Citroën Basalt Review: Stunning SUV Coupe That Delivers!

Introduction

Citroën introduced something new to the Indian automobile market with the Basalt SUV Coupe, not just another typical SUV. A stylish coupe design, roomy cabin, and practical features at a price that will not burn a hole in your pocket: these would be some of the strengths of the Basalt. The French brand has launched the Citroën Basalt in August 2024. This braves a new category that was previously confined to premium segment consideration – the SUV-coupe. Built on the platform of C3 Aircross, the car stands apart with more distinctive exterior design and pampered comfort.

What Makes Citroën Basalt Special?

First mass-market SUV-Coupe in India
Stylish sloping roofline
Designed specifically for Indian roads
Feature-rich with comfort and convenience
Choice of both gears: Manual and automatic
Multiple variants and colors to choose from
World-class rear seat comfort
Massive boot for long travels

Launch Timeline and Strategy

First unveiled as the Basalt Vision Concept in March 2024
Launched officially on 9 August 2024
One of Citroën’s C-Cubed projects developed for India and South America
Manufactured locally to keep costs competitive
Placed between the compact and mid-size SUV segments

Price and Variants (Ex-showroom)

The Citroën Basalt is available in 8 variants across three main trims:

Variant Name – Engine Type – Gearbox – Mileage (kmpl) – Price (₹)
Basalt You 1.2 NA MT – 1.2L NA Petrol – 5-speed Manual – 18.0 – ₹8.25 Lakh
Basalt Plus 1.2 NA MT – 1.2L NA Petrol – 5-speed Manual – 18.0 – ₹9.99 Lakh
Basalt Plus 1.2 Turbo MT – 1.2L Turbo Petrol – 6-speed Manual – 19.5 – ₹11.77 Lakh
Basalt Max Turbo MT – 1.2L Turbo Petrol – 6-speed Manual – 19.5 – ₹12.49 Lakh
Basalt Max Turbo AT – 1.2L Turbo Petrol – 6-speed Auto – 18.7 – ₹13.07 Lakh
Basalt Max Turbo AT DT – 1.2L Turbo Petrol – 6-speed Auto – 18.7 – ₹13.83 Lakh

The car design and style boast exterior highlights.

Coupe-type roofline with a sloping profile
Bold front grille with Citroen’s signature look
Availability of LED projector headlamps for top variants
Stylish 16-inch alloy wheels
3D effect tail lamps in the back
Dual-tone color choices with contrasting roof

Available Colors:

Polar White
Steel Grey
Platinum Grey
Cosmo Blue
Garnet Red
Dual-tone options available with a roof in Perla Nera Black

Dimensions

Feature – Measurement
Length – 4352 mm
Width – 1765 mm
Height – 1593 mm
Wheelbase – 2651 mm
Ground Clearance – 180 mm
Boot Space – 470 litres

Cabin and Interior Experience

First Impressions

Clean and modern dashboard
10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
7-inch digital instrument cluster
Dual-tone interior finish for airy ambiance
Chrome highlights in AC vents

Practical Touches

Spacious cabin for five adults
Rear seat adjustable thigh support
Very large door pockets and side storage bins
Rear AC outlets
Wireless charging pad (15W)
Foldable rear armrest with cupholders

Rear Seat Comfort

High seat base promotes relaxed seating position
Ample legroom and headroom
Three-stage adjustable thigh support
Family and long-distance travel friendly

Engine And Performance

Engine Options

1.2L NA petrol
- 82 bhp
- Torque: 115 Nm
- 5-speed manual
- Mileage: 18 kmpl
1.2L turbo petrol
- 110 PS
- Torque: 190 Nm (MT) – 205 Nm (AT)
- 6-speed manual/6-speed torque converter auto
- Mileage: 19.5 kmpl (MT) – 18.7 kmpl (AT)

Driving Experience

Smooth ride in cities
Good stability on highways
Better pickup with Turbo variant
A refined automatic transmission; not too sporty
Paddle shifters/drive modes are absent

