Tata Curvv-Rival Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV Unveiled in India Ahead of Launch

Citroen, the French car manufacturer, has introduced its fifth model in India, the Basalt Coupe SUV. The company has already teased the car several times before, providing details about its exterior design, interior layout, and feature set. The Basalt, which will directly compete with the recently unveiled Tata Curvv, is the fourth model in the brand's C-Cubed lineup, joining the C3 and eC3 hatchbacks and the C3 Aircross SUV. Two dual tone and five monotone colour options are available for the Basalt: Garnet Red with Perla Nera Black roof and Polar White with Steel Grey roof, Platinum Grey, Cosmo Blue, and Garnet Red. Prospective buyers can reserve the model at select authorised Citroen dealerships in India. Here's everything you need to know about the new Basalt. 

Also Read: Tata Curvv vs Citroen Basalt Design Comparison: Which is Better?

Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV: Exterior

Except for its unique side profile and new alloy wheel design, the Basalt's exterior design is mostly reminiscent of that of its sibling, the C3 Aircross. From the front, the model looks quite like the C3 Aircross, with the same split grille, faux silver skid plate, and chrome Chevron emblem. It uses projector LED headlamps instead of halogen ones, even though the LED DRLs are the same as on the C3 Aircross. The roofline extends to the boot lid and combines with a sizable tailboard to offer excellent boot accessibility while preserving the coupé-like look. Maintaining the side profile, it features robust fenders that accentuate the car's posture and are complemented by the angular form of the wheel arches. The body cladding has a matte finish. Compared to the ones seen on the concept model, the alloy wheels are smaller and fitted with different tyres. 

Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV: Engine Options

The Basalt's 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 108.4bhp. It can be paired with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Additionally, it has a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine with 81bhp that can only be had with a five-speed manual gearbox.

While the turbo-petrol engine achieves 19.5km/l with a manual gearbox and 18.7km/l with an automatic, the NA petrol engine delivers 18km/l of fuel efficiency.

Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV: Interior Layout and Features

With a cabin similar to that of the C3 Aircross', the car can seat up to five people. It sports a light beige leatherette fabric with a hexagonal-like pattern. The back bench has a fixed headrest in the centre, a three-point seatbelt, and a foldable armrest with cup holders. 

On the feature front, the Basalt is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electric folding mirrors, keyless entry, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, automatic climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, steering-mounted audio controls, a wireless phone charger, and push-button start/stop. One of the unique features of the Basalt is that the rear seat can be adjusted by 87mm to provide under-thigh support.

Coming to the safety suite, the Citroen model offers a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill hold assist, six airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a rear parking camera, and an electronic stability control (ESC).

Also Read: Citroen Basalt Mid Variant Spotted Testing in India, Reveals New Details

Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV: Rival Models

The Citroen Basalt will go on sale soon, with an ex-showroom starting price of approximately Rs 10 lakh. As far as the Indian market is concerned, the Coupe SUV will take on the likes of the Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Kia Seltos, and MG Astor.