Coupe SUVs are generating a lot of buzz in India, offering a stylish alternative to traditional SUVs. Citroen is jumping on this trend with the Basalt, recently spotted undisguised for the first time.
Sleek Design Confirmed
The spy shots confirm the Basalt’s resemblance to Citroen’s official images. The gray paint job complements the car’s design, even with the pop-out door handles. This appears to be a top-end model, featuring LED headlamps and daytime running lights. A surprising detail is the use of steel wheel caps instead of alloy wheels. Overall, the Basalt exudes decent road presence in these images.
Familiar Engine Under the Hood
The Basalt is expected to borrow the 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine from the Citroen C3 Aircross, generating 109 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. This engine will likely be paired with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AISIN automatic gearbox.
Spacious Interior with Modern Touches
Previous glimpses of the Basalt’s interior reveal an all-black dashboard with contrasting white seats. A new central armrest offers storage space, while rear passengers benefit from dedicated AC vents. Despite the coupe-like roofline, the SUV appears to offer ample legroom in the second row.
Feature-Packed Cabin Expected
The Basalt is likely to boast a large 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a reverse parking camera, and more. Safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP are also anticipated to be standard.
Launch and Future Plans
Citroen has confirmed a launch window in the second half of 2024. The Basalt’s starting price is estimated to be Rs 12 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). The car is also planned for export to developing markets in South America. Additionally, an electric version of the Basalt is expected to join the lineup sometime in 2025.
The Citroen Basalt offers a stylish entry into the coupe SUV segment in India. With its modern design, comfortable interior, and potential feature list, the Basalt could be a breath of fresh air for Indian car buyers. We’ll have to wait and see how it performs against future competitors.