Ride & Handling

Suspension tuned for Indian road conditions
Absorbs potholes and speed bumps comfortably
Quiet cabin with low wind and road noise
Steering is light in the town and stable on highways

Feature List

Key Features

10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen
7-inch digital instrument cluster
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
6-speaker sound system
Automatic climate control
Rear AC vents
15W wireless phone charger
Electrically folding ORVMs

What Is Missing

There is no sunroof
There is no cruise control
There are no ventilated seats
There is no push-button start
There are no leather seats
There is no 360-degree camera

Safety Features

6 airbags (Top model)
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill-hold assist
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
Rear parking camera and sensors
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Reinforced chassis for better crash protection
Bharat NCAP 4-star rating

Mileage and Efficiency

Engine Type – Gearbox – Claimed Mileage
1.2 NA Petrol – Manual – 18.0 kmpl
1.2 Turbo Petrol – Manual – 19.5 kmpl
1.2 Turbo Petrol – Automatic – 18.7 kmpl

Real-world mileage may vary based on:

City or highway use
Driving habits
Load and AC usage

Boot Space and Practicality

Boot space of 470 litres
Wide opening for easy loading/unloading of baggage
It will easily fit 3 large suitcases
The rear seats fold flat but are not split 60:40
Plenty of interior cabin storage for bottles, phones, and wallets

Variants Comparison (Quick Look)

Feature – You – Plus – Max
Touchscreen – No – Yes – Yes
Rear AC vents – No – Yes – Yes
Turbo Engine Option – No – Yes – Yes
Auto Climate Control – No – Yes – Yes
Wireless Charging – No – No – Yes
Alloy Wheels – No – Yes – Yes
Adjustable Thigh Support – No – Yes – Yes

Experience of Ownership and Real Reviews

What Do People Love?

Unique looks and coupeish shape
Great long-distance comfort
Spacious for a 5-seater
Rear seat comfort is the best in the class
Feels premium for the price

What Can Get Even Better?

No sunroof even on the top variants
Some premium features are missing
Engine refinement could be better
Limited service network in small towns

Comparisons With Rivals

Model – Starting Price – Mileage (kmpl) – Boot Space – Turbo Engine – Coupe Style
Citroën Basalt – ₹8.25 Lakh – 18–19.5 – 470L – Yes – Yes
Tata Curvv – ₹10 Lakh – 18–20 – 500L – Yes – Yes
Hyundai Creta – ₹11.11 Lakh – 17–20 – 433L – Yes – No
Kia Seltos – ₹10.89 Lakh – 17–20 – 433L – Yes – No
Skoda Kushaq – ₹10.99 Lakh – 18–20 – 385L – Yes – No

New Model – Basalt Dark Edition

The rollout is earmarked for April 2025.
An all-black exterior treatment.
Black leatherette upholstery with red stitching along its piping.
Max Turbo AT variant based.
For buyers about style.

Grand Standouts:

Pro

Stylish, and unique design.
Riding comfort could never be better.
Class leading rear seat space.
Very big boot.
Pricing is reasonable for the features it possesses.
Suitable for families.

Con

No sunroof.
Slightly high engine sound.
No cruise control.
Lacks a couple of modern features.

Final verdict – So it is worth buying the Citroën Basalt?

If you are looking for a car that sounds different, performs decently, and prioritizes comfort over style, then the Citroën Basalt does make a strong case. While it may not be the most powerful of SUVs, nor luxurious in features, it does get the basics right.

Ideal for:

Families
City commuters on a daily basis
Those on the lookout for something unique
Long-distance travelers have need for boot space

If one is ok with missing out on certain comforts such as a sunroof or cruise control, then one has hit jackpot with the Basalt as it beats the competition hands down. It is different, and fresh in a crowded segment.

