Citroen Basalt: A Stylish SUV Coupe with Room for Improvement
Citroen’s latest offering, the Basalt SUV coupe, has generated considerable buzz since its launch in India. Combining a distinctive design with a focus on comfort, the Basalt aims to carve a niche for itself in the competitive compact SUV market. However, our recent test drive revealed a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses.
Eye-Catching Design with Reservations
The Citroen Basalt undoubtedly has road presence. Its SUV-coupe silhouette is striking, and the front fascia, with its LED projector headlights and distinctive LED DRLs, commands attention. The car’s generous wheelbase contributes to its imposing stance. However, the 16-inch wheels feel slightly undersized for a vehicle of this stature, and the flap-style door handles seem outdated in comparison to the overall modern design.
Spacious and Comfortable Cabin
Step inside the Basalt, and you’re greeted by a practical and comfortable cabin. The dual-tone interior adds a touch of sophistication, and the ample storage spaces, including door pockets, glove box, and cup holders, enhance convenience.
The rear seats are a particular highlight, offering generous legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The adjustable under-thigh support is a thoughtful touch that adds to overall comfort.
However, the feature list falls short compared to rivals. The absence of crucial amenities like cruise control, ventilated seats, and push-button start is surprising at this price point.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
Under the hood, the Basalt is available with two engine options: a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter petrol and a turbocharged 1.2-liter petrol. While the turbocharged engine offers adequate performance for city driving, it struggles to deliver spirited acceleration when pushed harder. The gearbox, too, could benefit from sharper shifts.
One area where the Basalt truly shines is ride quality. Citroen’s expertise in suspension tuning is evident, as the car effortlessly absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road.
Verdict: A Stylish Contender with Room for Growth
The Citroen Basalt is a stylish and comfortable SUV coupe with a strong focus on practicality. Its eye-catching design and impressive rear seat space are definite highlights. However, the lack of essential features and the engine’s performance shortcomings prevent it from being a class leader.
While the Basalt has the potential to be a strong competitor in the segment, Citroen will need to address these shortcomings to truly challenge established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and upcoming Tata Curvv.
FAQs
Q: What are the key features of the Citroen Basalt?
A: The Citroen Basalt offers a stylish design, spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and practical features.
Q: What are the engine options available in the Citroen Basalt?
A: The Basalt comes with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine.
Q: How does the Citroen Basalt compare to its rivals?
A: The Citroen Basalt competes with models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Curvv. While it offers a unique design and comfortable ride, it lacks some features found in its rivals.
Q: What is the starting price of the Citroen Basalt?
A: The starting price of the Citroen Basalt is Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
