Citroen has revealed the production-ready version of the Basalt coupe-SUV ahead of its global debut on August 2, and it stays very true to the original design sketches that were shared earlier.
- Basalt misses out on a sunroof
- To get C3 Aircross' 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Prices expected to start at Rs 11 lakh-12 lakh
Citroen Basalt design highlights, features
The Basalt gets a few styling changes over the close-to-production version that was showcased a few months ago. The plastic cladding on the coupe-SUV now gets a matte finish as opposed to the gloss black finish seen earlier. The diamond-cut alloy wheels also appear tad smaller than in the original sketches, and will likely be 17-inch units. Despite its premium positioning over the C3 Aircross, it will get the same old-school flap-type door handles, and halogen tail-lamps. However, the coupe-SUV will get LED projector headlamps with Daytime Running Lamps.
Other features will include a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, auto climate control with toggle switches, contoured rear headrests, and a front armrest with storage. The latest images also confirm that the Basalt will be offered with a red paint scheme, while other colour options are yet to be revealed.
Citroen Basalt will not get a sunroof
Sunroofs have become one of the most crucial features in recent years, with some manufacturers even offering it with lower- and mid-level variants. However, none of the Citroen cars introduced under the C-cubed programme, including the Basalt, get a sunroof. In a segment that consists of feature-packed SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and Kia Seltos – all of which get a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, the Basalt will be at a disadvantage. Even the upcoming Tata Curvv, which will be Citroen’s biggest rival, will offer a panoramic sunroof.
Citroen Basalt powertrain, expected price
The Basalt will come with the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine as the C3 Aircross, producing 110hp and 205Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic. Citroen will position the Basalt above the C3 Aircross in its line-up, making it slightly costlier than the current 7-seater SUV. The Basalt’s pricing is expected to start around Rs 11 lakh-12 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also see:
Citroen Basalt: Your questions answered
India could be Citroen’s second largest market in five years: Thierry Koskas