Citroen has launched the Basalt coupe-SUV in India at an introductory starting price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The introductory price tag will be applicable on bookings made before October 31. The Basalt is the fourth model based on Citroen’s C-Cubed programme for India, and serves as an alternative to traditional midsize SUVs, although its direct rival will be the Tata Curvv.
- Citroen Basalt full price list to be revealed later
- Starting price undercuts all rivals by Rs 1 lakh
Citroen Basalt exterior, interior design
The Basalt shares its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross. While its fascia is quite similar to the SUV, the biggest changes are in profile and at the rear. It gets a unique sloping roofline, new alloy wheels, redesigned LED tail-lamps, and a chunky dual-tone rear bumper. The Basalt is available in five monotone colour options – Polar White, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Cosmo Blue and Garnet Red. The white and red paint options also get a contrast black roof.
On the inside, the Basalt carries over the dashboard from the C3 Aircross and gets contoured rear headrests. Adjustable thigh support for the rear seats is a segment-first feature, though. The Basalt has a 470-litre boot capacity.
Citroen Basalt features, safety
Features on offer include a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and rear AC vents. On the safety front, it gets six airbags, electronic stability control, a rear parking camera and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Citroen Basalt powertrains
Powering the Basalt are two 1.2-litre petrol engine options: an 82hp, 115Nm naturally aspirated unit and a 110hp turbo-petrol engine. The turbo-petrol comes mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox (where it makes 190Nm) or a 6-speed torque converter automatic (generating 205Nm); the NA unit gets a 5-speed manual only.
Citroen Basalt price, rivals
Do note that Citroen has only announced the starting price of the Basalt, with the full price list expected in the coming days. It competes with the Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta (Rs 11 lakh*), Kia Seltos (Rs 10.90 lakh*), Honda Elevate (Rs 11.69 lakh*), Maruti Grand Vitara (Rs 10.99 lakh*), Toyota Hyryder (Rs 11.14 lakh*), Skoda Kushaq (Rs 10.89 lakh*), Volkswagen Taigun (Rs 11.70 lakh) and the MG Astor (Rs 9.98 lakh*). Interestingly, the Basalt's starting price undercuts all its rivals by a margin of at least Rs 1 lakh.
*Starting prices only
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
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