Citroen Basalt

Buying a new car in India is always a big decision, isn't it? You juggle so many thoughts in your mind: What’s my budget? Is it safe for my family? What will the monthly maintenance cost be like? Does it have all the latest features I want? And what about the company’s service network? These are all valid questions that every smart buyer asks. And today, we are going to dive deep into a car that is generating quite a buzz – the new Citroen Basalt. Let’s find out if this French newcomer truly fits your needs and expectations.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Citroen Basalt is expected to share its heart with its siblings, the C3 and C3 Aircross. This means you will likely get a proven and peppy engine option:

• 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo Petrol Engine: This three-cylinder engine is known for its refinement and strong performance.
• Power Output: Around 110 PS (BHP)
• Torque Output: Approximately 190 Nm

Design Overview

The Basalt stands out with its unique 'coupe-SUV' styling, a first in its affordable segment in India.

Exterior Design

• Coupe-SUV Silhouette: A sloping roofline at the rear gives it a sporty and distinct profile, blending the practicality of an SUV with the flair of a coupe.
• Front Fascia: Expect a familiar Citroen split headlamp design, sleek LED DRLs, and a bold grille that connects visually with the Citroen logo.
• Side Profile: Strong character lines, prominent wheel arches, and possibly stylish alloy wheels enhance its SUV stance.
• Rear Design: A unique rear-end with new tail lamps and a sculpted tailgate to complement the coupe-like roofline.

Interior Design

• Dashboard Layout: A clean and functional dashboard, likely sharing elements with the C3 Aircross, focusing on practicality and ease of use.
• Seating Comfort: Citroen is known for its comfortable 'Advanced Comfort' seats, which are expected to offer good support for long journeys.
• Space: Despite the coupe roofline, rear passenger space is anticipated to be decent, similar to or slightly less than the C3 Aircross.

Key Features

Citroen is expected to load the Basalt with features to compete in the crowded Indian market:

• Large Infotainment Screen: A 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Connected Car Tech: Citroen My Connect for remote operations and telematics.
• Sunroof: A highly anticipated feature, possibly a single-pane electric sunroof, which is a major draw for Indian buyers.
• 360-degree Camera: To aid in parking and maneuvering in tight spots.
• Wireless Phone Charging: For added convenience.
• Automatic Climate Control: To maintain optimal cabin temperature.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: A crisp and informative digital display for the driver.
• Rear AC Vents: For improved comfort for rear passengers.

What is the Ground Clearance of Citroen Basalt?

Given its SUV aspirations and shared platform with the C3 Aircross, the Citroen Basalt is expected to have a generous ground clearance, likely around 195-200 mm. This is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions and minor off-road excursions.

What is the Boot Space of Citroen Basalt?

While official figures are not out, the Basalt is anticipated to offer a practical boot space, possibly in the range of 400-450 litres. This should be ample for weekend trips or daily errands.

What is the Dimensions of Citroen Basalt?

The Basalt will likely slot into the compact SUV segment. Expected dimensions are:

• Length: Approximately 4300 mm
• Width: Around 1790 mm
• Height: Roughly 1630 mm
• Wheelbase: Expected to be around 2671 mm, similar to the C3 Aircross, promising good cabin space.

Powertrain Options

The Citroen Basalt will offer comprehensive transmission choices for the 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo Petrol engine:

• 6-speed Manual Transmission: For those who prefer direct control and engagement.
• 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic: Offering smooth and convenient shifts, especially for city driving.

Safety Features

Safety is a key concern, and the Basalt is expected to offer a standard set of safety features:

• Dual Front Airbags (standard)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control
• Hill Hold Assist
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear View Camera
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Higher variants might offer more airbags, potentially up to six, which would be a welcome addition.

NCAP Rating Table

It's crucial to note that the Citroen Basalt has not yet undergone crash testing by either Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP. Therefore, no official rating is available at this time.

However, given its shared platform with the Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross, we can look at their performance as an indicator:

Model	Global NCAP Adult Occupant Rating	Global NCAP Child Occupant Rating	Bharat NCAP Rating (Expected/Pending)
Citroen C3	0 Stars	1 Star	Pending
Citroen C3 Aircross	0 Stars	2 Stars	Pending
Citroen Basalt	Not Yet Tested	Not Yet Tested	Not Yet Tested

We hope Citroen strengthens the Basalt's safety structure and offers more standard airbags to achieve a higher rating under Bharat NCAP, which has stricter protocols.

Rivals of Citroen Basalt

The Citroen Basalt will enter a highly competitive segment, locking horns with established players and upcoming models:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• Tata Nexon (higher variants)
• Mahindra XUV300 (higher variants)
• Upcoming compact SUV models

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Unique Design: The coupe-SUV styling will certainly make it stand out from the crowd.
• Comfortable Ride: Citroen cars are known for their excellent ride quality, absorbing bumps and potholes with ease, making them ideal for Indian roads.
• Peppy Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.2L PureTech turbo petrol engine offers good performance for both city and highway driving.
• Spacious Cabin: Expected to offer good overall cabin space, especially the wheelbase.
• High Ground Clearance: Well-suited for varied road conditions in India.
• Feature Rich (Expected): Inclusion of popular features like a sunroof, larger touchscreen, and 360-degree camera will enhance its appeal.

Cons

• Unproven Safety Rating: The biggest concern based on its platform siblings' Global NCAP performance. Buyers will be eager for its Bharat NCAP results.
• Limited Service Network: Citroen’s service network is still growing in India, which might be a concern for some buyers in smaller towns.
• Brand Recognition: Compared to Maruti, Hyundai, or Tata, Citroen is a relatively new and less established brand in the Indian market.
• Potential for Cost Cutting: To keep prices competitive, some interior material quality or features might be basic in lower variants.

Conclusion

The Citroen Basalt is certainly an interesting proposition for the Indian car buyer. It brings a fresh and unique design to a segment dominated by traditional SUVs, and promises Citroen’s signature comfort and a punchy turbo-petrol engine. If you are someone who values distinctive styling, a comfortable ride, and is looking for something different from the usual crowd, the Basalt could be a strong contender. However, it will be crucial for Citroen to deliver on safety, offer competitive pricing, and continue expanding its service network to truly win over the discerning Indian customer. Keep an eye out for its official launch and a detailed test drive review to make your final decision!