Tata Motors has registered the ‘Frest’ nameplate trademark in India, which was recently accepted by the government a year after it was first filed. The details reveal that the Tata Frest name will be used for “land vehicles and parts thereof”, suggesting that the upcoming passenger car may use the new nameplate. While details are scarce, it’s quite possible that a production-spec SUV concept based on the Curvv could bear the moniker.
Tata Motors has announced that the Curvv concept car will be available in both electric and combustion engine versions in the coming years. An electric car based on the Curvv is scheduled to hit the market sometime next year, while an ICE version with a newly developed gasoline engine is due in 2025. The coupe-SUV will be a new body style in the compact SUV segment and should give the Indian automaker an edge, especially considering how cramped the space is.
Also read: Tata Curvv concept sets the curve for new ICE SUV at Auto Expo 2023
A quick Google search shows that Frest can have multiple meanings, including the words “fresh” or “looking fresh” for more context. From what we understand, the Curvv concept is almost ready for production, with most of the design details revealed at the 2023 Auto Expo. That would certainly make the production-spec version the freshest-looking SUV on sale, not just in Tata Motors’ stable, but in the compact SUV segment as well.
The production-spec Tata Curvv is also expected to feature flush door handles, pronounced wheel arches and a sloping roofline, while it could also feature a two-spoke steering wheel, digital instrument console and a larger infotainment screen. According to the latest speculation, Tata’s upcoming product may be equipped with a digital panel for automatic climate control, which may also be applied to the Curvv model.
WATCH: Auto Expo 2023: Harrier EV, Curvv and all other must-see models at Tata Motors Pavilion
It is unclear whether the Tata Forester name will appear on the electric or petrol-powered models. The former will be based on the automaker’s Gen2 powertrain and will have a range of 500 kilometers on a single charge. The ICE Curvv models are expected to come with new 1.2-litre or 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options, which were also on display at the expo. Given the growing popularity of alternative fuel options, CNG variants may also emerge.
Also read: Tata design development ‘continuously evolving’, Curvv Concept EV is a case in point
Note that automakers tend to trademark multiple nameplates before finalizing which one will be installed on the trunk of the car. We expect more details about Frest to be announced in the coming months.
First published date: Jun 27, 2023 at 20:38 PM India Standard Time
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