Introduction to the Citroen Basalt
The Citroen Basalt is a fresh and exciting addition to the world of cars, bringing a unique style to the roads. Launched in India in August 2024, this SUV coupe combines the ruggedness of an SUV with the sleek, sporty look of a coupe. It’s designed for people who want a car that stands out, drives smoothly, and offers great value for money. Whether you’re a young driver looking for a trendy ride or a family needing a practical yet stylish vehicle, the Citroen Basalt has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Basalt, from its design and features to its performance and why it’s worth considering.
What is the Citroen Basalt?
The Citroen Basalt is a compact SUV coupe, a type of car that mixes the tall, sturdy build of an SUV with a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty, coupe-like shape. It’s part of Citroen’s effort to bring fresh ideas to the Indian car market, where they’ve already introduced models like the C3 and C3 Aircross. The Basalt stands out because it’s one of the first affordable SUV coupes in its segment, competing with cars like the Tata Curvv. It’s built to be practical for daily use while offering a design that grabs attention. With prices starting at Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) as of its launch, the Basalt is an affordable option for those who want something different.
Key Features of the Citroen Basalt
The Citroen Basalt comes loaded with features that make it a strong contender in its class. Here’s what you can expect:
- Unique SUV Coupe Design: The sloping roofline and sharp styling make it look modern and sporty.
- Engine Options: Choose between a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine (82 hp) or a turbocharged version (110 hp).
- Spacious Interior: Offers plenty of room for passengers and a large boot for luggage.
- Modern Tech: A 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 7-inch digital driver display.
- Safety Features: Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tyre pressure monitoring system come standard.
- Comfort Focus: Adjustable thigh support for rear seats and a smooth ride quality for bumpy roads.
Why Choose the Citroen Basalt?
The Citroen Basalt has a lot to offer for anyone looking for a car that’s stylish, practical, and budget-friendly. Here’s why it might be the right choice for you:
1. Eye-Catching Design
The Basalt’s SUV coupe design is its biggest draw. It looks different from typical SUVs with its sleek, sloping roofline and bold front grille featuring Citroen’s signature double chevron logo. The LED projector headlights and unique tail lamp design add a premium touch. Available in colors like Polar White, Steel Grey, Cosmo Blue, Platinum Grey, and Garnet Red, you can even opt for dual-tone shades with a black roof for extra flair.
2. Affordable Price Point
Starting at Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Basalt is priced competitively for an SUV coupe. Even the top-end Max variant, which costs around Rs. 14.10 lakh, offers great value with its turbo engine and added features. This makes it a budget-friendly option compared to other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos.
3. Comfortable Ride
Citroen is known for making cars that handle rough roads well, and the Basalt is no exception. Its suspension is tuned to soak up bumps and potholes, making it a great choice for Indian roads. Whether you’re driving in the city or on a highway, the Basalt offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
4. Practical for Everyday Use
Despite its sporty design, the Basalt doesn’t compromise on practicality. It has a spacious cabin with enough room for five people, and the rear seats come with adjustable thigh support for extra comfort. The boot is large enough to hold multiple suitcases, making it perfect for family trips or grocery runs.
Performance and Engine Options: What to Expect
The Citroen Basalt offers two engine choices, both petrol, to suit different driving needs. Here’s a closer look at its performance:
Engine Choices
- 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Engine: This base engine produces 82 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and is best for those who want better fuel efficiency for city driving.
- 1.2L Turbo-Petrol Engine: The turbo version delivers 110 horsepower and up to 205 Nm of torque (with the automatic). It’s available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering more power for highway drives and quicker acceleration.
Driving Experience
The turbo-petrol engine is the star of the show, providing brisk acceleration and a fun driving experience. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in around 11 seconds, which is decent for its class. The automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, is smooth for city driving but can feel a bit slow to respond during quick overtakes on the highway. The naturally aspirated engine is more suited for relaxed driving, with a claimed fuel efficiency of up to 19.5 km/l. The Basalt’s steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in traffic, and its suspension ensures a comfortable ride even on rough roads.
Fuel Efficiency
The Basalt’s fuel efficiency depends on the engine you choose. The naturally aspirated version offers around 18-19 km/l, while the turbo-petrol gives about 18 km/l with the automatic. These figures make it a cost-effective option for daily commutes and long drives.
