Key Highlights:
New Delhi, April 2: As the trend of stealthy, blacked-out vehicles continues to dominate the Indian automotive space, Tata Motors and Citroen India are the latest automakers to embrace the “Dark Edition” wave. Tata’s Curvv SUV Dark Edition has been spotted at dealerships, confirming its imminent launch. Meanwhile, Citroen is preparing to roll out Dark Editions of its Basalt coupe-SUV, Aircross SUV, and C3 hatchback—bringing a bold aesthetic update to its lineup.
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season creating the perfect marketing backdrop, these manufacturers are betting big on the appeal of premium black-themed vehicles, which have gained traction among Indian consumers in recent years.
Tata Curvv Dark Edition Spotted: Launch Imminent
The Tata Curvv Dark Edition has officially started arriving at select Tata dealerships, signaling that its launch is just around the corner. First teased months ago, the new variant features a fully blacked-out exterior, setting it apart from the standard versions.
From the deep black paint to the black alloys, every exterior detail has been finished in high-gloss or matte black to deliver a premium, sporty look. The minimalist, edgy design makes the Curvv look more urban and assertive, aligning with Tata’s growing Gen Z and millennial customer base.
Interior Overhaul: Black on Black Elegance
Inside, the Tata Curvv Dark Edition continues the all-black theme with a monotone interior that exudes sophistication. The cabin gets gloss black inserts, a black leatherette upholstery, and a dashboard with dark accents, creating a seamless theme that matches the exterior aggression.
New additions exclusive to the Dark Edition include:
- Rear sunshades (previously unavailable in the standard Curvv)
- Gloss black accents on the steering and AC vents
- Exclusive ‘Dark Edition’ badging
Despite these cosmetic changes, the feature list remains unchanged and includes:
- A 12.3-inch infotainment system
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Panoramic sunroof
- Rear AC vents
- Drive modes
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Dark Edition will be offered only in the top-tier ‘Accomplished’ variant, confirming its premium positioning.
Powertrain Details: No Mechanical Changes
Under the hood, the Curvv Dark Edition remains unchanged mechanically, carrying forward its tried-and-tested powertrains:
- 1.2-litre Hyperion petrol engine
- 1.5-litre Kryojet diesel engine
- Both mated to a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
This approach mirrors what other automakers have done with their dark-themed variants—prioritizing design over drivetrain enhancements.
Citroen Prepares for a Trio of Dark Editions
Meanwhile, French automaker Citroen is set to launch blacked-out versions of three models in its India lineup—the Basalt coupe-SUV, C3 hatchback, and C3 Aircross SUV. The automaker recently teased the Dark Edition lineup, offering glimpses into the aesthetic upgrades expected.
Here’s what we know so far about the Citroen Dark Edition lineup:
Exterior Enhancements:
- Full black paint scheme across all three models
- Dark chrome deletes – replacing traditional chrome with matte or gloss black
- Blackened alloy wheels
- Smoked-out headlamp treatment
- Blacked-out badges and grille trims
The move is expected to modernize Citroen’s design appeal, especially among young buyers and urban customers who prefer bold styling.
Interior Changes:
The cabins of the new Citroen Dark Edition models will likely include:
- Black leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching
- Dark surrounds for AC vents and controls
- Black trim on dashboard areas, replacing hard plastic finishes
Again, no feature updates are expected, as these special editions are likely based on the top-spec turbocharged variants of each model.
Engine Options for Citroen’s Dark Editions
Mechanically, Citroen’s lineup will remain unchanged:
- 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (82 hp)
- 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine (110 hp)
- Automatic gearbox available only with turbo variants
These editions are designed to boost appeal through styling, rather than performance.
Why Automakers Are Betting on Black
The black-themed edition trend isn’t new but has gained serious momentum in the Indian market. From Tata’s Dark Edition series to Hyundai’s Knight Edition and Skoda’s Sportline trims, these variants typically aim to:
- Refresh aging models without a full redesign
- Offer a more premium, youthful aesthetic
- Create limited-edition buzz without changing core specs
- Command a small premium over standard trims
For brands like Tata and Citroen, it’s also a way to reignite interest in models post-launch, especially during high-visibility seasons like IPL.
Price Expectations and Market Positioning
While official pricing is yet to be announced, industry sources suggest the Dark Editions could cost ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 more than their regular top-spec counterparts. The Tata Curvv Dark Edition in its Accomplished variant is likely to be priced between ₹13.5 lakh to ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Citroen’s Dark Editions, especially for the Basalt and Aircross, are also expected to stay under ₹15 lakh, offering a stylish, value-for-money alternative in the competitive mid-size SUV segment.
Black Is the New Bold
With both Tata and Citroen jumping into the Dark Edition trend, Indian buyers can expect a flood of blacked-out, feature-packed, premium-looking SUVs in showrooms this season. The Dark Editions of Tata Curvv, Citroen Basalt, C3, and Aircross aim to capture the attention of style-conscious buyers without changing the core mechanical DNA.
In a market that values design just as much as performance, the Dark Edition trend is here to stay, and for now, it seems like black is indeed the new bold in India’s auto game.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald