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, though it will directly take on Tata’s coupe-SUV, the Curvv.
The Basalt shares its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross. The fascia is quite similar to the SUV, however, the biggest changes are seen on the side as well as 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, save for a few changes such as contoured rear headrests as well as adjustable thigh support for the rear seats – which is a segment-first feature. The Basalt has a 470-litre boot capacity.
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 tyre pressure monitoring system.
Powering the Basalt are two 1.2-litre petrol engine options: a 82hp, 115Nm naturally aspirated unit and a 110hp turbo-petrol engine. The turbo-petrol engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox (where it makes 190Nm) or a 6-speed torque converter automatic (generating 205Nm), while the NA unit gets a 5-speed manual only.
Do note that Citroen has only announced the starting price of the Basalt. The full price list is expected to be revealed in the coming days. It directly rivals the new Tata Curvv, while also gives competition to mid-size SUVs such as 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 MG Astor (Rs 9.98 lakh*). Inteestingly, the Basalt’s starting price undercuts all its rivals by a margin of at least Rs 1 lakh.
*Starting prices only