Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT

Choosing a new car in India is always an exciting journey, isn't it? But let's be honest, it's also packed with big decisions. You're thinking about your budget, how safe your family will be, the monthly maintenance costs, and of course, all the latest features you want. Plus, good company service after you buy is super important. Well, if these are on your mind, then you should definitely take a closer look at the new Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT. This car is gearing up to make a strong statement in the competitive Indian SUV market, and we're here to break down everything you need to know.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT is its lively engine, designed to give you a great balance of power and efficiency for city drives and highway cruises alike.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo Petrol
• Power Output: Around 110 PS (Pferdestärke / Metric Horsepower)
• Torque: Approximately 205 Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT)

This engine and gearbox combination promises smooth shifts and enough punch for daily driving and occasional spirited runs.

Design Overview

Citroen is known for its unique and appealing designs, and the Basalt Plus Turbo AT is no exception. It brings a fresh take to the SUV segment.

• Exterior Design: The Basalt stands out with its distinctive SUV-Coupe styling. It blends the rugged appeal of an SUV with the sleek, sloping roofline of a coupe. Expect a bold front fascia with Citroen's signature split headlamp setup, muscular wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels, and a well-integrated rear design that emphasizes its sporty character. It's designed to turn heads.
• Interior Design: Step inside, and you'll find a cabin that focuses on comfort, practicality, and a modern feel. The layout is clean and user-friendly, with good quality materials. Expect comfortable seating, ample space for passengers, and a design that feels airy and premium, especially for its segment.

Key Features

The Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT comes packed with features to enhance your driving experience and comfort.

• Infotainment System: Large 10.25-inch Touchscreen
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Sunroof: Electric Single-Pane Sunroof
• Parking Assist: 360-degree Camera
• Convenience: Wireless Phone Charging
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Driver Information: Digital Instrument Cluster
• Cruising: Cruise Control
• Rear Comfort: Rear AC Vents
• Connected Car Tech: My Citroen Connect

What is the Ground Clearance of Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT?

The Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT is expected to offer an impressive ground clearance of approximately 200 mm. This makes it well-suited to tackle various Indian road conditions, from speed breakers to uneven rural paths, with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT?

For families and those who travel often, boot space is crucial. The Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT is anticipated to provide a generous boot space of around 444 litres, offering ample room for luggage, groceries, or sports gear.

What are the Dimensions of Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT?

Understanding the car's size helps in parking and maneuvering. Here are the expected dimensions:

• Length: Approximately 4300 mm
• Width: Approximately 1750 mm
• Height: Approximately 1660 mm
• Wheelbase: Approximately 2671 mm

Powertrain Options

While this post focuses on the Basalt Plus Turbo AT, Citroen might offer other options. The primary powertrain for this variant is the 1.2-litre PureTech Turbo Petrol engine paired with the smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. A manual transmission option with the same engine is also highly likely to be available in other variants.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for modern car buyers, and the Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT aims to deliver. You can expect a comprehensive suite of safety features:

• Up to 6 Airbags (expected in higher variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System
• Hill Hold Assist
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear View Camera

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are important benchmarks. As of now, the Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT has not been independently tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. However, it is built on the same C-Cubed platform as the Citroen C3 Aircross. For reference, the Citroen C3 Aircross recently achieved a respectable 4-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. This gives us a good indication of the platform's inherent safety capabilities.

Rivals of Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT

The Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT will enter a highly competitive segment in India, going head-to-head with some popular choices:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor
• Tata Nexon (higher variants)
• Mahindra XUV 3XO (higher variants)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good and the not-so-good about the Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Unique Design: The SUV-Coupe styling will definitely help it stand out from the crowd.
• Refined Engine: The 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with the AT promises a smooth and peppy driving experience.
• Comfortable Ride: Citroen cars are generally known for their excellent ride quality, soaking up bumps well.
• Feature-Rich: A good list of modern features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are expected.
• High Ground Clearance: The ~200mm ground clearance is ideal for Indian roads.
• Spacious Cabin & Boot: Good interior room and a large boot add to its practicality.

Cons:

• Brand Recognition: Citroen is still a relatively new brand in India, which might be a concern for some buyers.
• Service Network: The service and sales network is expanding but might not be as widespread as its established rivals.
• Feature Gaps (Potentially): Depending on the final variant lineup and pricing, some premium features offered by rivals might be missing.
• Interior Aesthetics: While functional, some might find the interior design a bit too straightforward compared to flashier competitors.

Conclusion

The Citroen Basalt Plus Turbo AT looks like a very promising addition to the Indian automotive landscape. With its eye-catching SUV-Coupe design, a capable turbo-petrol engine paired with a smooth automatic gearbox, a comfortable and feature-loaded cabin, and impressive ground clearance, it ticks many boxes for the modern Indian car buyer. While it enters a tough segment with established players, its unique appeal and Citroen's focus on ride comfort and practicality could make it a compelling choice. If you're looking for a fresh, stylish, and practical SUV that offers a good driving experience and stands out from the crowd, the Basalt Plus Turbo AT is definitely worth considering. Keep an eye out for its official launch and a test drive – it might just be the perfect fit for you!