Citroen Basalt: The French Challenge to India’s SUV-Coupe Market
Citroen, the French automotive brand, is set to make a significant splash in the burgeoning Indian SUV-coupe market with the launch of its highly anticipated Basalt. Positioned as a direct competitor to the popular Tata Curvv, the Basalt promises a blend of European style, comfort, and performance tailored to Indian driving conditions.
Citroen Basalt Launch Date and Pricing
The wait is almost over for Indian automotive enthusiasts. Citroen has officially confirmed that the Basalt SUV-coupe will make its grand debut on August 9, 2023. The company has already opened offline bookings at select dealerships across the country, indicating a strong level of anticipation for the new model.
Price-wise, Citroen is aiming for a competitive entry point. Industry experts predict a starting price of around Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning the Basalt as an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish and modern SUV.
A Closer Look at the Citroen Basalt
Exterior Design: A Fusion of Style and Substance
The Citroen Basalt boasts a striking exterior design that seamlessly blends SUV ruggedness with coupe-like elegance. The front fascia features bold LED projector headlights, a distinctive V-shaped split grille, and eye-catching LED daytime running lights. The sculpted hood and prominent Citroen badge add to the car’s commanding presence.
Moving to the side, the Basalt’s coupe-like roofline is undoubtedly its most striking feature. The sharp character lines and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels enhance the SUV’s sporty appeal. At the rear, wraparound halogen taillights, a blacked-out bumper, and a silver skid plate complete the modern look.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside the Citroen Basalt, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that prioritizes comfort and technology. The interior design shares similarities with the C3 Aircross, featuring a familiar dashboard layout with dual digital displays and stylish AC vents. Citroen has gone the extra mile by incorporating white leatherette upholstery and a bronze trim insert for a touch of luxury.
Passenger comfort is a key focus, with the rear seat base offering an adjustable range of 87 mm to accommodate occupants of different heights. The Basalt also comes equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, and a comprehensive safety suite including six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), rear parking camera, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Powertrain Options
Citroen is offering the Basalt with two petrol engine options to cater to diverse driving preferences. The first is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 82 PS of power and 115 Nm of torque. For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine delivers 110 PS and up to 205 Nm of torque. Both engines are expected to be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Competition and Market Positioning
The Citroen Basalt is poised to directly challenge the Tata Curvv in the competitive Indian SUV-coupe segment. It will also vie for attention against established players such as the Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor.
With its stylish design, feature-rich interior, and competitive pricing, the Basalt has the potential to carve out a niche for itself in the market. Citroen’s strong after-sales service network and growing brand presence in India could also work in its favor.
FAQs
Q: When will the Citroen Basalt be launched in India?
A: The Citroen Basalt is scheduled to be launched in India on August 9, 2023.
Q: What is the expected price of the Citroen Basalt?
A: The estimated starting price of the Citroen Basalt is around Rs 8.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q: Which engines will be offered with the Citroen Basalt?
A: The Basalt will be available with both 1.2-liter naturally aspirated and 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine options.
Q: What are the key competitors of the Citroen Basalt?
A: The primary competitors of the Citroen Basalt include the Tata Curvv, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor.
Q: Does the Citroen Basalt offer automatic transmission?
A: Yes, the Citroen Basalt is expected to be offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission option in addition to the manual transmission.
