Citroen, the French automaker, has grown its presence in the Indian market. They just launched the Citroen Basalt, a stylish new SUV coupe. This new model shows that Citroen cares about bringing fresh and well-designed cars to India. The Basalt is stepping into a unique category, as it is only the second SUV coupe in the country. It will compete directly with the upcoming Tata Curvv.
Citroen Basalt Specifications
The Citroen Basalt shares its base with the C3 and C3 Aircross. It has a long wheelbase of 2,651mm, making it spacious inside. The car measures 4,252mm long, 1,765mm wide, and 1,593mm high. This offers enough comfort for people in the cabin. It also has a large boot space of 470 liters, perfect for luggage.
Inspired by the C3 Aircross, the Basalt features a headlamp design, V-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and wraparound LED tail lights. One key feature is its sloping roofline, which gives it a sporty look. It also has a black roof and shark-fin antenna. With a silver skid plate at the back and stylish dual-tone alloy wheels, the Basalt combines ruggedness and elegance.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
Powering the Citroen Basalt is a 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine. It gives you a strong 110 hp. Citroen lets you choose between a 6-speed manual transmission (MT) or a 6-speed automatic transmission (AT). The MT has 190 Nm of torque. The AT offers a little more with 205 Nm of torque.
Citroen cares about fuel efficiency, which is important for buyers in India. The Basalt has a claimed fuel efficiency of 18 kmpl. This mix of a strong turbo motor and good fuel economy makes the Basalt a great choice for buyers who want both power and savings.
With its lively engine and smooth transmissions, the Basalt provides a comfortable and fun drive. Whether you are in the city or on the highway, the Basalt’s performance is meant to impress.
Exterior Design and Features
The Citroen Basalt stands out with its eye-catching look, making it different from other SUVs. The sloping roofline is its main feature, giving it a sporty and coupe-like shape. This design, along with bold lines and a lifted rear, helps create a lively stance.
At the front, you find sleek projector headlamps. These lights not only improve visibility but also add a classy touch. They sit nicely next to the famous Citroen grille and a strong bumper design. At the back, the wraparound LED taillamps make the car look wider, while the roof-mounted spoiler adds to its sporty style.
Key exterior highlights include:
- Unique coupe-like sloping roofline
- Projector headlamps with LED DRLs
- Sporty alloy wheel design
- Rear parking camera for easy maneuvering
- Shark-fin antenna
Interior Comfort and Connectivity
Step into the Citroen Basalt and you will find a cabin made for comfort and connection. The inside features a two-tone color scheme of beige and black, which gives a light and pleasant feel.
Citroen has added many features to make the ride comfortable for drivers and passengers. You will find a three-spoke steering wheel, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard. This infotainment system works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This means it is easy to connect your smartphone for navigation, entertainment, and communication.
For more comfort, the car includes:
- Automatic climate control
- Rear AC vents
- Contoured headrests for extra support
- Electrically adjustable ORVMs
Comparison with Competitors
The Citroen Basalt enters a busy market. It faces tough competition from established cars like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the new Tata Curvv. The Basalt stands out because of its unique design. Its sloping roofline makes it different from the usual SUVs out there.
Indian car buyers look for good value. The Basalt is priced competitively, making it an interesting choice. It costs less than some rivals but still offers a great package. This includes a stylish appearance, a fun engine, and modern features.
Price and Feature Comparison
The Citroen Basalt’s aggressive pricing strategy makes it a strong contender in its segment. Starting at ₹7.99 lakh, the Basalt significantly undercuts some of its rivals, particularly in their higher-spec variants.
While the Basalt may not offer all the bells and whistles of its higher-priced competitors, it does pack in a decent set of features as standard. These include LED headlamps, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera, among others.
