Citroen Basalt : Citroen’s Basalt rolled into India back in August 2024 like a breath of fresh air in the stuffy sub-compact SUV world, blending French flair with practical punch.
This SUV-coupe hybrid targets young buyers tired of boxy Brezzas and Venues, offering a sloping roofline that screams premium vibes at budget prices.
By 2026, it’s gaining traction with its cushy ride and 4-star Bharat NCAP safety, proving you don’t need big bucks for standout style on Panipat highways.
Smart Pricing That Undercuts Rivals
Starting at ₹7.99 lakh ex-showroom for the entry You petrol manual, Basalt climbs to ₹13.55 lakh for Max Turbo AT dual-tones—wallet-friendly versus Tata Curvv’s pricier tags.
Mid-spec Plus Turbo MT hits ₹11.02 lakh, AT variants add about a lakh for city crawl ease.
On-road Ludhiana? Expect ₹9-15 lakh after taxes, with Bajaj EMI as low as ₹12k monthly and festive discounts nibbling ₹15-25k.
Turbo models claim 18 kmpl ARAI, naturally aspirated closer to 18.7—real-world city runs net 14-16 kmpl amid ₹100 fuel.
Waiting periods? A breezy 2-3 weeks in metros; C3 platform keeps parts cheap. It’s a value bomb against Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet, especially with Citroen’s 1 lakh km warranty.

Sleek Coupe Stance With Everyday Space
Measuring 4352mm long, 1765mm wide, 1593mm low-slung on a 2651mm wheelbase,(Citroen Basalt) Basalt seats five snug while boasting 470-litre boot space—folds 60:40 for weekend gear.
180-200mm ground clearance (variant-dependent) tackles ramps and light off-road; 45-litre tank means 700-800km highway legs.
Squared wheel arches, 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, LED headlamps/DRLs in Polar White or Steel Grey give it coupe swagger without fragility.
Basalt X explorer edition adds blacked-out bits, tan interiors, ventilated seats—feels luxe inside.
Soft-touch dash, fabric/leatherette upholstery; no sunroof on base, but panoramic tease higher trims. It’s no Grand Vitara hauler, but parks easier than Elevate siblings.
Engine Choices: Pep Without the Thirst
Naturally aspirated 1.2-litre three-pot puretech petrol hums 80 bhp/115 Nm for city sips, but turbo-petrol steals hearts at 108-110 bhp@5500rpm and 190-205 Nm@1750-2500rpm—0-100 in 10 seconds flat, tops 170 kmph.
Six-speed manual’s slick, TC auto smooth in jams; no CNG yet, though rumors swirl.
Progressive hydraulic cushions soak potholes Citroen-style—plush over bullock-cart roads, minimal body roll.
Discs front, drums rear brake firm; ESP, hill-hold grip monsoons. Service every 15k km costs ₹6-8k—thrifty long-term, beats French stereotypes.
Cabin Comforts That Pamper
10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay blasts tunes from mid-specs; digital cluster, auto AC rear vents keep it cool.
Keyless entry, push-start, cruise control standard Plus-up; Basalt X piles ventilated fronts, wireless charger, 360 cam. Six speakers, USB-C ports galore—family trips from Ludhiana to Chandigarh sorted.
Rear space generous for knees, headroom dips slight due to coupe slope—fine for adults under 6ft.
Advanced Comfort seats hug without fatigue; quirks like fiddly AC knobs fade against ride bliss. My Citroen Connect app pings location, remote AC on.
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Safety Stars Without Shortcuts
Bharat NCAP 4-star badge shines: six airbags all-round, ABS/EBD, ESP, traction control, tyre pressure monitors standard.
Rear sensors, hill assist, ISOFIX anchors; higher trims add rear camera, basic ADAS like collision warning. High-strength steel frame crushes predictably—peace for night drives or newbie parents.
Panic brake, SOS alerts via app layer smarts. Forums buzz: “Survived side-swipe unscathed.”
Citroen Basalt Rival Clash and Ownership Edge
Tata Curvv mirrors coupe style but pricier; Venue/Sonet flash more toys, Maruti Brezza miles better.
Basalt owns comfort-coupe combo under ₹14 lakh—C3 Aircross sibling shares guts, Citroen network grows (500+ touchpoints). Minor gripes: no diesel, boot glass heavy-lift, infotainment lags rivals.
2026 X edition boosts ventilated perks; future hybrid possible. Test drive: that pillow ride hooks instant—overtakes eager, bumps vanish.
For style seekers ditching hatches, Basalt’s fresh: quirky, quality, quietly confident.