Citroen Basalt: In a market saturated with conventional SUVs, the Citroen Basalt has emerged as a breath of fresh air, introducing India to its first mainstream SUV coupe. This isn’t just another vehicle launch—it’s a bold statement from the French automaker that elegance and practicality can coexist beautifully, even in the value-conscious Indian market. The Basalt represents Citroen’s most ambitious attempt yet to capture the hearts of Indian buyers who crave something different.
A Design Language That Breaks Conventions
The Basalt’s most striking feature is undoubtedly its coupe-inspired silhouette, which sets it apart from every other vehicle in its segment. The sloping roofline, which might seem like a compromise on practicality, actually enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency while creating a road presence that commands attention. At 4,352mm in length and 1,765mm in width, the Basalt maintains an imposing stance that doesn’t sacrifice functionality for style.
The front fascia borrows heavily from the C3 Aircross, featuring Citroen’s signature split headlamp design with LED projector headlamps and distinctive DRL strips. The twin-slat chrome grille and silver skid plates add a touch of sophistication, while the circular fog lights maintain the brand’s distinctive design DNA. The 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, though modest in size, complement the vehicle’s proportions perfectly.
What truly sets the Basalt apart is its rear profile, where the coupe design philosophy reaches its crescendo. The wraparound LED taillights and the gently sloping roofline create a silhouette that’s both elegant and purposeful. The availability of dual-tone paint options, including combinations with contrasting black roofs, further enhances its visual appeal.
Interior Comfort That Defies Segment Expectations
Step inside the Basalt, and you’ll discover that Citroen has prioritized passenger comfort above all else. The cabin, while sharing its basic architecture with the C3 Aircross, incorporates several thoughtful improvements that elevate the ownership experience. The dual-tone black and grey dashboard creates a premium ambiance that feels upmarket for its price point.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the rear seat experience, which sets a new benchmark in the segment. The three-step adjustable thigh support—a feature typically found in luxury vehicles—transforms long journeys into comfortable experiences. This ingenious mechanism allows the seat squab’s edge to be tilted upward, providing better thigh support and reducing fatigue during extended travel.
The 10.25-inch infotainment system serves as the digital nerve center, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The inclusion of over 40 connected car features through the My Citroen Connect 2.0 platform brings modern convenience to the fingertips of tech-savvy buyers. Features like remote engine start, geo-fencing, and vehicle tracking add both convenience and security.
Powertrain Options That Cater to Diverse Needs
Under the hood, the Basalt offers two engine configurations designed to meet different customer preferences. The base engine is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder unit producing 80 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. This configuration targets buyers seeking maximum fuel efficiency and affordability.
The more compelling option is the 1.2-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers 108 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. This powerplant can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, with the automatic variant producing slightly higher torque at 205 Nm. The turbocharged engine’s performance is particularly impressive, with crisp throttle response and well-judged gear ratios that minimize turbo lag.
Fuel efficiency remains competitive across the range, with the ARAI-certified figures ranging from 18.7 to 19.25 kmpl, depending on the engine and transmission combination. These numbers position the Basalt favorably against its rivals while maintaining adequate performance for Indian driving conditions.
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Safety and Technology Integration
Safety hasn’t been compromised in the pursuit of style and value. The Basalt comes standard with six airbags across all variants, complemented by Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The vehicle’s structure, constructed from 85% high-grade steel, provides the foundation for robust crash protection.
The Advanced Comfort suspension system, a hallmark of Citroen’s engineering philosophy, delivers exceptional ride quality that excels on India’s challenging road surfaces. This system provides higher damping at low and mid-speed velocities while offering lower damping at higher speeds, ensuring optimal comfort regardless of driving conditions.
Citroen Basalt Market Positioning and Value Proposition
Priced between ₹8.32 lakh and ₹14.08 lakh (ex-showroom), the Basalt occupies a unique position in the Indian market. While it directly competes with the Tata Curvv in the coupe SUV space, its pricing strategy allows it to challenge conventional compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
The Basalt’s 470-liter boot space, best-in-segment rear seat comfort, and distinctive styling create a compelling value proposition for buyers seeking something beyond the ordinary. With over 85 La Maison Citroen dealerships across India and plans to expand the service network to 100 centers, the brand is ensuring that ownership experience matches the product’s promise.
The Citroen Basalt represents more than just a new model—it’s a testament to the evolving tastes of Indian consumers and the automotive industry’s willingness to embrace innovation. In a segment where conformity often reigns supreme, the Basalt dares to be different, proving that style and substance can indeed coexist at an accessible price point.