Citroen Basalt : Two years is indeed young age for the brand Citroen in India but with the launch of Citroen Basalt, it made its first loud announcement in the Indian Market. The French automaker isn’t here to simply fade into the crowd.
Rather, it exists to push back against norms and to give as radically an alternative as possible. And that’s just what the Basalt is all about—a small SUV with a coupe-like look that attempts to add a generous dash of style to rugged road presence.
It’s a welcome breath of fresh air in a class filled with sensible, safe choices from most other automakers. It’s adventurous, youthful, unafraid to take a risk.
But more significantly, it comes at a time when Indian consumers – especially in the booming younger demographic – are looking towards owning vehicles that make them stand out in a crowd.
Let me tell you about what makes the Citroen Basalt so interesting as a new entrant to the compact SUV market.
Citroen Basalt A New Take on SUV Styling
What strikes you first about the Basalt is how unlike anything else on the road it is. It has a coupe-like stance, thanks to the mild sloping roofline, which makes it stand out from the hordes of boxy SUVs that rule the roost in India.
This kind of design theme is hardly attempted over a sub-4m category, making ‘Basalt’ one of its straight kind in the class.
The front fascia features Citroen’s patented split headlamp layout on either side of the grille, with slim LED DRLs above, and a bigger light cluster that is closer to the ground in the lower half.
The double chevron symbol extends to the grille with chrome trims which gives it a wide and aggressive stance from the front. Turn to the side, and the character becomes even clearer. The Basalt looks almost fastback-y when you stitch its sloping roof line up with its long bonnet, high beltline and flared wheel arches.
At the back, the wraparound LED tail lamps, raked glass and integrated roof spoiler reinforce its coupe SUV appeal. It’s a look that — exactly as here executed, not cheesy, not clunky — will no doubt find its fans among younger buyers who want something expressive, dynamic.
Mix of Function and Personality Inside
As bold as the outside of the Citroen Basalt may be, the interior seems to head for a more middle-ground between function and fashion.
Inner space While official images of the interior are few and far between, early indications suggest the cabin will be arranged like the C3 and C3 Aircross – only more upmarket.
The dashboard is expected to have a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Citroen is known for making things user friendly, so you can expect stuff like physical HVAC controls, and USB ports for both front and rear passengers, in convenient spots.
Four adults should fit comfortably inside the Basalt in terms of space. The sloping roof could cut into headroom for taller people in the back but the vehicle’s long wheelbase promises reasonable leg space.
Citroen also has a proclivity for light-coloured upholstery and some clever, space-efficient design that gives an impression of airiness to offset the low roofline.
Storage compartments, cupholders, and smart cabin ergonomics are likely to render it usable on a daily basis. It won’t be anything too extravagant, but the interior should be a little polished for its price point.
Engine and Performance: Fizz That Won’t Break the Bank
It will likely be propelled by Citroen’s 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s also used in the C3 and C3 Aircross.
This three-cylinder engine makes about 110 hp and 190 Nm of torque and it’s enough for both city as well as occasional highway driving.
Transmission choices are believed to consist of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter auto that should attract a larger audience.
Similarly, the existing range of Citroens, already being sold in India, proves that the French carmaker knows how to fine-tune the suspension to the Indian conditions, and the Basalt shouldn’t be any different.
It will likely provide a soft and soaking ride over rough roads, speed breakers and potholes too. That comfort-friendly tuning could then result in an amount of bodyroll, but then, on the whole, most Indian buyers would prefer the pliant experience over a firm one.
Tech and Safety What We Expect
We think, the Basalt could come with Citroen’s complete package in the class. For the higher variants, keyless entry, push-button start, electric ORVMs, rearview camera and wireless smartphone connectivity could be in the offing.
For safety, the hatchback should come with at least dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and electronic stability control as standard across trim levels or from the mid-trims.
Other features the brand might want to consider incorporating are hill-hold assist and ISOFIX mounts—isn’t it high time it made it a little more attractive to families?
Sure, it won’t be an equipped with the finer things in life such as a sunroof, cooled seats, or 360-degree cameras, but it seems that Citroen is focusing on the value of what matters most.
Market Positioning and Competition
Pricing is anticipated to be competitive for the Basalt from Citroen. If it is priced between ₹8.5 lakh to ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom) after launch, it is expected to fit quite comfortably between the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon amongst others.
While these models place more emphasis on traditional SUV characteristics, however, the Basalt’s coupe-inspired look is sure to draw in another type of buyer.
The attraction is not just in what it looks like on paper, but how much it feels right behind the wheel, or standing next to it.
The marque is also building a solid sales and service network, an issue for many prospective buyers. With more touchpoints to be added throughout India, ownership is expected to become even more hassle-free.
The positive and negative coloumns(sic) of Basalt Citroen
The first and foremost thing about Basalt that catches your eye is that unique look. In a market chock full of safe, predictable designs, this SUV is anything but. Ride quality is also expected to be a strong point, with Citroen’s suspension tuning providing a cushy and refined ride.
The turbo-petrol engine isn’t the most powerful, but it’s a smooth and efficient performer. It could also be a value-packed offering (at last) if priced right.
One downside is that Citroen currently has a smaller service network than the existing players. The swoopy roofline – although fashionable – may also affect rear headroom and boot capacity. While the interior is functional, it might lack the tech-glitter of a few rivals’ cabins.
Citroen Basalt Final Thoughts
The Citroen Basalt is not a regular SUV, but an experiment in trying to work out what a small SUV can be and what it should feel like. With a striking coupe design, leading comfort and convenience, and intelligent powertrain it heralds a new design era for compact cars in India.
For those that like to take the road not traveled and want a practical car that make them look good, be comfortable, and be easy to use in every day, the Citroen Basalt might be just that little bit more different in a very competitive market.