Citroën Basalt: Zabardast SUV Coupe Starting at ₹7.99 Lakh
Are you looking for a stylish and affordable SUV that stands out from the crowd? The all-new Citroën Basalt might just be the perfect ride for you.
This French automaker has shaken up the Indian market with its latest offering – a sleek SUV coupe that combines practicality with panache. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Basalt a compelling choice in the competitive compact SUV segment.
Design and Exterior
The Citroën Basalt turns heads with its distinctive SUV coupe styling. Its bold front fascia features:
- A large chrome-studded grille
- Sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs
- A muscular bumper with faux skid plates
The side profile showcases a sloping roofline that gives the Basalt its coupe-like appearance. This unique design element sets it apart from traditional boxy SUVs. The 16-inch alloy wheels, while stylish, might seem a tad small for some tastes.
At the rear, you’ll find wraparound LED taillights connected by a chrome strip, adding a touch of premium flair. The angular design and distinctive lighting signature ensure the Basalt won’t be mistaken for any other vehicle on the road.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Basalt, and you’re greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. The interior highlights include:
- A 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- A 7-inch digital driver’s display
- Automatic climate control
- Wireless phone charging
One of the standout features is the adjustable rear seat underthigh support, which elevates the comfort level for back-seat passengers. The soft, bolstered headrests add another layer of luxury to the experience.
While the Basalt offers a good mix of features, it does miss out on some premium amenities like a sunroof and ventilated seats. However, the overall quality of materials and fit-and-finish is commendable for its price point.
Engine and Performance
The Citroën Basalt comes with two engine options:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L Turbo Petrol | 110 PS | 205 Nm | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT |
| 1.2L NA Petrol | 82 PS | 115 Nm | 5-speed MT |
The turbocharged engine is the star of the show, offering punchy performance and excellent drivability. The 6-speed manual gearbox is a joy to use, with short throws and precise shifts. For those who prefer convenience, the 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and responsive.
The naturally aspirated engine, while less powerful, still provides adequate performance for city driving. However, it might feel a bit strained on highways or when fully loaded.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Basalt impresses with its ARAI-certified figures:
- Turbo Petrol MT: 19.5 km/l
- Turbo Petrol AT: 18.0 km/l
- NA Petrol MT: 18.0 km/l
Ride and Handling
The Citroën Basalt shines when it comes to ride quality and handling. The suspension setup, consisting of McPherson struts up front and a twist-beam rear axle, is tuned to perfection. It offers a comfortable ride over rough patches while maintaining composure around corners.
The steering is light at low speeds, making city maneuvers a breeze. As you pick up the pace, it weighs up nicely, inspiring confidence on highways. Body roll is well-controlled, and the Basalt feels planted even at high speeds.
Ground clearance of 180 mm is adequate for tackling most urban obstacles, though it falls short of some rivals in this aspect. Overall, the Basalt strikes an excellent balance between comfort and driving dynamics.
Safety Features
Citroën hasn’t skimped on safety with the Basalt. Standard safety features across all variants include:
- 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Traction Control
- Hill Hold Assist
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Higher variants add a reverse camera and rear parking sensors to the mix. The Basalt’s body structure is designed to provide optimal protection in case of a collision. With these features, Citroën aims to make the Basalt one of the safest vehicles in its segment.
Variants and Pricing
The Citroën Basalt is available in three broad variants: You, Plus, and Max. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing structure:
| Variant | Engine | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| You | 1.2L NA Petrol MT | ₹7.99 Lakh |
| Plus | 1.2L NA Petrol MT | ₹9.49 Lakh |
| Plus | 1.2L Turbo Petrol MT | ₹11.99 Lakh |
| Plus | 1.2L Turbo Petrol AT | ₹12.79 Lakh |
| Max | 1.2L Turbo Petrol MT | ₹12.99 Lakh |
| Max | 1.2L Turbo Petrol AT | ₹13.83 Lakh |
The competitive pricing strategy puts the Basalt in a strong position against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and even the upcoming Tata Curvv. The base variant offers excellent value for money, while the top-spec Max trim comes loaded with all the bells and whistles.
Competitors
The Citroën Basalt enters a fiercely competitive segment. Its main rivals include:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
- MG Astor
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
While each competitor has its strengths, the Basalt stands out with its unique coupe-SUV styling, competitive pricing, and engaging driving dynamics. It may not have the brand recognition of some rivals, but it certainly has the potential to carve out a niche for itself in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the mileage of Citroën Basalt?
The Citroën Basalt offers an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 19.5 km/l for the turbo-petrol manual, 18.0 km/l for the turbo-petrol automatic, and 18.0 km/l for the naturally aspirated petrol manual variant.
Q2. Does Citroën Basalt have ADAS features?
No, the Citroën Basalt does not come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features. However, it does offer a comprehensive set of safety features including 6 airbags, ESP, and hill-hold assist as standard.
Q3. What is the ground clearance of Citroën Basalt?
The Citroën Basalt has a ground clearance of 180 mm, which is adequate for tackling most urban obstacles and light off-road conditions.
Q4. How spacious is the Citroën Basalt?
The Citroën Basalt comes in a 5-seater configuration and offers ample space for both front and rear passengers. The adjustable rear seat underthigh support enhances comfort for back-seat occupants.
Q5. What is the boot space of Citroën Basalt?
The Citroën Basalt offers a generous boot space of 470 liters, which is more than sufficient for weekend getaways or grocery runs.
Wrapping Up
The Citroën Basalt brings a fresh perspective to the compact SUV segment with its distinctive coupe-like styling, engaging performance, and competitive pricing. While it may lack some premium features found in rivals, it makes up for it with its unique character and excellent ride quality. If you’re in the market for a stylish and affordable SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Basalt definitely deserves a closer look.
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