Citroen India has revealed the production version of the Citroen Basalt coupe-SUV ahead of its official launch. The Basalt, which was initially showcased as a near-production concept in March this year, remains largely unchanged in its final form. This new model will compete in India’s compact SUV market, with its debut coinciding with the launch of the Tata Curvv on August 7.
Design and Dimensions of Citroen Basalt
The design and styling of the production-spec Citroen Basalt closely mirror the concept version. The primary difference lies in the wheels; the production model features smaller 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, in contrast to the chunkier tyres seen on the concept. Additionally, the body cladding has transitioned from glossy on the concept to a matte finish on the production model.
Sharing its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross, the Basalt boasts a sloping roofline leading into a high deck lid with an integrated spoiler lip. While the tail-lights appear as LED units, they actually use conventional light bulbs. Citroen will offer the Basalt in five single-tone colors: Polar White, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Garnet Red, and Cosmo Blue, with white and red also available with a black roof.
The Basalt’s wheelbase measures 2,651 mm, which is 20 mm shorter than the C3 Aircross. Its ground clearance is 180 mm.
Interior and Features of Citroen Basalt
Inside, the production Citroen Basalt draws inspiration from the C3 Aircross, featuring a similar dashboard design and layout along with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. It also includes a 7.0-inch full digital instrument display and adjustable under-thigh support for the rear seats. The Basalt shall comprises of a 470L of boot space.
Key features of the Basalt include a 15-watt wireless phone charger, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and connected car technology. Notably, the Basalt does not come with a panoramic sunroof, which will be available with the Curvv.
Powertrains and Fuel Efficiency
The Citroen Basalt will come with two engine options. The first is a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine. That generates 81 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Whereas the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, shall be available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both versions produce 108 bhp, with torque rated at 195 Nm for the manual and 210 Nm for the automatic.
The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency is 18 kmpl for the naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre version. Whereas, a 19.5 kmpl for the turbo-petrol manual, and 18.7 kmpl for the turbo-petrol automatic.
Launch and Pricing of Citroen Basalt
The Citroen Basalt is expected to be priced between ₹10 lakh to ₹14 lakh. Further, placing it competitively within the compact SUV segment in India.
