Gear up for a fresh breeze in the Indian car market! Citroen has unveiled the much-anticipated Basalt Vision, a head-turning coupe SUV designed to conquer both style and functionality. This all-new offering from the French automaker promises a unique blend of sporty design, spacious interiors (expected), and features tailored for the Indian market.
The Basalt Vision: A Blend of Citroen’s Design Language
The Basalt Vision carries forward Citroen’s signature design elements, evident in its connection to the existing C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV. The front fascia boasts a familiar split grille adorned with chrome accents, flanked by the brand’s recognizable split headlamp design. This creates an instant connection to Citroen’s design language, offering a sense of familiarity for existing Citroen fans.
A Sportier Silhouette with a Practical Edge
Moving to the sides, the Basalt Vision sheds its familiar skin and embraces a sportier look. The key differentiator is the sloping roofline, characteristic of a coupe SUV, lending a dynamic and eye-catching presence. Squared wheel arches, side body cladding, and dual-tone alloy wheels further amplify the SUV’s sporty appeal.
However, the Basalt Vision doesn’t compromise on practicality. The rear end, though tall, hints at ample cargo space, catering to the needs of families and adventure enthusiasts alike. The boot lid sits slightly higher compared to the bonnet, maintaining the characteristic coupe SUV silhouette. Wraparound LED taillights and a sturdy rear bumper with a chunky silver skid plate add a touch of ruggedness to the overall design.
Stepping Inside (Expected Features): Comfort and Convenience Await
While Citroen hasn’t officially revealed the Basalt Vision’s interior, speculations suggest inspiration drawn from the C3 Aircross. This translates to an expected focus on comfort and convenience, likely featuring amenities like cruise control, automatic climate control, push-button start/stop functionality, and keyless entry.
Borrowing Tech from its Sibling
The Basalt Vision might borrow some technological features from the C3 Aircross, potentially including a large 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system for a seamless entertainment experience. A sleek 7-inch digital driver’s display could also be part of the package, providing essential driving information at a glance.
Prioritizing Safety
Safety remains a top priority for Citroen, and the Basalt Vision is expected to be well-equipped in this regard. Anticipate features like six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) for enhanced control during challenging maneuvers, a rear parking camera for effortless parking assistance, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for added peace of mind on the road.
Powertrain Speculations: A Familiar Heart
Citroen is yet to officially confirm the Basalt Vision’s powertrain details. However, industry experts predict it will likely share the engine options with its C3 siblings – the 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine churning out 110 PS and up to 205 Nm of torque. This engine is expected to be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, catering to diverse driving preferences.
Gearing Up for the Indian Market: Launch Date and Competitors
The wait won’t be long! The Citroen Basalt Vision is slated for a launch in India during the second half of 2024. With an anticipated starting price of Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom), the Basalt Vision aims to be a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a stylish and feature-rich SUV.
The primary competitor for the Basalt Vision is expected to be the upcoming Tata Curvv. However, it will also indirectly compete with established players in the compact SUV segment, such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, and the soon-to-be-launched Honda Elevate.
Citroen Basalt Vision: A Summary
The Citroen Basalt Vision marks a significant addition to the Indian car market. Its stylish coupe SUV design, coupled with anticipated features and a competitive price tag, positions it as a strong contender in the growing segment. Whether you’re a young professional seeking a head-turner or a family looking for a practical yet sporty SUV, the Basalt Vision deserves a closer look.
FAQs:
Q: What platform is the Citroen Basalt Vision based on?
A: The Basalt Vision is built on the CMP platform, shared with the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV.
Q: What distinguishes the Basalt Vision from other Citroen models?
A: The Basalt Vision introduces a sleek coupe SUV design with advanced features and technology, setting it apart from its counterparts.
Q: What powertrain options are available for the Basalt Vision?
A: The Basalt Vision is expected to feature a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, similar to the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross, paired with manual or automatic transmissions.
Q: When will the Basalt Vision be launched in India?
A: The Basalt Vision is scheduled for launch in the second half of 2024, catering to the Indian market’s demand for innovative SUVs.
Q: What is the expected price range for the Basalt Vision?
A: The Basalt Vision is anticipated to have a starting price of Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom), offering competitive value in its segment.
