The Citroen Basalt SUV Coupe is making waves in the automotive market, particularly in India, where it has been launched at an aggressive starting price of ₹7.99 lakhs (Ex.showroom). In this article we discuss the features, specifications, and overall appeal of the Basalt, positioning it as a formidable contender in the compact SUV segment.
Citroen has long been recognized for its innovative designs and commitment to comfort. The Basalt SUV Coupe, the brand’s first entry into the coupe SUV segment in India, aims to mixture the sporty looks of a coupe with the practicality of an SUV. This model is confident to attract buyers looking for a stylish yet practical vehicle.
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Citroen Basalt Specifications & Features
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine Options | 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated, 1.2-litre Turbo-petrol |
| Engine Displacement | 1199 cc |
| Max Power | 80 bhp (NA) / 109 bhp (Turbo) |
| Max Torque | 115 Nm (NA) / 190 Nm (Turbo, 205 Nm in AT) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual (NA), 6-speed Manual/6-speed Automatic (Turbo) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Boot Space | 470 Litres |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 Litres |
| Dimensions | Length: 4352 mm, Width: 1765 mm, Height: 1593 mm, Wheelbase: 2651 mm |
| Body Type | SUV Coupe |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ABS, ESC, Rear Parking Sensors, TPMS |
| Comfort Features | 10.2-inch Touchscreen, Wireless Charging, Rear AC Vents, Keyless Entry |
Citroen Basalt SUV Coupe Design and Looks
The most striking aspect of the Citroen Basalt is its coupe SUV design. This innovative styling sets it apart from traditional SUVs, offering a sloping roofline that enhances its sporty appearance while maintaining a strong road presence. The design is not only visually appealing but also creates a new niche in the Indian market, appealing to those looking for a blend of style and functionality.
If you look at the Citroen Basalt boasts a striking design that sets it apart from traditional SUVs. The Basalt features a sloping roofline that contributes to its coupe-like appearance. The front fascia is reminiscent of the C3 Aircross, enhanced with modern LED headlights and a bold grille. The overall dimensions of the Basalt are 4,352 mm in length, 1,765 mm in width, and 1,593 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,651 mm, providing a spacious interior.
The Basalt features a high ground clearance, giving it a commanding presence on the road. These elements contribute to its robust and dynamic look, making it stand out in the SUV segment. Roof rails add a practical touch, allowing for additional cargo options and enhancing the vehicle’s versatility.
The Citroën Basalt offers a variety of wheel options to suit different preferences and needs. The base variant, known as “You,” comes with practical 16-inch steel wheels without covers, providing a robust and durable option for everyday use. The mid variant, “Plus,” enhances this with steel wheels that include covers, adding a touch of style while maintaining durability. For those seeking a more premium look, the top variant, “Max,” features sleek 16-inch alloy wheels, combining elegance with performance. These options ensure that the Basalt caters to a wide range of customers, from those prioritizing practicality to those looking for a more stylish and refined appearance.
Citroen Basalt SUV Coupe Interior
The Citroen Basalt interior is designed to offer a comfortable and spacious experience. It features plenty of room both in the front and rear, making it easy to get in and out. The higher ground clearance adds to the ease of access. The interior is like a cocoon, providing a sense of safety and security with protective shields and side guards. Every journey in the Basalt is meant to be relaxing and comfortable, ensuring a serene driving experience.
It features a floating infotainment unit in the center of the dashboard, large air vents at the corners, and a three-spoke steering wheel. The cabin is finished in a light beige leatherette upholstery with silver accents on the AC vents and center console. Rear passengers benefit from adjustable thigh support, rear AC vents, and a foldable armrest with cup holders32. The Basalt also includes modern amenities like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and six airbags for safety.
The rear seats feature adjustable 3 Step under-thigh support, a unique offering in this segment. While the seat cushioning is soft, taller passengers may find headroom a bit limited due to the coupe design. The cabin includes ample storage options, including cup holders and door bottle holders.
You will get class leading boot space of 470 litres , so you can carry ample amount of luggage with you.
Citroen Basalt SUV Coupe Engine options
The Citroën Basalt offers two distinct petrol engine options to cater to different driving preferences and needs. The first option is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 82 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, making it ideal for everyday city driving. It provides a smooth and efficient ride, perfect for those who prioritize fuel economy and reliability.
The second option is a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, which delivers 110 horsepower. This engine comes with two transmission choices: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The manual variant produces 190 Nm of torque, while the automatic variant generates 205 Nm of torque. This turbo-petrol engine offers a more dynamic and responsive driving experience, suitable for those who enjoy spirited driving and need more power for highway cruising.
