Tata Curvv Spied Testing: New CNG Or Flex-Fuel Variant?

A camouflaged test mule of the Tata Curvv, India's first mainstream coupe SUV, has been spotted on public roads, sparking intense speculation regarding a new powertrain addition. While Tata Motors has yet to announce an official expansion, industry analysts suggest the vehicle could be evaluating either a flex-fuel engine compatible with E85 ethanol blends or a CNG variant. Tata's current strategy involves incorporating dual-cylinder CNG technology into its larger passenger vehicles to maintain trunk space, a configuration likely to be prioritized for C-segment models like the Curvv and the upcoming Sierra.

The necessity for a new powertrain variant stems from the Curvv's recent sales performance. After a strong market debut in mid-2024, demand has softened significantly over the past year. Monthly sales, which once peaked between 3,000 and 5,000 units, have settled closer to an average of 1,560 units per month by mid-2026. Despite a modest 15% increase in June 2026 compared to May, the model faces stiff competition, and introducing a lower-running-cost alternative like CNG could help reclaim market share against rivals like the Grand Vitara and Hyryder.

The automotive industry in India continues to accelerate toward alternative fuel adoption, driven primarily by government ethanol initiatives. While two-wheeler manufacturers like Honda, Suzuki, and Hero MotoCorp have already launched flex-fuel products, passenger vehicle adoption remains limited, with only the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Bioflex currently available. By testing new fuel technologies for the Curvv, Tata Motors aims to diversify its portfolio and align with the national push for reduced fossil fuel reliance, potentially securing a critical competitive advantage in the midsize SUV segment.