Citroen Basalt Coupe Launched at ₹7.99 Lakh, Bookings Open
Citroen India has recently launched its much-anticipated SUV coupe, the Citroen Basalt, at an introductory price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This new offering from the French automaker is poised to make a significant impact in the Indian automotive market, particularly in the burgeoning compact SUV segment. Bookings for the Basalt are open at a nominal amount of Rs 11,000, with the introductory pricing applicable to those who make reservations before October 31. The Basalt is Citroen’s fourth model based on the C-Cubed programme, and it serves as a direct competitor to other popular models in this category, such as the Tata Curvv.
Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV Price List
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
|---|---|
| 1.2L Petrol Manual | |
| Basalt Coupe You | ₹7.99 lakh |
| Basalt Coupe Plus | ₹10.00 lakh |
| Basalt Coupe Top | ₹11.30 lakh |
| 1.2L Turbo Petrol Manual | |
| Basalt Coupe You | ₹10.00 lakh |
| Basalt Coupe Plus | ₹11.20 lakh |
| Basalt Coupe Top | ₹12.50 lakh |
| 1.2L Turbo Petrol Automatic | |
| Basalt Coupe Mid | ₹12.50 lakh |
| Basalt Coupe Top | ₹13.80 lakh |
Citroen Basalt Exterior Design
The Citroen Basalt is built on the same platform as the C3 Aircross, but it introduces several design changes that give it a unique identity. The most notable design feature is its sloping roofline, which gives the Basalt a coupe-like silhouette, distinguishing it from traditional SUVs. The front fascia bears a strong resemblance to the C3 Aircross, featuring Citroen’s signature double Chevron logo on the grille and Y-shaped DRLs. However, the side and rear of the vehicle are where the Basalt truly stands out.
The SUV coupe sports new alloy wheels, redesigned LED tail lamps, and a robust dual-tone rear bumper. These elements, combined with the five monotone color options (Polar White, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Cosmo Blue, and Garnet Red), create a vehicle that is both stylish and distinctive. The Polar White and Garnet Red color options are also available with a contrasting black roof, adding to the vehicle’s modern appeal.
Citroen Basalt Interior Design
Inside, the Citroen Basalt carries over much of the dashboard design from the C3 Aircross, but with enhancements that improve comfort and usability. The cabin features a light beige color scheme with champagne-colored trims, which, along with the large windows, creates a bright and airy atmosphere. The use of soft-touch materials on the dashboard, a more refined climate control panel, part-leatherette upholstery, and a new armrest console give the interior a more premium feel.
One of the standout features in the Basalt’s interior is the adjustable thigh support for the rear seats, a segment-first feature that significantly enhances passenger comfort. The rear seats also include contoured headrests designed to keep passengers comfortable during long journeys. Additionally, the Basalt offers a generous 470-litre boot capacity, making it one of the more practical vehicles in its class.
Citroen Basalt Features and Safety
The Citroen Basalt is equipped with a range of features that enhance both comfort and convenience for its occupants. At the heart of the dashboard is a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity for smartphones. The digital instrument cluster provides clear and easily accessible information, while the auto climate control ensures a comfortable cabin environment regardless of external conditions.
Other notable features include 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, rear AC vents, and a wireless charging pad with a rubberized base to prevent smartphones from sliding around. These features collectively make the Basalt a well-equipped vehicle that caters to the needs of modern drivers and passengers alike.
Citroen has not compromised on safety in the Basalt, equipping it with a comprehensive array of safety features. The vehicle comes standard with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a rear parking camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. These features work together to provide a safe driving experience for all occupants. However, some features typically expected in this segment, such as a sunroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, keyless entry, and start-stop button, are notably absent in the Basalt.
Citroen Basalt Powertrain
The Citroen Basalt offers two engine options, both of which are 1.2-litre petrol units. The first is an 82hp, 115Nm naturally aspirated engine, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine is designed for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and a smooth driving experience.
The second engine option is a more powerful 110hp turbo-petrol engine. This engine is available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, where it produces 190Nm of torque, or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which generates 205Nm of torque. The turbo-petrol engine is designed to deliver brisk performance, making the Basalt a fun-to-drive vehicle that can handle both city traffic and highway cruising with ease.
One of the key strengths of the Citroen Basalt is its ride comfort, a hallmark of Citroen vehicles. The Basalt’s suspension is tuned for comfort, allowing it to absorb road imperfections and provide a smooth driving experience. Despite not featuring the hydraulic bump stops found in the flagship C5 Aircross, the Basalt’s suspension setup is highly effective at dealing with rough roads.
The Basalt also handles well, with a sharp steering system that provides good feedback to the driver. While there is some body roll when taking corners at higher speeds, the vehicle’s mechanical grip ensures that it remains composed and stable. However, the suspension’s soft setup does result in some nose dive during braking and a slight floaty feeling at higher speeds, particularly at the rear.
Citroen Basalt Price and Rivals
The Citroen Basalt enters the market with a competitive starting price of Rs 7.99 lakh, significantly undercutting its rivals by at least Rs 1 lakh. This aggressive pricing strategy is designed to attract buyers who are looking for a stylish, feature-rich vehicle without breaking the bank. Although only the starting price has been announced, the full pricing details are expected to be revealed soon. This pricing places the Basalt in direct competition with established models like the Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and MG Astor. Given its competitive price, the Basalt is set to offer excellent value for money in the compact SUV segment.
The Citroen Basalt is a well-rounded vehicle that offers a lot of value for its price. Its coupe-SUV design is striking and sure to attract attention, while its interior provides a comfortable and practical space for occupants. The Basalt’s ride quality is excellent, and its range of features makes it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment.
While it does miss out on some features that are available in its rivals, the Basalt’s aggressive pricing and overall package make it a strong contender in its class. For buyers looking for a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped vehicle that offers good value for money, the Citroen Basalt is certainly worth considering.
What is the starting price of the Citroen Basalt?
The Citroen Basalt has an introductory starting price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India), applicable for bookings made before October 31.
What are the engine options available in the Citroen Basalt?
The Citroen Basalt offers two 1.2-litre petrol engine options: an 82hp naturally aspirated unit with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 110hp turbo-petrol engine available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
How does the Citroen Basalt compare to its rivals in terms of pricing?
The Citroen Basalt undercuts its rivals by at least Rs 1 lakh, making it one of the most competitively priced vehicles in the compact SUV segment.