FAQs about Citroën Basalt

1. When did the Citroën Basalt launch in India, and what was the great deal about this date for the company?
Came new to India on August 9, 2024. This date was historic for Citroën as it brought the country its first mass-market internal combustion engine coupe sports utility vehicle that dared to distance itself from the typical boxy curvy shapes of SUVs. This also laid the new foundation for Citroën’s long-term view on capturing the Indian market under the C-Cubed platform dedicated to local tastes.

2. What would be the maximum speed of Citroën Basalt, and how does it perform on highways?
The top speed of the Citroën Basalt Turbo Petrol (manual) variant is assumed to be somewhere near 175 km/h. The automatic version can, during comfortable driving, reach up to 165 km/h. It is not performance oriented but quite capable of highway cruising, easily maintaining itself stable between 100-120 km/h. The engine remains composed at steady speeds although overtakes have to be planned as the tuning is rather relaxed.

3. How does Citroën Basalt price compare to other coupe SUVs in India?
Between the price range of ₹8.25 lakhs to ₹13.83 lakh, the Citroën Basalt makes a serious dent into the price tags of most coupe-style SUVs in India. In fact, the Basalt is the most affordable currently available SUV-coupe. Despite the fact that most of the competitors like Tata Curvv or big international brands tend to price their coupe SUVs at a much higher value than Citroën, the brand has managed to bring the coupe silhouette without pitting it against the premium bracket, thereby reaching a wider audience.

4. Does Citroën Basalt have provisions for fast charging or technology for the future?
The Citroën Basalt being a petrol-only car does not utilize electric fast-charging technology. Nevertheless, Citroën may explore the possibilities of launching electrified versions under its C-Cubed strategy in the future. As of now, it aims at taking the affordable route by relying on proven internal combustion technology customized to Indian roads.

5. What about hill driving in the Citroën Basalt?
The turbo Basalt with a 6-speed manual transmission gives a decent account for itself in hill driving and steep inclines. Incredibly low-to-mid RPM torque when driving uphill helps; on the other hand, hill-hold assist would make starting on slopes easy, rendering it a capable trip vehicle toward hill stations, nevertheless, it is not an off-roader.

6. How would you rate the Citroën Basalt for long-distance touring?
Yes, the Citroën Basalt is competent in long-distance touring due to a well-cushioned suspension, plush rear seats, and a massive boot of 470 litres. It is quiet inside, and the higher seat helps with road visibility. The only downside for a highway regular is the lack of cruise control – would have made long journeys so much more soothing.

7. Why should the Citroën Basalt be on the shopping list for first-time SUV buyers?
First-time buyers of SUVs will find Basalt practical due to easy drivability, light steering, and compact dimensions, not in contradiction to its stylish looks. Price-wise, the Basalt is a good step up from hatchbacks and small sedans, offering better ground clearance and road presence, but without the bulk that makes driving feel intimidating.

8. What about the Citroën Basalt when it comes to city driving and daily commute?
Absolutely. Basalt’s tight turning radius coupled with the responsive engine and high seat position makes it the ultimate car for city conditions. The car is easy to maneuver in traffic jams and narrow lanes alike. The automatic version, in particular, scores in being incredibly easy to drive in stop-and-go situations with minimal gear changes.

9. What sprinting time does Citroën Basalt get for 0-100 km/h, and how do the rivals compare?
Citroën Basalt does 0-100 km/h in about 11-12 seconds for the 1.2L turbo petrol manual variant, which is average for the class. While it may not touch the quicker performance of some larger SUVs with bigger engines, it gives a linear and smooth pickup that feels well-balanced for city use and perhaps an occasional highway run.

10. Will there be future updates or limited editions of Citroën Basalt?
Yes, Citroën has already teased a Basalt Dark Edition, which is expected to occur in early April 2025. Its introduction will be accompanied by some cosmetic, including an all-black exterior with contrasting interior stitching and exclusive trims. This goes to show Citroën’s plans to keep the model fresh and attractive through limited editions and possibly future updates.

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