Citroen is gearing up to unveil the new Basalt coupe-SUV on August 2. The carmaker has been drip feeding information about the car through multiple teasers, each confirming new features. A new promotional film has provided a glimpse into additional features that the Basalt will have, compared to the C3 Aircross.
- Basalt to get auto AC, powered wing mirrors
- Will be powered by 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Will directly take on Tata Curvv
Citroen Basalt new equipment details
The new promotional film, created in collaboration with designer Masaba Gupta, confirms four very basic, yet crucial upgrades over the C3 Aircross: electric retract for the wing mirrors, rear power window buttons on the rear doors, rear AC vents mounted on the floor behind the front center console and a shark fin antenna on the roof.
For reference, the C3 Aircross houses its rear power window buttons on the front center console, just behind the handbrake, which makes it awkward to reach and operate. Repositioning it to the rear doors makes it so much more convenient. Secondly, the 5-seater version of the C3 Aircross does not get rear aircon vents at all, while the the 5+2 variant gets a tacky-looking roof-mounted AC vent that seems more like an afterthought. This floor mounted unit on the Basalt certainly looks slightly more premium and better integrated.
The repositioning of the rear AC vents could have also opened up the possibility of engineering a sunroof, but the Basalt will still miss out on this feature. Lastly, the electric retract for the wing mirrors is also a much welcome addition as one has to do it manually on the C3 Aircross. Sadly, these latest images also confirm an old-school keyhole below the flap-type door handles, which means there will still be no keyless function. Plus, it continues with a manual day/night IRVM.
Other features over the C3 Aircross previously confirmed by teasers include auto climate control with toggle switches, contoured rear headrests, and a front armrest with storage.
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 or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Citroen will position the Basalt above the C3 Aircross in its line-up, making it slightly costlier than the traditional SUV. The Basalt’s pricing is expected to start around Rs 11 lakh-12 lakh (ex-showroom).
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