The Indian automotive industry has been witnessing a massive transformation in recent years, with global carmakers introducing bold and futuristic vehicles. Among the latest names to create a buzz is the Citroen Basalt, a compact coupe SUV that is set to add a fresh flavor to India’s growing SUV market. Designed with striking French styling, loaded with premium features, and built to stand apart in a crowd, the Citroen Basalt has everything it takes to become a game-changer.
we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about the Basalt — its design, interiors, features, engine options, safety, pricing expectations, and competition. By the end, you’ll know exactly why the Basalt is one of the most anticipated SUVs in India.
A Quick Introduction to the Citroen Basalt
The Citroen Basalt is an upcoming compact coupe SUV from the French automaker Citroen, which has been steadily expanding its presence in India. Following the C5 Aircross, C3 hatchback, and C3 Aircross SUV, the Basalt will be the brand’s fourth model for the Indian market.
What makes it unique is its coupe-inspired SUV design, a style rarely seen in the affordable segment. While traditional SUVs focus on boxy practicality, the Citroen Basalt blends sportiness with utility, appealing to young buyers who want performance, fashion, and functionality all in one package.
Exterior Design – Coupe-Like Yet Practical
The first thing you’ll notice about the Citroen Basalt is its eye-catching design language. Citroën has always had a flair for bold styling, and the Basalt is no exception.
- Front Profile: It carries Citroën’s signature double-chevron grille, flanked by sleek LED DRLs and split-headlamp clusters, giving it a futuristic face.
- Side Profile: The sloping roofline is the highlight, creating a coupe-like stance that enhances its sporty character.
- Wheels & Cladding: Stylish alloy wheels and black body cladding give it a rugged SUV feel, while chrome accents bring in some premium appeal.
- Rear Profile: The slanted rear windshield, LED tail lamps, and sculpted bumper make the Basalt stand out from regular compact SUVs.
This unique blend of SUV toughness with coupe sportiness ensures the Citroen Basalt attracts attention wherever it goes.
Interior & Cabin Experience
Step inside the Citroen Basalt, and you’ll be greeted by a premium yet minimalist cabin. Citroen has focused on making the interiors youth-centric, connected, and comfortable.
- Dashboard & Layout: A clean dashboard design with soft-touch materials and piano black elements.
- Infotainment System: A large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Modern digital driver’s display for all key driving information.
- Comfort & Space: Generous legroom and headroom despite the sloping roofline, thanks to clever packaging.
- Seats: Dual-tone premium fabric/leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats (expected in higher trims).
- Boot Space: Coupe styling usually eats into boot capacity, but Citroën has engineered smart storage solutions to keep practicality intact.
The cabin of the Basalt promises to combine French elegance with practicality, making it ideal for both city commutes and long highway drives.
Features & Technology
In today’s competitive SUV market, features play a big role in winning customers. The Citroen Basalt is expected to come equipped with modern tech and convenience features, including:
- 10.25-inch infotainment with connected car tech
- Wireless charging pad
- Automatic climate control
- Ventilated front seats
- Panoramic sunroof (likely in top variant)
- Push-button start/stop with keyless entry
- Ambient interior lighting
- Multiple USB Type-C charging ports
- Premium audio system
These features position the Basalt as a tech-savvy SUV designed for modern buyers.
Engine & Performance
Citroën has not yet officially revealed the exact engine lineup for the Basalt, but industry insiders suggest it will share engines with the C3 Aircross. That means we can expect:
- 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 110 PS and 190 Nm torque.
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox.
While there is no official word on a diesel engine, Citroën may explore EV or hybrid variants in the future, given the growing demand for greener options.
The suspension is likely to carry Citroën’s “Comfort DNA”, ensuring smooth ride quality over Indian roads — a strong selling point for buyers dealing with rough patches and potholes.
Safety Features
Safety is becoming a top priority for car buyers in India, and Citroën is expected to load the Basalt with essential safety equipment:
- 6 airbags (top variant)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill-hold assist
- Rear parking sensors with reverse camera
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
- Strong body structure with advanced crash protection
Citroën might also aim for a Global NCAP safety rating, which could boost customer confidence.
Variants & Expected Pricing
Citroën is likely to offer the Basalt in multiple trims, starting from a value-for-money base variant to a feature-loaded top variant.
- Expected Price Range: ₹9.5 lakh – ₹13.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
- Launch Timeline: Expected in late 2024 or early 2025.
This price range places it in direct competition with some of India’s most popular compact SUVs.
Competition in the Indian Market
The Citroen Basalt will step into a highly competitive segment, going head-to-head with:
- Hyundai Creta (coupe-inspired N-Line variants)
- Kia Seltos
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Skoda Kushaq
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Toyota Hyryder
What sets the Basalt apart is its unique coupe styling. While most rivals stick to traditional SUV shapes, Citroën is daring to be different. This could be its biggest strength in attracting style-conscious customers.
Citroën’s Strategy for India
Citroën has been gradually increasing its presence in India. While its sales numbers are still modest compared to giants like Hyundai, Maruti, or Kia, its focus has been on niche, design-oriented cars that stand out.
The Basalt represents a big opportunity for Citroën to capture the youthful urban buyer segment, who value looks, technology, and exclusivity over just brand name.
Future Prospects – Will the Basalt Be a Success?
The success of the Citroen Basalt will depend on:
- Pricing strategy – If priced aggressively, it could undercut rivals.
- After-sales service & dealership network – Citroën still needs to expand its footprint in India to assure customers.
- Unique appeal – Coupe SUVs are stylish but still a niche. The Basalt must balance looks with practicality.
If Citroën gets these aspects right, the Basalt could emerge as a trendsetter in the affordable coupe SUV space.
Final Thoughts
The Citroen Basalt is more than just another SUV. It’s a bold step by Citroën to bring European design flair and unique coupe styling into the Indian mainstream market. With its sleek looks, advanced features, smooth ride quality, and competitive pricing, the Basalt has all the ingredients to attract young, style-conscious buyers.
While it faces stiff competition from established brands, its distinct identity could make it a strong choice for those who want something different from the usual crowd.
