Citroen’s upcoming coupe-SUV, which has so far been known as the C3X, has been christened Basalt. The French brand has confirmed that it will reveal the Basalt on March 27, 2024.
- Citroen Basalt will be based on the CMP platform
- Will have more features than Citroen C3 Aircross
- Expected to go on sale in the coming months
Citroen Basalt: second C-Segment offering from the brand
Citroen’s Basalt coupe SUV will be positioned above than the brand’s C3 Aircross SUV, which is essentially a more practical and conventional looking alternative to the Basalt. While both Citroen SUVs will have a lot in common, the Basalt's coupe-like design coupled with a high-riding stance will be aimed squarely at the upcoming Tata Curvv coupe SUV.
The teaser released by Citroen shows a stylish slant-back profile highlighting its coupe-like roofline neatly merging with a short boot lid. The Citroen Basalt, however, will come with a lift-back type tailgate similar to what's seen on the Skoda Superb. The teaser also shows its stylish tail-lamp design, which looks similar to the more premium Euro-spec C3 hatchback.
As reported earlier, the Basalt will share quite a few bits with the C3 Aircross, including the CMP modular platform, a few body panels and the powertrain. As far as styling goes, the Basalt's nose will be similar to the C3 Aircross, albeit with additional chrome bits. The Basalt will have similar ground clearance to the C3 Aircross, large alloy wheels and rugged-looking plastic cladding all around among other bits.
Citroen Basalt to have more features than C3 Aircross
The C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross haven’t seen desirable sales numbers due to the blatant cost-cutting and feature omissions. Dealers still have a good chunk of unsold 2023 stocks that are being offered at mouthwatering discounts.
As we'd reported earlier, learning from the C3 and C3 Aircross, Citroen went back to the drawing board to equip the Basalt with more features right at launch. There are talks of features like electric-folding wing mirrors, automatic climate control, cruise control, wireless charging, LED headlamps, push-button start and keyless entry.
Citroen Basalt powertrain highlights
In India, the upcoming Citroen Basalt X will be powered by the same 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol that powers the C3 Aircross and the C3 hatchback, and will be mated to either a manual or torque converter. Citroen will bring an EV based on the Basalt, but that's still some time away.
Citroen C3X India launch details
Citroen will only reveal the Basalt’s exterior design on March 27, 2024, with its interiors, features list and launch following in the coming months.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