Both engines are designed to meet modern emission standards, ensuring that the Basalt is not only powerful and efficient but also environmentally friendly. The naturally aspirated engine is sourced from the C3 hatchback, while the turbo-petrol engine is shared with the C3 Aircross1. This combination of performance, efficiency, and eco-friendliness makes the Citroën Basalt a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.
Citroen Basalt Mileage:
| Transmission | ARAI Mileage |
| Manual | 18 kmpl |
| Automatic | 18.7 kmpl |
Citroen Basalt Ride and Handling
The Citroën Basalt offers a driving experience that blends comfort, stability, and performance seamlessly. When you take the wheel, you’ll immediately notice the smoothness of the ride, thanks to its finely tuned suspension system that effortlessly absorbs bumps and road imperfections. This ensures that even on rough or uneven surfaces, the Basalt maintains a composed and comfortable ride.
The vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) plays a crucial role in enhancing stability, especially during sudden maneuvers or sharp turns. This system helps keep the vehicle on its intended path, reducing the risk of skidding and providing a sense of security. Additionally, the Hill Hold Assist feature is particularly useful in hilly areas, preventing the car from rolling back when starting on an incline, making uphill driving stress-free.
The precise steering of the Basalt adds to the driving pleasure, offering responsive handling that makes navigating through city traffic or winding roads a breeze. The robust build of the vehicle further contributes to its stability, ensuring that it remains steady and controlled even at higher speeds.
Whether you’re driving through busy urban streets or cruising on the open highway, the Citroën Basalt delivers a versatile and enjoyable driving experience. Its combination of comfort, advanced safety features, and dynamic performance makes it a reliable companion for a variety of driving conditions.
The 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission in the turbo-petrol variant offers a seamless and effortless driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Overall, the Citroën Basalt is designed to provide a versatile driving experience, combining comfort, efficiency, and performance to meet a variety of driving needs.
Citroen Basalt Safety Features
The Citroën Basalt is equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to protect its occupants. It includes six airbags to provide comprehensive protection in case of a collision. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system helps maintain control during sudden maneuvers, while the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) enhances braking performance and stability.
For added convenience and safety, the Basalt comes with a reverse parking camera and sensors, hill hold assist to prevent rollback on inclines, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to alert the driver of any significant changes in tyre pressure. Additionally, ISOFIX child seat anchors ensure the secure installation of child seats, making the Basalt a reliable and safe choice for families.
While the Basalt is packed with features, it also has some notable omissions that may affect its appeal to certain buyers. Lack of Premium Features like the cabin materials may not feel as premium as some competitors, and features such as a sunroof, keyless entry, and a 360-degree camera are absent. Single Engine Option like Currently, the Basalt is only available with petrol engines, lacking diesel, hybrid, or electric variants, which could limit its appeal to environmentally conscious consumers
Citroen Basalt Price and Variants
Citron Basalt is offered in 2 Variants- the Basalt You (Base Model) & Basalt Max Turbo AT (Top Model). The Citron Basalt upcoming model is Basalt Max Turbo & Basalt Plus Turbo AT.
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Basalt You (Base Model) | Rs. 7.99 Lakh |
| Basalt Puls | Rs. 9.99 Lakh |
| Basalt Max Turbo | Rs. 12.28 Lakh |
| Basalt Pulse Turbo AT | Rs. 12.79 Lakh |
| Basalt Max Turbo AT (Top Model) | Rs. 13.57 Lakh |
Citroen Basalt Vs Rivals
The Citroen Basalt faces competition from several established models in the compact SUV segment, including:
- Tata Curvv
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Skoda Kushaq
Citroen Basalt Color Options
The Citroen Basalt is available in a total of 7 color options, including 5 monotone and 2 dual-tone colors:
Monotone Colors
- Polar White
- Steel Grey (also called Silver)
- Platinum Grey
- Cosmo Blue
- Garnet Red
Dual-Tone Colors
- Polar White with Perlanera Black roof
- Garnet Red with Perlanera Black roof
The monotone colors are available across all variants, while the dual-tone options are exclusive to the top-spec Turbo Max variant only. The Polar White and Garnet Red colors help accentuate the bold looks of the Basalt, while the Steel Grey and Platinum Grey offer a more subtle and stealthy appearance. The Cosmo Blue sets the Basalt apart with a premium look. The buyers have a good variety of colors to choose from, with the dual-tone options adding a unique touch to the SUV coupe’s styling.
The Citroen Basalt SUV Coupe stands out in the crowded SUV market with its unique design, spacious interior, and advanced safety features. While it does have some limitations, such as the lack of premium materials and engine options, its competitive pricing and innovative design make it a strong contender in the segment. As the first mass-market coupe SUV in India, the Basalt is set to attract a diverse audience looking for a stylish and practical vehicle.
Also Read: Best cars under 10 lakhs in India 2024 of budget for first time & budget buyers
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