​Post the Curvv launch, everyone is acknowledging the Coupe SUV design language Tata Motors has brought into Entry-level segments. Well, amidst the Curvv launch, Citroen decided to drop a crazy bomb, which no one expected to be this special. Why is this so special, you ask? Well, Citroen has launched India’s cheapest Coupe SUV which is as big as the Curvv but, priced at ₹8 lakh only. We are speaking of the Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV. 

Citroen Basalt Platform & Dimensions

The name Basalt means a Volcanic rock. The Basalt is the third car on the Common Modular Platform (CMP) developed by Citroen, especially for developing markets like India. The C3 was the first hatchback built on this platform, and then the C3 AirCross (7-seater version of the C3) adopted the same platform, and now, the Basalt Coupe SUV has underpinned the platform becoming the third car and the second SUV built over this platform. 

Citroen made a lot of changes while sharing this platform throughout the range of these three cars, as all of these are differentiated heavily when it comes to their dimensions. Speaking of Basalt’s dimensions - The length of the Basalt measures 4352 mm, the width of the SUV is 1765 mm, and the height of the SUV is 1593 mm. The wheelbase of the Basalt is 2651 mm and the Boot space has a storage space of 470 liters. 

Compared to the Citroen C3 AirCross, the Basalt is smaller in terms of Height, Width, and Wheelbase. The boot space and length of the Basalt is bigger than that of the C3 AirCross. 

Citroen Basalt Key Features

The Basalt being the latest offering from the brand contains significant updates over the existing cars - C3 and C3 AirCross. The Basalt has been positioned below the C3 AirCross still, the Basalt offers a lot more features than the C3 AirCross. 

The Basalt offers quite a practical set of features. Here are some key features of the Citroen Basalt’s exterior - LED Projector Headlamps, Halogen Foglamps, 16-inch Diamond Cut Alloy wheels, Two Rear Parking sensors, Shark fin Antenna, etc. 

In the interior of the Basalt, Basalt has introduced some new features - Automatic Air Conditioning, Rear AC vents, a Wireless Charger, a 10.25-inch Infotainment screen with Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch Instrument Cluster, Electric Adjustment for ORVMs, All Four Power windows, Armrest for both rows, Steering Mounted Controls, etc. 

Citreon Basalt Safety 

The Common Modular Platform based Citroen C3, C3 AirCross, or Basalt have not been tested yet by any Crash test organization. Therefore, we do not have any idea about the safety ratings of the Basalt Coupe SUV. But, Citroen does offer a few mandatory Safety features - 6 Airbags, 3-Pointer Seatbelt for all passengers, Seatbelt reminders, ABS, ESP, and TPMS. Moreover, Citroen has also claimed that the chassis has undergone a reinforcement, further, making it more stronger. 

Citroen Basalt Design & Interiors

The Basalt, as said, offers a Coupe design language. The front profile of the Basalt is very similar to the other cars based on the Common Modular Platform - C3 and C3 AirCross. It gets the traditional LED DRL design, which also holds the Citroen logo in between. It gets a Split Headlamp setup with LED Projectors. The Air dams of the SUV are massive, and they also cover most of the lower half of the front profile. 

The Side design of the SUV is its main highlight, where post-B-Pillar the roofline goes sloping to the Tailgate floor. It gives the SUV a sporty look and adds coolness to its design. The Alloy wheels, though, look a bit under-sized with respect to the overall proportions of the SUV. The Rear profile of the SUV gets a simple and plain design with the Citreon logo in between and a few badges. 

The Interiors of the Basalt compared to other cars - C3 and C3 AirCross are much more premium and well-put together. Still, it cannot be called a feature-packed cabin, as it lacks a lot of stuff. The Dashboard is very similar to that of the C3 and C3 AirCross. It gets a few distinctive bits to make it look different from the Citroen cars. Overall, the fit & finish seems good, after all, it is Citroen! 

Citroen Basalt Engine Options

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The Basalt offers two engine options that are sourced from the C3 and C3 AirCross. First is a 1.2 L Naturally aspirated Petrol Engine - producing 82 hp and 115 Nm torque. This engine is mated with a 5-speed Manual gearbox. 

Second, a 1.2 L Turbo Petrol Engine - producing 110 hp and 190 Nm torque in Manual and 205 Nm torque in Automatic Gearbox. This engine will be mated to a 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic Gearbox. 

Citroen Basalt Price details 

The Basalt has been launched in the Indian market making it the second Coupe SUV overall, and the first ICE Coupe SUV in the budget segment of the Indian market. The price game of Citreon has been amazing, and it remains the same with the Basalt, as well. 

Citroen has priced the Basalt very low, despite being an SUV measuring more than 4 meters in length. It also becomes the cheapest Midsize SUV in its segment of upcoming Tata Curvv ICE, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, etc. The starting price of the Basalt is ₹8 lakh. 

Well, Citroen had to price the Basalt like this anyway because it proves itself not capable of competing with the feature-packed segment of Midsize SUVs with intense rivals. So, the brand, rather, tried a different route to disturb the market.