The Curvv-rivalling Citroen Basalt Vision is slated to be unveiled later today. Citroen is the French carmaker which has been in our market for a couple of years now. During this while, it has launched 4 SUVs in our market – C5 Aircross, C3, C3 Aircross and e-C3. Apart from that, there have been many test mules spotted in recent times of the upcoming models. Now, Citroen has officially announced the Basalt Vision coupe-SUV which will rival the upcoming Tata Curvv in our market. Let us take a look at the details of this case here.
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Tata Curvv-Rivalling Citroen Basalt Vision
In the official press release, the rear section of the Citroen Basalt Vision has been teased. The silhouette is evidently visible but the exact design is not showcased. Still, we are able to deduce some aspects of the Basalt Vision via the image in the press release. Firstly, there is a shark fin antenna and a sloping roofline. In fact, the bootlid-mounted spoiler and LED taillamp design are also visible. This is a clear indication of what the design philosophy of this Basalt Vision will encompass. The official debut date is 27th March, 2024.
The test mules in the past have also showcased some key details. This includes a sculpted design of the bonnet. Since it will be based on the same platform as the C3, e-C3 and C3 Aircross. In fact, the dimensions will be closer to the C3 Aircross, which is around 4.3 m. That is exactly what the Tata Curvv will measure too. This puts it right in the middle of the mighty competitive mid-size SUV segment which consists of products like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and more. In essence, most exterior elements would be borrowed by the C3 Aircross.
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Interior and Features
In the past, Citroen has struggled with the lack of top features in its vehicles. For instance, the C3 is a micro SUV which rivals the likes of Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter in our market. The latter two are among the most feature-rich products in this space. However, the French carmaker has opted for a low-cost approach to woo Indian customers. In a bid to do that, however, it has left tons of features from the equipment list in the C3. It wouldn’t want to repeat this mistake going forward.
Hence, we can expect the latest tech, connectivity and convenience features, at least in the top trims of the lineup. These could include things like a 10.1-inch infotainment display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, powered ORVMs, connectivity functions, a 12 V socket, automatic air conditioning, engine start/stop function and keyless entry. Moreover, it could even bear some new amenities like auto-dimming IRVM, a sunroof, LED headlamps, 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear-view camera, parking sensors and more. We shall know the exact feature list once Citroen reveals it.
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Specs
Since the Basalt Vision will be based on the C3 and C3 Aircross, we don’t expect it to bear any changes to the powertrain options. Hence, it could use the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine which generates a decent 110 PS and 190 Nm of peak power and torque. There are options of choosing between either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. With the latter, the torque output increases by 15 Nm to reach 205 Nm. We expect all these options with the Citroen Basalt Vision too. Interestingly, the C3 Aircross offers a 5+2 seating layout as well. But with the sloping roofline toward the rear, we don’t expect it to have that configuration in the Basalt Vision.
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Citroen e-C3 Scores 0 Stars at Global NCAP
In a recent news report, the e-C3 brought home a rather disappointing 0 stars at the Global NCAP. In the Adult Occupant Protection, the e-C3 scored 0 stars but in the Child Occupant Protection category, it scored just 1 star. These days, it is crucial to offer high crash ratings to the customers in order to succeed. People are getting more and more particular about safety ratings before making a purchase decision. In India, this healthy trend has been started with Tata Motors by making the Nexon as the first Made-in-India car to offer a full 5-star safety rating. Therefore, in order to succeed, the French carmaker has to ensure that it offers all these aspects to stand any chance against the mighty success of the rivals in this segment.
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Author’s Note
The mid-size SUV segment has been growing rapidly in the last few years. Almost all major carmakers have some offering in this space. In fact, even Citroen already possesses the C3 Aircross. But with the Basalt Vision, it aims to cater to an even wider audience who are looking for something unique and out of the ordinary. Let us keep an eye out for more details about the Curvv-Rivalling Citroen Basalt Vision and how well the customers embrace it once it actually launches.
