The Citroën Basalt is the French carmaker’s newest offering for the Indian market. It is a coupe-style SUV designed especially for India and similar emerging markets. With its aggressive pricing, spacious interiors, and a sleek SUV-coupé design, the Basalt is grabbing attention from buyers who want style with practicality.
Launched in August 2024 at an introductory price of ₹7.99 lakh, the Basalt is now priced between ₹8.3 lakh and ₹14.1 lakh (ex-showroom, depending on variant and city). It directly competes with popular compact SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, and the upcoming Tata Curvv.
Quick Specs (India)
| Item | Citroën Basalt (India) |
|---|---|
| Length x Width x Height | 4,352 x 1,765 x 1,593 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,651 mm |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm |
| Boot space | 470 litres |
| Engines | 1.2 NA (82 PS, 115 Nm); 1.2 Turbo (110 PS, up to 205 Nm) |
| Gearboxes | 5-MT (NA), 6-MT (Turbo), 6-AT (Turbo) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | NA MT: 18.0 km/l; Turbo MT: 19.5 km/l; Turbo AT: 18.7 km/l |
| Tyres / Wheels | 205/60 R16 |
| Safety | 6 airbags, ESP, ISOFIX, Bharat NCAP 4-star |
| Ex-showroom price (2025) | ₹8.3–14.1 lakh |
What is the Citroën Basalt?
The Basalt is a compact SUV-coupé under 4.4 metres in length. It’s built on the C3 Aircross platform but with a sloping roofline for a sportier look. India is one of the first countries to get this model, proving how important our market is for Citroën.
The Basalt is available in three trims: You, Plus, and Max. Engine options include a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, both mated to manual and automatic transmissions depending on the variant.
Dimensions, Space and Practicality
- Length: 4,352 mm
- Width: 1,765 mm
- Height: 1,593 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,651 mm
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm
- Boot Space: 470 litres
The Citroën Basalt strikes a good balance between compact dimensions for city use and spacious interiors for family comfort. Rear knee room is excellent thanks to the long wheelbase. The 470-litre boot is among the largest in this price segment, making it perfect for weekend trips or airport runs.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Basalt and you’ll notice a clean, modern cabin. The dashboard design is minimal yet practical. The interior feels airy, with lighter colours on higher trims.
Key features include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Rear AC vents for better passenger comfort
- 15W wireless charger (on higher variants)
- Beige leatherette upholstery in top trims
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
- Adjustable under-thigh support for rear passengers
One missing feature is the sunroof, which rivals like Creta and Seltos offer. However, Citroën has chosen to focus on essentials like comfort and safety.
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Safety and Crash Test Rating
Safety is a big plus point for the Citroën Basalt. It comes with six airbags as standard across all variants. Other safety features include ESP, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers.
Most importantly, the Basalt has scored a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating for both Adult and Child Occupant Protection. This makes it one of the safest options in its segment.
Engine, Performance, and Mileage
The Citroën Basalt comes with two engine options:
- 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Power: 82 PS
- Torque: 115 Nm
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
- Mileage: ~18.0 km/l (ARAI)
- 1.2-litre Turbo-Petrol
- Power: 110 PS
- Torque: 205 Nm (manual) / 190 Nm (automatic)
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Mileage: ~19.5 km/l (manual), ~18.7 km/l (automatic)
The naturally aspirated version is better suited for city use, while the turbo-petrol delivers stronger performance for highway runs and overtakes. The 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smooth in traffic, though not the sportiest in kick-down response.
Ride and Handling
One of Citroën’s biggest strengths is suspension tuning. The Basalt rides beautifully on rough Indian roads. Potholes and speed breakers are handled with ease, and highway stability is solid. Steering is light for city manoeuvres but could offer more feedback for enthusiasts.
With 180 mm ground clearance, the Basalt can confidently tackle bad roads and small off-road stretches.
How It Compares to Rivals
The Citroën Basalt offers a fresh alternative to mainstream compact SUVs. While rivals like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos lead on features (panoramic sunroof, ADAS, ventilated seats), the Basalt fights back with:
- Coupe-like styling
- Spacious boot (470 litres)
- Comfortable suspension
- Strong safety package
- Aggressive pricing
The Tata Curvv (petrol and EV) is its most direct rival due to the SUV-coupé design.
Pros and Cons
What’s Good
- Attractive coupe-SUV design
- Spacious 470-litre boot
- Excellent ride comfort on Indian roads
- Six airbags and 4-star Bharat NCAP rating
- Strong turbo-petrol engine with smooth automatic
- Aggressive pricing compared to rivals
What Could Be Better
- No sunroof (not even optional)
- Limited dealer and service network
- Missing advanced features like ADAS, ventilated seats, 360° camera
FAQs on Citroën Basalt
1. When was the Citroën Basalt launched in India?
It was launched in August 2024.
2. What are the engine options?
A 1.2-litre NA petrol (82 PS) and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (110 PS).
3. What mileage can I expect?
Around 18–19.5 km/l (claimed), lower in city traffic.
4. How safe is it?
It has six airbags as standard and a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating.
5. What are the key dimensions?
Length 4,352 mm, wheelbase 2,651 mm, boot 470 litres.
6. Does it have a sunroof?
No, the Basalt does not get a sunroof.
7. What is the price range?
₹8.3–14.1 lakh ex-showroom (2025).
Conclusion – Should You Buy Citroën Basalt in India?
The Citroën Basalt is a refreshing SUV-coupé that stands out in India’s crowded compact SUV segment. It combines European styling, spacious interiors, excellent ride quality, and a strong focus on safety. While it misses out on a sunroof and some luxury features, its comfort and practicality make it a smart family choice.
If you value comfort, safety, and space over flashy features, the Citroën Basalt deserves to be on your shortlist. For Indian buyers looking for something different from the usual Creta-Seltos crowd, the Basalt is a strong contender.
Author- Ayush
