Citroen Basalt : In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, Citroen has made a bold statement with the introduction of the Basalt.
This compact SUV coupe has been turning heads since its launch, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and affordability that challenges the conventional notions of what a budget-friendly SUV can be.
Let’s delve into what makes the Citroen Basalt a potential game-changer in its segment.
Citroen Basalt Design: A Fresh Take on SUV Aesthetics
The Basalt’s design is a testament to Citroen’s commitment to pushing boundaries.
It successfully translates the growing trend of coupe-styled SUVs into a more accessible package, democratizing a body style that has typically been reserved for premium segments.
The exterior features a bold, boxy silhouette that exudes confidence and modernity.
At the front, the Basalt sports Citroen’s signature design elements, including a distinctive grille adorned with chrome inserts.
The split headlamp setup, featuring LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlight units, gives the vehicle a contemporary and sophisticated look.
This arrangement not only enhances the Basalt’s visual appeal but also improves visibility on the road.
Moving along the side, the Basalt’s profile reveals its coupe-like aspirations. The sloping roofline, reminiscent of more expensive SUV coupes, adds a touch of sportiness to the overall design.
Strong character lines and pronounced wheel arches contribute to the vehicle’s dynamic stance, while the option for dual-tone paint schemes allows for further personalization.
The rear of the Basalt continues the modern theme with wrap-around LED taillights that create a distinctive light signature.
The overall design philosophy, which Citroen calls “AeroGlide,” focuses on blending style with aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in a vehicle that looks good and performs efficiently.
Citroen Basalt Interior: Comfort Meets Functionality
Step inside the Basalt, and you’re greeted by a cabin that punches above its weight class.
The interior design focuses on maximizing space and comfort while incorporating premium touches throughout.
The dashboard layout is clean and modern, dominated by a floating touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims.
One of the standout features is the attention to detail in material quality and finish. Even in lower trims, the Basalt offers a well-appointed interior with fabric upholstery and thoughtful ergonomics.
As you move up the variant ladder, the amenities increase, with top-spec models featuring semi-leatherette seat upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Space utilization is a key strength of the Basalt. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the vehicle offers generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
The rear seats, which Citroen calls “Aero-lounge seats,” can recline, offering enhanced comfort for long journeys.
Practical touches abound, including multiple storage spaces, cup holders, and USB charging ports distributed throughout the cabin.
The boot space is impressive for a vehicle in this segment, offering 352 liters of cargo capacity. This expands significantly with the rear seats folded, providing versatility for various lifestyle needs.
Citroen Basalt Performance: Efficiency Meets Excitement
Under the hood, the Citroen Basalt offers a choice of two petrol engines, catering to different driving preferences and budgets.
The base engine is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated unit that produces 82 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque.
This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and is ideal for those prioritizing fuel efficiency and lower running costs.
For those seeking more performance, Citroen offers a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine.
This powerplant delivers a more robust 110 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque, providing zippier acceleration and better highway performance.
The turbo engine comes with the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission, the latter being a segment-first feature that adds to the Basalt’s premium positioning.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for both engine options. The naturally aspirated engine boasts a claimed mileage of 18 km/l, while the turbocharged variant isn’t far behind, offering 19.5 km/l with the manual transmission and 18.7 km/l with the automatic.
The Basalt’s ride and handling characteristics have been tuned specifically for Indian road conditions.
Citroen’s reputation for comfortable suspension setups shines through, with the Basalt offering a plush ride that soaks up road imperfections with ease.
At the same time, the vehicle maintains good body control, ensuring it remains composed through corners and at highway speeds.
Citroen Basalt Technology and Features: Punching Above Its Weight
The Citroen Basalt comes loaded with features that are often found in more expensive vehicles.
The centerpiece of the interior in higher trims is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
This unit supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
Complementing this is a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that provides clear, customizable information to the driver.
Other notable tech features include:
– Wireless smartphone charging
– Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
– Keyless entry and push-button start
– Cruise control
– Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines
– Tyre pressure monitoring system
Safety is a priority in the Basalt’s design. All variants come equipped with six airbags as standard, a rarity in this price segment.
Additional safety features include ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The vehicle’s body structure incorporates high-strength steel, enhancing overall crash protection.
Citroen Basalt Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The Citroen Basalt is available in three primary trim levels: You, Plus, and Max. This tiered approach allows Citroen to cater to a wide range of budgets and feature preferences.
The base ‘You’ variant, starting at ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom), offers an attractive entry point into the Basalt range.
It comes with essential features like manual air conditioning, power windows, and the full suite of safety features including six airbags.
The mid-range ‘Plus’ variant, priced from ₹9.99 lakh to ₹12.79 lakh (ex-showroom), adds significant upgrades.
These include the 10-inch infotainment system, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, LED DRLs, and the option of the turbocharged engine with both manual and automatic transmissions.
The top-spec ‘Max’ variant, ranging from ₹12.28 lakh to ₹13.83 lakh (ex-showroom), offers the full Basalt experience.
It includes premium features like 16-inch alloy wheels, connected car technology, a wireless phone charger, and a rear-view camera.
Citroen Basalt Market Impact and Competition
The Citroen Basalt enters a highly competitive segment, challenging established players with its unique coupe-SUV styling and feature-rich package.
Its primary competitors include popular models like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
However, the Basalt’s distinctive design and some segment-first features give it a unique selling proposition.
The vehicle’s launch is particularly significant as it democratizes the coupe-SUV body style, previously limited to more expensive segments.
This move could potentially influence other manufacturers to explore similar designs in the compact SUV space, leading to more diverse choices for consumers.
Citroen Basalt Conclusion: A Compelling Package
The Citroen Basalt represents a significant step forward in the compact SUV segment.
It successfully combines stylish design, a comfortable and well-appointed interior, efficient powertrains, and a comprehensive feature list, all at a competitive price point.
For buyers looking for a vehicle that stands out from the crowd without breaking the bank, the Basalt presents a compelling option.
Its coupe-like styling offers a premium look, while the range of variants ensures there’s a Basalt for different budgets and needs.
As Citroen continues to establish itself in the Indian market, the Basalt could play a crucial role in strengthening the brand’s position.
It showcases the company’s ability to understand and cater to local preferences while infusing its products with a distinctly European flair.
The success of the Basalt could potentially influence the direction of the compact SUV segment in India, encouraging other manufacturers to innovate in terms of design and feature offerings.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, with an increasing focus on style and technology even in more affordable segments, the Citroen Basalt stands as a forward-thinking option that’s well-positioned to meet the changing demands of Indian consumers.
In a market where standing out is increasingly difficult, the Citroen Basalt manages to carve its own niche.
It’s not just another compact SUV; it’s a statement of intent from Citroen, showcasing what’s possible when European design sensibilities meet Indian market requirements.
With its blend of style, features, and value, the Basalt is poised to make a significant impact in the competitive world of compact SUVs.