque and driving excitement. On the flip side, if it's an E85 flex-fuel model, it positions Tata as a forward-thinking brand ready for future fuel regulations. This will put pressure on Hyundai and Kia, who are currently focusing more on standard petrol and diesel options for the Creta and Seltos.

The Good And The Not-So-Good

What We Like

• Striking coupe-SUV design that stands out from the crowd
• Potential for incredibly low running costs without losing boot space
• Turbocharged engine could mean better highway performance than rivals' CNG models
• Premium features like ventilated seats and ADAS are likely to be retained

What Could Be Better

• Tata's AMT gearbox can feel a bit jerky; we hope they offer a proper automatic option
• Fit and finish in Tata cabins can sometimes be inconsistent
• Alternative fuel variants usually carry a price premium over standard petrol models

Price & When You Can Buy It

Since this is still in the testing phase, Tata has kept their cards close to their chest regarding official launch timelines. We expect this green-fuel variant to break cover sometime in mid-to-late 2025 once testing is fully completed.

Pricing is expected to be positioned slightly above the standard petrol variants but well below the EV lineup. If we had to guess, a premium of around ₹90,000 to ₹1.2 lakh over the corresponding petrol variant seems realistic, making it a very tempting proposition for high-mileage users who want to stand out.

Our Verdict

Here's the thing — Tata is playing a very smart game by covering every single base in the powertrain department. They aren't just relying on EVs or standard internal combustion engines. By developing CNG or flex-fuel options for their premium models, they are giving Indian buyers exactly what they want: style, features, and unbeatable fuel economy.

While we still have to wait for official confirmation on whether it's CNG or E85, the very fact that Tata is testing these options shows they are listening to the market. If they can price it right and fix some of those minor quality niggles, this upcoming Curvv variant could easily become the default choice for buyers looking to save on running costs without looking like they compromised.