French automaker Citroen has introduced its latest offering in the Indian market, the Basalt, a mid-sized SUV with a coupe design, priced aggressively at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This price is introductory and places the Basalt in direct competition with models like the Tata Curvv, marking Citroen’s continued push into the competitive SUV segment in India.
The Citroen Basalt is powered by two 1.2-litre engine options. The first is a naturally aspirated engine delivering 80 bhp of power and 115 Nm of torque. The second is a turbocharged variant offering 109 bhp and 190 Nm of torque, which increases to 205 Nm in models equipped with the torque converter automatic transmission. The Basalt is available with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission, providing versatility to suit different driving preferences.
Positioned between the Citroen C3 and the Citroen C3 Aircross, the Basalt features a modern design with LED DRLs and a split headlight setup similar to that of the C3 Aircross. Inside, the vehicle is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Additional features include wireless charging, automatic climate control, and a rear seat with a tilt function designed to improve under-thigh support.
Citroen claims the Basalt is built using ultra-high-tensile steel for enhanced structural integrity, and it comes with six airbags as standard, offering a higher level of safety for all passengers. However, the car has yet to be tested by Global NCAP, and there is uncertainty about whether it will achieve a 5-star safety rating, given the performance of other Citroen models like the C3 and C3 Aircross.
The Basalt will compete in the crowded mid-sized SUV market against established rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and MG Astor. The Hyundai Creta, the segment leader, recorded 17,350 unit sales in July, accounting for 35 per cent of Hyundai’s total sales for the month. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara has also been a strong contender, with 100,000 units sold in India to date. The mid-sized SUV segment is substantial, with annual sales reaching 680,000 units, making up one-third of the total SUV market in the country.
In FY25, the mid-sized SUV segment has grown by 20 per cent, down from the 41 per cent growth seen in FY24. However, with new launches like the Tata Curvv and the Citroen Basalt, the segment could see a resurgence, especially with the Basalt’s competitive pricing.
Despite the attractive pricing, Citroen faces challenges in India, including a relatively weak brand presence and a limited feature list in the Basalt. Additionally, the vehicle’s powertrain options may not appeal to driving enthusiasts, which could impact its overall market reception
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