Citroen Basalt India Unveiling Set for August 2nd

Citroen is set to ignite the Indian automotive scene with the much-anticipated unveling of the Citroen Basalt on August 2nd. This coupe-SUV marks the culmination of Citroen’s C-Cubed program, joining its siblings – the C3 hatchback, eC3 electric hatchback, and C3 Aircross SUV – already gracing Indian roads. Interestingly, Citroen appears to have strategically timed the Basalt’s arrival just ahead of the Tata Curvv coupe-SUV launch on August 7th.

From Concept to Reality: A Glimpse Inside

Unveiled as a concept in March 2024, the Basalt is now nearing its production debut. To further pique customer interest, Citroen India has begun teasing the SUV coupe’s interior. Let’s delve into what we know so far about this exciting new offering.

Striking Design Elements

The Basalt’s front fascia is expected to closely resemble its C3 Aircross sibling, with subtle variations in the grille inserts. However, the defining characteristic will be the dramatic sloping roofline, lending the vehicle a sleek and sporty silhouette. New alloy wheels will likely complete the exterior transformation, while the rear boasts fresh taillights and a bold, dual-tone bumper.

Interior Comfort and Tech

While Citroen hasn’t revealed everything about the Basalt’s interior, it’s likely to borrow some elements from the C3 Aircross. Features like a 7-inch digital driver’s display, cruise control, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, push-button start/stop, and keyless entry are all potential inclusions.

The latest teaser offers a glimpse of the cabin. Beige tones dominate the interior, complemented by a front center armrest and adjustable headrests for both front and rear passengers. The dashboard design appears similar to the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross, featuring a prominent floating infotainment unit – likely the same 10.2-inch unit found in other Citroen offerings in India.

Safety

Safety is paramount, and the Basalt is expected to be well-equipped in this regard. Potential features include 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a rear parking camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) for added peace of mind.

Powertrain and Expected Rivals

The Basalt is likely to inherit the C3 Aircross’ 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine, churning out 110 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. Transmission options are expected to mirror the C3 Aircross as well, with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic, both paired with front-wheel drive.

Price and Positioning

Citroen will position the Basalt above the C3 Aircross in its lineup. Anticipated pricing could start from Rs 11 lakh-12 lakh, placing it slightly higher than the 7-seater SUV. Upon arrival, the Basalt will directly challenge the upcoming Tata Curvv.