The Indian compact SUV segment continues to evolve rapidly, with new entrants embracing innovative designs, feature-rich cabins, and efficient powertrains. A key player making waves in this segment is the Citroen Basalt, a uniquely styled SUV coupe that combines French automotive flair with pragmatic Indian market sensibilities. Positioned as Citroen’s third model for India, the Basalt targets customers seeking a distinct, comfortable, and practical vehicle, priced competitively between ₹7.95 lakh and ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
This comprehensive article dives into everything about the 2025 Citroen Basalt—its bold design philosophy, spacious and comfortable interiors, engine and performance specifications, safety features, pricing, variants, key competitors, and anticipated launch details. For those considering a standout SUV in India’s crowded market, the Basalt demands attention.
Anticipated Launch and Availability
The Citroen Basalt made its Indian debut with an official launch in early September 2025, with bookings opening weeks earlier during August. The brand also launched the Basalt X variant—a premium variant boasting additional features and a dual-tone interior theme. The availability is nationwide, with Citroen aiming to build on its small but growing market presence in India.
Priced starting from ₹7.95 lakh for the base manual variant and reaching up to ₹14.10 lakh for the top-end automatic turbocharged model, the Basalt offers compelling value compared to rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and Tata Curvv.
Distinctive and Bold Exterior Design
One of the most striking aspects of the Basalt is its SUV coupe design, a rarity in its price bracket in India. The sloping roofline offers a sporty silhouette, blending the muscular appeal of an SUV with the sleekness of a coupe.
- The front fascia exhibits a close resemblance to the Citroen C3 Aircross, accentuated by sharp LED projector headlamps in higher variants adding a premium appeal.
- 16-inch alloy wheels are standard, striking a balance between aesthetics and ride comfort, though critics note they appear slightly undersized relative to the car’s body.
- Rear design continues the unique theme with angular tail lamps and distinctive styling, although some perceive the rear as a bit heavy-set visually.
- Available color options include eye-catching shades like Garnet Red, Polar White, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, and Cosmos Blue, with dual-tone roof options adding to the visual appeal.
This bold styling is meant to cater to urban buyers who want to stand out with a tasteful yet distinctive design.
Spacious and Comfortable Interiors
Stepping inside, the Basalt impresses with a well-thought-out, spacious, and user-friendly cabin. Citroen has emphasized comfort and practicality throughout the interior layout:
- Entry and exit are made easy by large, wide-opening doors with optimized seat heights, assisting elderly and taller passengers.
- The dashboard echoes the C3 Aircross’s minimalist yet elegant design, featuring soft textures and tasteful chrome highlights on vents and control knobs.
- The cabin benefits from light hues on the lower dashboard, imparting an airy and welcoming atmosphere.
- Front seats offer height adjustment (in top variants) ensuring drivers can find a comfortable driving position, although the steering wheel adjusts only for height, not reach.
- Rear seats set a benchmark for comfort in this segment with notable underthigh support adjustment, ample legroom, and sufficient headroom despite the sloping roofline.
- Practicality is enhanced with generous storage spaces including large door pockets, a wireless phone charger, cup holders, and a deep glovebox.
Passengers, particularly those in the rear, will appreciate the long journeys thanks to the ergonomic design and space considerations.
Advanced Infotainment and Convenience Features
Citroen has packed the Basalt with a modern infotainment suite designed for ease of use and connectivity:
- The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, facilitating effortless smartphone integration.
- A 7-inch digital driver’s display provides essential driving information, though customization options are limited.
- Audio is delivered via a 6-speaker setup, adequate for the segment but trailing behind competitors with branded sound systems.
- Wireless charging, automatic climate control, electric folding wing mirrors, and rear AC vents add to overall convenience.
- Unfortunately, some features like cruise control, power-adjusted driver seats, seat ventilation, push-button start, and sunroof are missing, especially in lower trims.
Engine and Performance Specifications
The Citroen Basalt offers two petrol engine options focusing on fuel efficiency and city driving practicality:
- A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing around 82 PS and 115 Nm, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission in the base variant.
- A more powerful 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 110 PS and 190-205 Nm torque, offered with manual and automatic gearboxes.
Though the power output may seem modest compared to turbocharged rivals like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, the engine is tuned for smooth, responsive city driving with adequate refinement. The automatic transmission performs adequately in stop-and-go traffic but occasionally hesitates during sudden overtaking maneuvers, requiring a bit of anticipation from the driver.
