In August 2024, Citroen launched the Basalt just after Tata Motors had launched their Curvv and Curvv.ev Coupe SUVs. The Basalt itself was launched as a Coupe SUV, but on a completely different path from the wanna-be super Coupe SUV category. The Basalt’s main focus was family orientation and comfort, but it failed to be a successful vehicle, at least until today.
Design
The Citroen Basalt has a front design with a double chevron grille, Y-shaped DRLs, projector headlamps, and a silver-colored skid plate. The side profile includes a sloping roofline, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, matte black cladding, squared wheel arches, and a blacked-out roof with gloss-black mirrors. The rear features wraparound 3D-effect LED taillights, an integrated spoiler, and a dual-tone bumper.
All of these give the Basalt a very professional appeal that is completely different from what a coupé SUV means to the customer. Most Coupe SUV buyers aren’t looking for a vehicle that may be designed in such a way, but a much louder design that grabs attention, which the Tata Curvv offers.
Interior
Inside the Basalt, the dashboard uses a triple tone finish with textured inserts, and the centre gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The seats are upholstered in white, with the rear offering a very desirable adjustable under-thigh support. Features include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, a 15W wireless charger and rear AC vents.
Yet again, an interior that takes a different path from what a Coupe SUV’s interior is expected to look like, in the minds of the general customer. An interior that may be too mundane for most, too straightforward and no-nonsense design inside the cabin of the Basalt.
Powertrain
The Citroën Basalt offers two 1.2-litre petrol engine options:
- Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine: Produces 82 PS of power and 115 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- Turbocharged Petrol Engine: Delivers 110 PS of power. When mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, it generates 190 Nm of torque; with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, it produces 205 Nm of torque.
Pricing
The Citroen Basalt’s price starts at 8.32 lakh for the base model, the Basalt You, and goes up to 17.1 lakh for the top-end variant, the Basalt Max Turbo AT Dark Edition. At this price point, the Basalt has one main rival, and that’s the Tata Curvv.
Underrated Or Just Overshadowed?
The Citroen Basalt is not selling. The Company is even offering discounts of up to 80,000 rupees to boost its sales.
| Month | Sales No. |
|---|---|
| Oct 2024 | 221 |
| Nov 2024 | 47 |
| Dec 2024 | 79 |
| Jan 2025 | 61 |
| Feb 2025 | 37 |
| Mar 2025 | 100 |
This lack of sales can be due to several reasons. The Tata Curvv is comparatively selling much more than the Basalt due to one sole reason: brand image. Tata Motors has set its feet of success in India a long time ago when compared to an unknown company like Citroen. Moreover, Citroen’s service network is not very good, compared to a giant like Tata’s. Hence, the customer’s trust has yet to reach Citroen.
Verdict
The Citroen Basalt is an extremely comfortable vehicle. The suspension tuning is close to perfect for the city, and the engine may seem to be underpowered, but it’s punchy and entertaining on the highways as well. The rear seating space is also remarkable, and the seats themselves are brilliant. The Citroen Basalt is most definitely underrated and overshadowed by its rival as well, and certainly deserves more sales.
