Citroen Basalt : In a country where the streets are as diverse as its people, a new player has rolled into town, turning heads and challenging conventions.
The Citroen Basalt has arrived in India, and it’s not just another car – it’s a statement on wheels, a French revolution in the land of spices and tech hubs.
Citroen Basalt A Design That Speaks Volumes
Picture this: You’re stuck in the usual traffic jam, surrounded by a sea of familiar shapes and sizes.
Suddenly, something catches your eye. It’s sleek, it’s bold, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen on Indian roads before. That, my friends, is the Citroen Basalt.
The Basalt isn’t just a car; it’s a work of art. With its coupe-like silhouette married to SUV proportions, it’s like the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored suit – sharp, stylish, and ready for any occasion.
The front grille is bold and unapologetic, flanked by LED headlights that look like they could cut through the darkest of nights (or the thickest of Delhi smogs).
Move to the side, and you’ll notice the sloping roofline that gives the Basalt its distinctive coupe SUV look.
It’s the kind of profile that makes you want to run your hand along it – just don’t do it in public, or you might get some strange looks.
Citroen Basalt Under the Hood: French Flair Meets Indian Roads
Now, let’s talk about what’s powering this beauty. Citroen has brought two engine options to the table, catering to both the fuel-conscious commuter and the weekend enthusiast.
First up is the 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. It’s the sensible choice, perfect for those who want to balance performance with fuel efficiency.
With 82 horses under the hood, it’s got enough pep to make your daily commute enjoyable without burning a hole in your pocket.
But if you’re the kind who likes a bit more oomph in your drive, there’s the 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine.
This little firecracker churns out a respectable 110 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. It’s the kind of engine that makes you look for excuses to take the long way home.
Both engines come with a choice of transmissions – a 5-speed manual for those who like to be in control, and a 7-speed DCT for those who prefer to let the car do the shifting.
It’s like having your cake and eating it too, except the cake is a car, and you’re eating… well, miles.
Citroen Basalt Inside Story: Where Comfort Meets Tech
Step inside the Basalt, and you might think you’ve wandered into a chic Parisian café.
The interior is a beautiful blend of style and substance, with enough space to make you forget you’re in a coupe-styled SUV.
The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s more responsive than your average teenager’s smartphone.
It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, because let’s face it, we’re all a bit lost without our phones these days.
But it’s not just about the tech. The seats are comfortable enough to make you consider living in your car (not that we recommend it).
The rear seats are surprisingly spacious, proving that style doesn’t always have to come at the cost of practicality.
And let’s not forget the boot space. With 470 liters of cargo room, it’s big enough to fit your weekend getaway luggage, your grocery haul, and probably a small elephant (though we don’t recommend trying that last one).
Citroen Basalt Safety First: Because Style Shouldn’t Come at a Cost
In a country where road safety is becoming increasingly important, Citroen hasn’t skimped on the safety features.
The Basalt comes with up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control.
It’s like having a team of guardian angels watching over you, except these angels are made of high-strength steel and advanced electronics.
But the cherry on top? The Basalt has already scored a 4-star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash tests. That’s not just impressive; it’s reassuring.
It’s the kind of safety rating that makes you want to give your car a pat on the roof and say, “Good job, buddy.”
Citroen Basalt The Price Tag: French Chic for Indian Wallets
Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. Citroen has priced the Basalt starting at a wallet-friendly ₹7.99 lakh, going up to ₹13.83 lakh for the top-spec variant.
In a market where premium often means unaffordable, the Basalt is like finding a designer outfit at a street shop price.
But it’s not just about the base price. Citroen has cleverly structured the variants – You, Plus, and Max – each offering a good mix of features at different price points.
It’s like a three-course meal where even the appetizer is satisfying.
Citroen Basalt On the Road: Where the Magic Happens
All these features are great on paper, but how does the Basalt perform in the real world?
In true French fashion, it’s all about the joie de vivre – the joy of living, or in this case, driving.
The suspension setup is a masterclass in comfort. It soaks up bumps and potholes like a sponge, making you wonder if you’re driving on Indian roads or floating on a cloud.
The steering is light enough for city maneuvers but weighs up nicely at higher speeds, giving you the confidence to take on those winding ghat roads.
Fuel efficiency? It’s surprisingly good for a car of this size.
The naturally aspirated engine returns around 18.7 kmpl, while the turbo variant isn’t far behind at 18.9 kmpl.
It’s the kind of mileage that makes you want to take the scenic route, just because you can.
Citroen Basalt The Competition: Shaking Up the Status Quo
The Basalt isn’t just here to look pretty; it’s here to shake things up.
It’s going toe-to-toe with established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and even its distant cousin, the Jeep Compass.
But here’s the thing – the Basalt isn’t trying to be like everyone else.
It’s carving its own niche, appealing to those who want something different, something with a bit of French flair in a market dominated by Korean and Japanese offerings.
Citroen Basalt The Verdict: Vive la Différence!
So, is the Citroen Basalt worth your hard-earned rupees? If you’re looking for a car that stands out in a sea of sameness, that offers a premium experience without a premium price tag, then absolutely!
The Basalt isn’t just a car; it’s a conversation starter. It’s for those who see driving as more than just getting from point A to point B.
It’s for those who appreciate the finer things in life but don’t want to sell a kidney to afford them.
In a market where playing it safe is the norm, the Citroen Basalt is a breath of fresh air.
It’s proof that you can have style, substance, and sensibility, all in one attractive package.
As it rolls out across Indian cities, the Basalt is sure to turn heads and change perceptions.
It’s not just challenging the status quo; it’s redefining what Indian car buyers can expect in this segment.
So, the next time you see a Basalt glide by, don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing a double-take.
It’s not just a car passing by; it’s a piece of French art, designed for Indian roads, ready to take on the world.
Vive la Basalt! The French revolution has arrived on Indian shores, and it’s wearing a Citroen badge.
The question isn’t whether you’ll notice it – it’s whether you’re ready to join the revolution.