Citroen Teases Basalt X Edition Ahead of Festive Season Launch Amid Sluggish Sales

French carmaker Citroen has opened pre-bookings for the upcoming Basalt X, marking a strategic move to revitalize the struggling sales of its coupe-SUV ahead of the festive season. The company has started accepting pre-orders for ₹11,000 through dealerships and its official website as part of its broader 'Citroen 2.0 – Shift Into the New' strategy. 

Based on C3 Platform with Enhanced Features

The Basalt X is built on the same CMP (Common Modular Platform) as the existing Citroen C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV. This platform underpins Citroen's India-focused models and features up to 98 percent localization, making it well-suited for Indian driving conditions. 

The upcoming X variant represents a new range-topping trim for the Basalt lineup, similar to the recently launched C3 X. Teaser images reveal key upgrades including a new pattern imprint on the dashboard with bronze accents, redesigned air conditioning vents, and fresh black and tan upholstery for the interior. 

Expected feature additions mirror those seen on the C3 X, which gained keyless entry, push-button start/stop, an optional 360-degree camera system, and a new Garnet Red exterior paint option. The Basalt X is likely to command a premium of ₹10,000-25,000 over the existing top-spec variant. 

Disappointing Sales Performance Prompts Action

The timing of the Basalt X launch reflects Citroen's urgent need to address the model's underwhelming market performance. Sales figures paint a concerning picture – the Basalt sold just 47 units in November 2024, representing a steep 78.73 percent month-on-month decline. This made it the least-selling model in Citroen's India lineup during that period.

Recent sales data shows modest improvement but still concerning numbers. In July 2025, Basalt sales stood at 178 units, down 16.82 percent from the previous month. The model's cumulative sales from February to July 2025 totalled only 690 units – a figure that underscores the challenge Citroen faces in gaining market traction. 

Market Context and Competition

The Basalt's struggles occur against the backdrop of Citroen's broader challenges in India. The brand sold approximately 7,500 units in calendar year 2024, significantly trailing competitors like Nissan (29,000), Skoda (35,000), and Renault (42,000). Dealer frustrations have reached a boiling point, with reports of a dealer revolt over missed sales projections and feature-deficient products. 

The Basalt competes in the compact SUV segment against established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the Tata Curvv. Despite its unique coupe-SUV design and competitive pricing starting from ₹8.32 lakh, the model has failed to capture significant market share. 

Specifications and Powertrain

The Basalt X will retain the mechanical specifications of the current lineup. It offers two 1.2-litre petrol engine options: a naturally aspirated unit producing 80 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, and a turbocharged variant generating 108 bhp with 190 Nm of torque in manual configuration and 205 Nm with the automatic transmission. 

Key features include a 26 cm touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 17.7 cm digital driver display, automatic climate control, and Citroen's Advanced Comfort suspension system. Safety equipment comprises six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and a four-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. 

Strategic Importance

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands at Stellantis India, emphasized that the Basalt X launch marks an important milestone in Citroen's 2.0 strategy, designed to deliver "a more intuitive, comfortable, and confident driving experience". The initiative forms part of Citroen's ambitious plan to double its customer touchpoints to 150 by end-2025, with particular focus on Tier II, III, and IV markets. 

The festive season timing is crucial for Citroen, as Indian automotive sales traditionally peak during this period. The company's ₹5,300 crore investment in India's manufacturing and R&D infrastructure underscores its commitment to the market despite current challenges. 

As Citroen prepares to launch the Basalt X, the success of this enhanced variant could determine the brand's ability to establish a stronger foothold in India's competitive automotive landscape. With MS Dhoni as the new brand ambassador for the Citroen 2.0 campaign, the company appears determined to shift into a new gear in its Indian operations.