Here’s a quick look at how the Basalt’s pricing stacks up against its key competitors:
| Model | Price Range (ex-showroom) |
| Citroen Basalt | ₹7.99 lakh onwards |
| Hyundai Creta | ₹11 – 20.15 lakh |
| Kia Seltos | ₹10.9 – 20.35 lakh |
Performance and Efficiency Battle
The Citroen Basalt has a strong petrol engine under its hood. The main feature is its 1.2-liter turbo motor. This engine gives 110 hp and works with either a 6-speed manual transmission (petrol MT) or a 6-speed automatic. This choice provides a good mix of performance and fuel efficiency.
When we look at other cars, the Basalt’s turbocharged petrol engine stands out. It has similar power to its competitors and offers strong performance. This makes it great for driving in the city and on highways. The fuel efficiency is also impressive, with the Basalt achieving about 18 kmpl.
In the race for good performance and efficiency, the Basalt shows it can compete well. Its turbocharged engine and smart transmission options make it a fun and efficient SUV to drive.
Pros and Cons Compared to Rivals
The Citroen Basalt has both benefits and downsides when compared to other SUVs. One major advantage is its unique design. This design helps it stand out from regular SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Its sloping roofline gives it a sporty look and makes it eye-catching on the road.
Another plus is its price. The Basalt’s starting price is lower than the basic models of the Creta and Seltos. This makes it appealing for buyers who are watching their budget. When it comes to ride quality, the Basalt offers a comfy drive. However, it might not feel as soft as some competitors on bumpy roads.
There are areas where the Basalt could be better. For example, its rear seat space may feel tight, especially for taller people. Also, while it has a good list of features, it lacks some luxury options like ventilated seats and a sunroof. These features are usually available in higher-end models of rivals like the MG Astor.
Conclusion
The Citroen Basalt catches your eye with its great features, good prices, and efficient performance. It starts at just 7.99 lakhs, and you can book it for only ₹11,001. This model gives you a lot for your money. It has a strong engine, a sleek design, comfortable seats, and handy connectivity options. The Basalt competes well with its rivals in both features and price. If you are thinking about buying a new car, the Basalt should be on your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Citroen Basalt stand out in its segment?
Citroen Basalt offers a fresh design, good fuel efficiency, and new features, all at a great price. The French automaker aimed to fill a need in the market for a stylish and affordable SUV coupe. This helped make the Basalt stand out in a busy market.
Can I pre-book the Citroen Basalt online?
Yes, you can pre-book the Citroen Basalt online. Citroen has made it easy for people in the Indian market to book. They provide a simple online platform. You can quickly look through the different SUV coupe variants and colors. It is simple to complete the pre-booking process.
What are the expected maintenance costs for Citroen Basalt?
Citroen wants to make owning the Basalt affordable. The actual costs for maintenance may change, but the brand is committed to being reliable. Plus, with more service centers opening in India, owners can expect fair maintenance costs over time.
Are there any special financing schemes available?
To make it easier for people to buy, Citroen is giving great deals on the Basalt. They have many good financing plans. These plans offer easy loan choices and flexible EMI options. This way, the SUV coupe becomes more available to more buyers.
How does Citroen Basalt compare with its primary competitors?
In a competitive review, the Citroen Basalt stands out with its SUV coupe look. It aims at buyers who want style and practicality. It competes with strong models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta. However, the Basalt offers a unique design and affordable price, making it an attractive option.
What are the key features of the Citroen Basalt?
The main features of the Citroen Basalt are its modern look, new technology, and focus on comfort and efficiency. It has many features that improve the driving experience and ownership. This includes a stylish outside and a well-equipped inside.
What is the starting price of the Citroen Basalt in India?
The Citroen Basalt is entering the Indian market with a starting price of ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This price is attractive and competitive. It highlights the car’s value and aims to draw in buyers who want a stylish and well-equipped SUV that doesn’t cost too much.
Are there any special offers or promotions available for booking the Citroen Basalt?
Citroen has special offers and great deals on the Basalt. They are giving rewards to early customers. If you book your Basalt during the first launch period, you can enjoy many benefits. This includes early bird discounts and special rewards for customers. This makes the deal even better.
