KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Both SUVs retain their original mechanicals, with the Curvv offering petrol and diesel options, while the Basalt comes with a single turbo-petrol unit
- The Curvv feels more premium and feature-loaded, whereas the Basalt focuses on delivering style with value
The Indian automotive market is evolving fast, as are buyer preferences. SUVs have dominated the market for a long time, and recently, the buzz has been around coupe SUVs. These coupe SUVs offer a sporty aesthetics while still maintaining practicality. Adding to their visual appeal is the rising trend of blacked-out styling, everything from gloss black alloys to shadowed logos and all-black cabin themes is becoming the new trend in the automotive world. Manufacturers are tapping into the all-black trend like never before. Going by the wave, we've two coupe SUVs today, which have joined the list recently. But with the styling this close and the specs being very competitive, which one truly delivers more than just looks? Let's find out in this article, but before moving ahead make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.
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Design
Let me be honest: the dark edition tag is largely about aesthetics. Underneath the blacked-out cosmetic changes, everything remains identical to the regular versions. The Tata Curvv comes in a new striking carbon black shade and looks even more sportier. Chrome highlights have been replaced by an all-black finish. The front grille gets silver chrome accents, while the Tata logo and Curvv badging on the side are finished in full black. The alloy wheel remains identical to the regular version but with black highlights. A dark badging separates it from the regular version, while, at the rear, you have a spoiler in a piano black finish.
On the other hand, the Citroen Basalt comes with a perla nera black exterior finish along with dark chrome accents. However, two small red inserts have been placed near fog lamps, the rest all remain identical to the standard version. On the side, it rides on the same 16-inch dual-tone alloys while one noticeable change is the dark edition badging on the front doors. Meanwhile, coming to the rear, you'll not find any changes apart from the dark chrome-finished Citroen logo.
Cabin And Features
Stepping inside the Curvv, the all-black theme continues, draped in all-black upholstery along with the dark branding on the headrest. The dashboard and centre console have been painted black, along with blue ambient lighting. Meanwhile, it boasts a plethora of features, the same as the top trim of the regular version. Some of the key features include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-speaker JBL audio setup, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and front ventilated seats. For safety, it relies on six airbags, a 360-degree camera with parking sensors, TPMS and a level 2 ADAS suite.
On the other hand, the Citroen Basalt gets metropolitan black leatherette seats and a leather-wrapped instrument panel with contrast red stitching. The seats feature a dark edition embossing with silver inserts for a sportier vibe. Coming to features front, it comes equipped with the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital drivers display, a wireless phone charger, auto AC with rear vents, a 6-speaker sound system, keyless entry, steering-mounted audio controls and a rear defogger. For safety, the Basalt relies on 6 airbags, ESC, hill hold assist, ISOFIX, TPMS and a rear camera with parking sensors.
| Feature | Tata Curvv Dark Edition | Citroen Basalt Dark Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Theme | All-black upholstery, dark branding on headrests, black dashboard & console | Metropolitan black leatherette seats, red stitching, silver inserts |
| Ambient Lighting | Ambient lighting | Ambient lighting |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3-inch touchscreen | 10.1-inch touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | 10.25-inch digital display | 7-inch digital drivers display |
| Audio System | 9-speaker JBL setup | 6-speaker standard system |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Not available |
| Ventilated Seats | Front ventilated seats | Not available |
| Other Comfort Features | Wireless charger, auto AC, premium finish | Auto AC with rear vents, keyless entry, steering-mounted controls |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, 3600 camera, parking sensors, TPMS, Level 2 ADAS | 6 airbags, ESC, hill hold assist, ISOFIX, TPMS, rear camera |
Powertrains
Under the hood, the Tata Curvv dark edition is available with 2 engine options: a 1.2-litre Hyperion turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre Kyrojet diesel engine. The petrol mill churns out 160 bhp and 225 Nm of torque, while the diesel mill generates 116 bhp and 260 Nm of torque. Both units get an option between a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT. Moreover, it does not offer the 1.2-litre revotron petrol unit. On the other hand, the Citroen Basalt dark edition is available with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol unit that generates 109 bhp of power. Moreover, when paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it gives out 190 Nm of torque, and the torque converter unit gives out 205 Nm of torque.
| Specs | Tata Curvv Dark Edition | Citroen Basalt Dark Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.2L Turbo Petrol (3-cyl) 1.5L Diesel (4-cyl) | 1.2L Turbo Petrol (3-cyl) |
| Petrol Power Output | 160 bhp / 225 Nm | 109 bhp / 190 Nm (MT) 205 Nm (AT - Torque Converter) |
| Diesel Power Output | 116 bhp / 260 Nm | Not Available |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed Manual 7-speed DCT (Petrol & Diesel) | 6-speed Manual 6-speed Torque Converter (AT) |
Pricing
The Tata Curvv Dark Edition is priced between Rs 16.49 lakh and Rs 19.52 lakh (ex-showroom), commanding a premium of Rs 32,000 over the standard variants. In contrast, the Citroen Basalt Dark Edition is available at Rs 12.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
Read More: Tata Curvv Dark Edition Top Highlights: The Coupe SUV Goes Black!
Verdict
The Tata Curvv Dark Edition stands out with its premium features, dual powertrain options, and commanding presence, making it ideal for those seeking a tech-loaded, performance-oriented coupe SUV, but at a higher price. Meanwhile, the Citroen Basalt Dark Edition offers stylish appeal and essential features at a more accessible price, making it a solid pick for city-centric buyers looking for flair without overspending.
