Citroen Basalt: The French Challenge to SUV-Coupe Segment
Citroen, the French automaker, is set to further expand its presence in India with the launch of the Basalt, a stylish SUV-coupe. Positioned as a direct rival to the Tata Curvv, the Basalt is expected to bring a fresh perspective to a rapidly growing segment.
Design: A Blend of Style and Substance
The Citroen Basalt boasts a distinctive design that blends the SUV’s practicality with the coupe’s sleekness. The front fascia features the brand’s signature split LED DRLs and a bold grille, while the coupe-like roofline adds a touch of elegance. The side profile showcases dual-tone alloy wheels and blacked-out B-pillars, enhancing its sporty appeal. At the rear, wraparound LED taillights and a silver skid plate complete the modern look.
Interior: Comfort and Technology
While complete interior details are yet to be revealed, teasers suggest a cabin that closely resembles the Citroen C3 Aircross, albeit with a white-themed upholstery for a more premium feel. Key features expected to be included are a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, automatic climate control, and possibly a wireless phone charger.
Safety has been prioritized with the inclusion of up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a rear parking camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Performance: A Familiar Powertrain
Under the hood, the Basalt is expected to be powered by the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine found in the C3 Aircross. This engine delivers 110 PS of power and up to 205 Nm of torque when paired with the automatic gearbox. Both manual and automatic transmission options are likely to be offered.
Pricing and Competition
Citroen is aiming for an aggressive pricing strategy with the Basalt, with an expected starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). This positioning will allow the Basalt to compete directly with the Tata Curvv and other popular compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate.
The SUV-Coupe Segment Heats Up
The launch of the Citroen Basalt is set to intensify competition in the burgeoning SUV-coupe segment. With its stylish design, feature-packed interior, and competitive pricing, the Basalt has the potential to carve a niche for itself in the Indian market.
As the launch date approaches, consumers can expect to see more details about the Basalt, including its official pricing, feature list, and variant options. Citroen will be hoping that the Basalt can replicate the success of its C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV.
The Growing Appeal of SUV-Coupes
The SUV-coupe segment has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by consumers’ desire for a blend of style and practicality. Models like the Tata Curvv have successfully tapped into this demand, and the Citroen Basalt aims to capitalize on the trend.
Citroen’s India Strategy
With the Basalt, Citroen is expanding its product lineup in India and demonstrating its commitment to the market. The French automaker is aiming to establish a strong foothold in the country’s rapidly growing automotive sector.
FAQs:
Q: When will the Citroen Basalt be launched in India?
A: The Citroen Basalt is expected to be launched in early August 2023.
Q: What is the expected price of the Citroen Basalt?
A: The starting price of the Citroen Basalt is expected to be around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q: What are the key features of the Citroen Basalt?
A: The Citroen Basalt is expected to feature a stylish design, a feature-rich interior, and a powerful engine.