Fuel efficiency ratings range between 18 kmpl and 19.5 kmpl depending on variant and transmission.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Basalt delivers a balanced ride suited to both urban environments and highway cruising:
- Ride comfort benefits from a well-tuned suspension, delivering plushness over potholes and rough roads.
- Sound insulation is improved over Citroen’s previous models, reducing road and wind noise for a quieter cabin environment.
- Handling is predictable with light steering feedback making maneuvering in tight city spaces effortless.
- Longer drives are made more comfortable as the suspension easily soaks in road imperfections without transmitting harshness to the cabin.
Though the SUV coupe design may limit rear headroom slightly, the comfortable seat setup and ride quality compensate well for this compromise.
Safety Features
Safety has received due attention with essential features provided throughout the lineup:
- Six airbags covering driver, front passenger, and side safety.
- Standard ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
- Three-point seat belts with alarm systems for all occupants.
- Structural enhancements aimed at improving crash safety performance.
- Rear seats lack load sensors, meaning seatbelt alarms remain active even if unoccupied.
While Citroen’s safety configuration is competitive, prospective buyers should note the absence of advanced driver assistance systems found in some segment rivals.
Boot Space and Practicality
The Citroen Basalt boasts a generous 470-litre boot, which is larger than most in its price segment, offering ample space for luggage and family outings.
- Large hatch opening facilitates easy loading and unloading.
- The fixed rear seatback does not offer a 60:40 split-fold, reducing flexibility when carrying long items with full passenger occupancy.
- Overall boot usability and cubic capacity make the Basalt a practical vehicle for families and young professionals alike.
Variants and Pricing
The Basalt is available in multiple trims, including the base You variant, intermediate Plus and Plus Turbo trims, and premium Max Turbo editions, some of which feature dual-tone paint schemes and exclusive interior themes like the Basalt X.
- Entry price starts at ₹7.95 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base manual petrol variant.
- The fully loaded automatic Max Turbo Dark Edition is priced at approximately ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
These competitive price points offer an attractive proposition for buyers seeking a stylish, feature-packed SUV coupe without breaking the bank.
Competitors and Market Positioning
The Citroen Basalt competes in a crowded marketplace with notable rivals such as:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Tata Curvv
- Skoda Kushaq
- Maruti Grand Vitara
Basalt’s distinctive styling, comfortable rear seats, and spacious boot space differentiate it from these competitors, especially for buyers valuing unique design and rear seat comfort. However, feature gaps and less powerful engine options position it as an alternative for niche buyers rather than direct mainstream rivals.
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Why Choose the Citroen Basalt?
- Unique SUV Coupe Design: Stands out in a sea of similar-looking compact SUVs.
- Rear Seat Comfort: Best-in-class under-thigh support and spacious rear seating.
- Spacious Boot: Massive luggage capacity ideal for families and travel enthusiasts.
- Competitive Pricing: Affordable options across variants catering to budget-conscious buyers.
While the Basalt may lack some premium touches and high-performance engines seen on competitors, it compensates with comfort, practicality, and a bold design statement.
Conclusion
The Citroen Basalt 2025 marks a significant stride for Citroen in the Indian compact SUV market. With its striking SUV coupe styling, spacious and comfortable interiors, efficient petrol engines, and feature-rich variants, the Basalt is tailored for urban buyers who want to combine style with substance.
Its launch in 2025 introduces fresh competition in the compact SUV segment and opens up new choices for those looking beyond conventional offerings. For prospective buyers valuing distinct design, rear passenger comfort, and ample boot space at an affordable price, the Basalt is a compelling option to test drive and consider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When was the Citroen Basalt launched in India?
It was launched in September 2025 with immediate availability in most cities.
Q2: What is the price range of the Citroen Basalt?
Prices range from ₹7.95 lakh to ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on variant and transmission type.
Q3: What engine options are available?
There are two petrol engines: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 82 PS unit and a 1.2-litre turbocharged 110 PS engine with manual and automatic options.
Q4: How spacious is the rear seating?
The Basalt offers best-in-class rear seat comfort with adjustable under-thigh support and ample legroom.
Q5: What are the main competitors of the Citroen Basalt?
Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, and Skoda Kushaq are leading rivals in the space.