Citroën has been gradually establishing its identity in the Indian automobile market with its bold designs and quirky styling. Now, the French automaker is ready to shake things up once again with the Citroën Basalt, a compact coupé SUV that brings a unique silhouette, youthful styling, and urban functionality to Indian roads. Targeted at young, style-conscious buyers, the Basalt is expected to make waves in the highly competitive subcompact SUV segment.
Coupe SUV Design: A Standout Look
The Citroën Basalt stands out from the crowd with its sloping roofline, giving it a distinct coupé-inspired stance. It combines SUV practicality with the sportiness of a coupe. The front fascia retains Citroën’s signature split-headlamp design, sleek LED DRLs, and a wide grille. The profile features flared wheel arches, dual-tone alloy wheels, and bold body cladding. The rear gets a sloped boot, wraparound taillamps, and a high-mounted stop lamp, lending it a fastback-like look.
Interior Comfort & Features
Inside, the Basalt will likely follow Citroën’s minimalist philosophy. Expect a digital instrument cluster, a floating touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and soft-touch materials across the dashboard. The use of dual-tone interiors, adjustable headrests, and a high seating position makes it practical yet youthful. The boot space, despite the sloping roof, is expected to be class-competitive.
Key expected interior features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Automatic climate control
- Rear AC vents
- Steering-mounted controls
- Connected car technology
Engine & Performance
The Citroën Basalt is likely to use the same powertrain as the C3 Aircross:
- 1.2L Turbo Petrol Engine, producing around 110 PS and 190 Nm of torque
- Expected to come with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options
The focus will be on ride comfort — something Citroën is known for — and high-speed stability for highway cruising. While it’s not positioned as a performance SUV, the Basalt will aim to offer a refined and confident driving experience.
Safety & Build
The Basalt is expected to come with standard safety features such as:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Reverse parking camera
- Seat belt reminders
- Electronic Stability Control (in higher variants)
Citroën vehicles are known for their build quality, and the Basalt is expected to carry forward that strong European structure, adding to its road presence and crash protection.
Price & Competition
Expected to be priced between ₹9 lakh to ₹13 lakh (ex-showroom), the Citroën Basalt will compete with:
- Tata Curvv (upcoming)
- Hyundai Venue N Line
- Maruti Brezza
- Kia Sonet
- Renault Kiger Turbo
What gives the Basalt an edge is its distinct coupe styling, comfort-oriented suspension, and a fresh brand appeal that will attract urban buyers who want to stand out.
Launch Timeline
Citroën has officially confirmed that the Basalt will launch in late 2024 or early 2025 in India. It will be manufactured locally to ensure competitive pricing.
Conclusion
The Citroën Basalt is not just another subcompact SUV — it’s a style-forward vehicle with a niche appeal. For buyers looking beyond the conventional boxy SUV and craving something more expressive and dynamic, the Basalt might be the perfect fit. With French flair, practical features, and an attractive expected price, Citroën might have a winner on its hands.
Citroën Basalt: Key Highlight Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Turbo Petrol |
| Power & Torque | 110 PS / 190 Nm |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT (expected) |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity |
| Safety | Dual airbags, ABS, rear camera, ESC (top trims) |
| Body Style | Coupe-inspired SUV |
| Wheels | 16 or 17-inch dual-tone alloys |
| Interior | Dual-tone cabin, automatic AC, digital cluster |
| Boot Space | Competitive for segment (estimated ~380L) |
| Expected Price Range | ₹9 – ₹13 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Expected Launch | Late 2024 or Early 2025 |
