Citroën Basalt Coupe SUV Launched At ₹7.99 Lakh; Bookings Open

Citroën India has introduced its new Basalt coupe SUV at an introductory price of ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Alongside this launch, the company has also opened bookings with an initial token amount of ₹11,001. This pricing is applicable for all bookings made with deliveries scheduled up to October 31, 2024. The full pricing details for the Basalt will be revealed on August 20 or 21.

At this introductory price, the Basalt slots neatly between Citroën's C3, which is priced between ₹6.16 lakh and ₹9.11 lakh, and the C3 Aircross, which ranges from ₹9.99 lakh to ₹14.33 lakh (ex-showroom, India). By undercutting the C3 Aircross by nearly ₹2 lakh, Citroën is positioning the Basalt as a competitive offering in the compact SUV segment. As the official price announcement approaches, it will be intriguing to see how Citroën strategically prices and positions Basalt to capture market share in this fiercely competitive segment.

The Citroën Basalt shares much of its front-end styling with the C3 Aircross, a model that has established its presence in the Indian market. The Basalt, however, introduces some distinct updates, including a body-coloured finish on the previously black panel connecting the headlamps. The front fascia maintains the same LED DRL signature and split headlamp design seen on the C3 Aircross but offers an upgrade to an LED lighting system, moving away from the halogen setup of its predecessor.

The design begins to diverge more noticeably from the C3 Aircross starting at the A-pillar, with the rear of the Basalt featuring a distinct set of taillamps. This differentiation is intended to set Basalt apart in a crowded segment, offering a unique visual appeal to potential buyers. Inside, the Citroën Basalt is equipped with a range of modern features designed to enhance both driver and passenger experience. The cabin is centred around a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is expected to offer a user-friendly interface, coupled with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.

Comfort features include wireless charging and automatic climate control, catering to the tech-savvy consumer and those who prioritize convenience. A unique feature available in the automatic transmission variants is a seat tilt cushion in the rear, designed to improve under-thigh support for passengers, enhancing comfort during longer journeys.

In terms of safety, Citroën has made significant enhancements. The Basalt is built using ultra-high-strength steel, contributing to the structural integrity of the vehicle. Additionally, safety is further bolstered by the standard inclusion of six airbags, ensuring a higher level of protection for all occupants.

The Citroën Basalt is available with two engine options, both catering to different driving preferences. The first option is a 1.2-litre petrol engine that delivers 81 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. For those looking for more power, the second option is a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 109 bhp and 190 Nm of torque (increasing to 205 Nm with the automatic transmission). This engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Citroën Basalt enters a highly competitive compact SUV segment, where it will face stiff competition from well-established models. These include the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser HyRyder, MG Astor and Honda Elevate. Additionally, the Basalt will compete against its sibling, the C3 Aircross, as well as the soon-to-be-launched Tata Curvv.