Citroen Basalt: The automotive industry has just welcomed a new body shape. An elevated body with high ground clearance and body cladding akin to an SUV is combined with a low, rounded top, a la coupe. This design is known as the SUV Coupe. Although there are those who disapprove of this idea, there are also many who have come around to it. SUV coupes were previously limited to high-end automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. But now, things are going to get interesting. SUV Coupes have recently been on display at auto shows by mass market players like Citroen, Mahindra, and Tata. Citroen is currently preparing to introduce Basalt, their SUV coupe endeavor.
The C-Cubed platform that powers the C3 and C3 Aircross is also utilized by the Basalt. More than 90% of it has been localized. Its siblings have a lot in common. A 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine coupled to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission and a 1.2-liter normally aspirated gasoline engine matched to a 5-speed manual transmission are the powertrain options. With the naturally aspirated engine, there is no AT available—not even an AMT—that can work against the car. The Basalt isn’t exactly devoid of features, but it’s also not very nicely furnished.
Citroen Basalt Latest Update
The Basalt is now available in India from Citroen at an initial price of Rs 7.99 lakhs (ex-showroom). Reservations can be made for a nominal fee of Rs 11,001, and these rates are exclusively valid for delivery made by October 31. The French automaker’s fifth model, the Basalt, is also the third in its C-Cubed Program, joining the C3 and C3 Aircross. Along with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated and a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine, it has a coupe silhouette with a sloping roofline, high ground clearance, LED daytime running lights, and tough design components.
Citroen Basalt Design
Even while not everyone will find the Basalt’s design appealing, it is one of the better-looking SUV coupes. Although the front end looks similar to the C3 Aircross, the differences are immediately apparent when looking at the side and back. The roof tapers into a liftgate at the back in a classic coupe design, and the rear windshield is somewhat modest. Compared to the C3 Aircross, the Basalt is longer but not as tall or wide. It is also equipped with smaller alloy 16-inch wheels. It is quite wavy and has many creases, although they are not noticeable. LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, halogen taillights with a 3D look, and a sharkfin antenna are among the features. Black inserts can be found on the doors and C-pillars, while black cladding runs along the sides and wheel arches. The Basalt measures 4,352 mm in length, 1,765 mm in width (without mirrors) and 1,593 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,651 mm which is 20 mm shorter than the C3 Aircross.
Five monochromatic body colors—Platinum Grey, Steel Grey, Garnet Red, and Polar White—are offered for the Basalt. Additionally, two dual-tone colors are offered: Garnet Red with a Perla Nera Black roof and Polar White with a Platinum Grey roof.
Citroen Basalt Engine
- 110 PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. Transmission- six-speed manual and optional six-speed torque converter.
- 82 PS 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine: Transmission- 5-speed manual
Citroen Basalt Safety
The Citroen Basalt comes packed with every safety feature that’s required, including ISOFIX, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, ESP, hill-hold, TPMS, six airbags, and more. But other features are missing, such a 360-degree camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, auto-dimming IRVM, and an emergency stop signal. This is perhaps the reason why some buyers may decide against getting this SUV coupe. The Basalt has not been crash tested by any independent body such as the Global NCAP. However, it must be remembered that the C3 and eC3, which are based on the same platform, performed very poorly in Latin NCAP crash tests (0 stars).
Citroen Basalt Mileage
With the 1.2-liter NA engine, 18 km/l is what you should anticipate. With a manual transmission, the turbo engine achieves 19.5 km/l, while an automatic transmission yields 18.7 km/l. The real-life numbers may differ from these claimed values.
Is Citroen Basalt worth buying?
If you’re looking for a unique SUV coupe to stand out, then the Citroen Basalt can be an option for you to consider. The Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta and Grand Vitara are also good SUVs at this budget but if you prefer the Citroen brand, you can go with the Basalt.
The Basalt will take on the Tata Curvv as a strong contender in the SUV segment. Similar SUVs that compete in this segment include the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
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