Inside the Citroen Basalt: Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Citroen Basalt is designed to be practical and comfortable, with a few modern touches to keep up with today’s standards.
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
The Basalt’s cabin feels roomy, with enough space for five adults. The front seats are supportive, and the driver gets a good view of the road thanks to the high seating position. The rear seats are a highlight, offering good legroom and adjustable thigh support, which can be moved in three steps for better comfort on long drives. There are also rear AC vents and USB charging ports for back-seat passengers.
Tech and Infotainment
The Basalt comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it easy to connect your phone for navigation or music. A 7-inch digital driver display shows important info like speed and fuel levels. Other features include automatic climate control, a wireless charging pad, and steering-mounted controls. However, it misses out on some premium features like a sunroof or push-button start, which some rivals offer.
Safety Features
Safety is a strong point for the Basalt. It comes with:
- Six airbags as standard across all variants.
- Electronic stability control (ESC) and hill-hold assist.
- A rear parking camera with sensors.
- A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Citroen claims the Basalt uses high-strength steel in its chassis, making it sturdy and safe for you and your family.
Pros and Cons of the Citroen Basalt
Here’s a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Citroen Basalt:
Pros
- Unique SUV coupe design that stands out.
- Comfortable ride quality, perfect for Indian roads.
- Spacious interior with practical features like adjustable rear seats.
- Affordable pricing for its segment.
- Good safety features with six airbags as standard.
Cons
- No diesel or hybrid engine options.
- Missing premium features like a sunroof or push-button start.
- The automatic transmission can feel sluggish during quick overtakes.
- Cabin materials could feel more premium.
Who Should Buy the Citroen Basalt?
The Citroen Basalt is a great fit for a variety of drivers. It’s perfect for:
- Young Buyers: Its trendy SUV coupe design appeals to those who want a stylish car.
- Families: The spacious interior and large boot make it practical for family use.
- Comfort Seekers: If you prioritize a smooth ride on rough roads, the Basalt delivers.
- Budget-Conscious Drivers: It offers a lot of features for its price, making it a value-for-money option.
How Does the Citroen Basalt Compare to Competitors?
The Citroen Basalt competes with other compact SUVs and SUV coupes like the Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta, and Maruti Grand Vitara. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Vs. Tata Curvv: The Basalt and Curvv are both SUV coupes, but the Basalt is more affordable, starting at Rs. 7.99 lakh compared to the Curvv’s starting price of around Rs. 9.99 lakh. The Curvv offers a more futuristic design and additional engine options, including a diesel.
- Vs. Hyundai Creta: The Creta has a more premium cabin and features like a sunroof, but it’s pricier and doesn’t have the Basalt’s unique coupe styling.
- Vs. Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara offers a hybrid option and better fuel efficiency, but the Basalt wins on ride comfort and design flair.
The Basalt stands out with its combination of style, comfort, and affordability, making it a strong alternative in its segment.
Tips for Owning a Citroen Basalt
If you decide to buy a Citroen Basalt, here are some tips to get the most out of your car:
- Maintain Regularly: Keep up with servicing to ensure the car stays in top shape, especially if you drive on rough roads often.
- Drive Smoothly: The Basalt’s suspension is tuned for comfort, so avoid harsh acceleration to maintain a smooth ride.
- Explore Accessories: Citroen offers accessories like roof rails and chrome accents to personalize your Basalt.
- Check Charging Options: If you travel long distances, plan your routes around fuel stops, as there’s no hybrid or electric option yet.
Conclusion: Is the Citroen Basalt Right for You?
The Citroen Basalt is a game-changer in the compact SUV segment, offering a unique SUV coupe design at an affordable price. With its stylish looks, comfortable ride, and practical features, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants a car that’s both fun and functional. While it misses out on some premium features and engine options, its strengths—like the smooth ride, spacious interior, and competitive pricing—make it a worthy contender. If you’re looking for a car that stands out from the crowd without breaking the bank, the Citroen Basalt is definitely worth a test drive.
Ready to see the Basalt for yourself? Visit your nearest Citroen dealership to take it for a spin and discover why this SUV coupe is making waves in the car world!
