The French carmaker will be the first one in the country to offer a coupe SUV for the masses at affordable prices.
The much-anticipated Citroen Basalt has been spotted in all its glory before the launch. We will get the coupe SUV in our market on August 2. However, just days prior to the launch event, there have been multiple instances of the coupe SUV in public without any camouflage. Hence, almost everyone has seen the actual vehicle in the flesh by now. That, sort of, takes away some excitement from the actual launch. Still, I expect the French carmaker to showcase new elements including interior features and tech amenities. For now, let us glance at the details of the Citroen Basalt in two different sightings.
Citroen Basalt Seen Ahead of Launch
Both these videos emerge from Raftaar 7811 on YouTube. In the first case, a swanky red coupe SUV is seen parked on the road. It looks like the top model due to various aesthetic components. At the front, it bears the typical Citroen design pattern with parallel chrome belts with a Chevron logo at the centre, these belts neatly merge into LED DRLs on either side along with the headlamp clusters. Apart from that, there are fog lamps on the lower section of the bumper along with a rugged silver skid plate. It bears a dual-tone colour theme with a black roof and ORVMs. The alloy wheels are stylish and modern and the wheel arches are pronounced. At the rear, we get the shark fin antenna, rugged bumper with a sporty skid plate and a sloping roofline completing the coupe stance.
In the second sighting, a grey-coloured coupe SUV surfaces. This seems like a lower trim. While the overall silhouette and elements remain almost similar, there are some distinct differences which set it apart from the higher variants. For instance, the front fascia looks less flashy and there are no alloy wheels. Also, this version doesn’t get a shark fin antenna but a traditional one. Also, it is available in a single-paint theme. However, even this is parked on the roadside without any camouflage.
Specs
The Citroen Basalt is based on the C3 Aircross and will most likely share the powertrain and transmission combinations from it as well. Also, it will utilize the familiar CMP architecture which is what the French automaker uses to make mass-market SUVs for India. This means that we will get to see a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol mill which could generate around 110 PS and 205 Nm (w/ AT) of peak power and torque. This engine will pair with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. At present, the C3 Aircross has a price tag between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 14.11 lakh, ex-showroom. The Basalt will command a considerable premium over these prices.
| Specs | Citroen Basalt (exp.) |
| Engine | 1.2L 3-cyl Turbo Petrol |
| Power | 110 PS |
| Torque | 205 Nm |
| Transmission | MT / AT |
Our View
Citroen has not been able to achieve the kind of numbers it was looking for with the C3 and C3 Aircross. The competition in the mid-size SUV segment is immensely fierce. Hence, potential buyers have tons of options. I feel the lack of modern-day amenities and an impressive cabin didn’t sit well with the buyers. I am hoping that Citroen would’ve learnt its lesson and we will see the Basalt with the latest tech and convenience features to reel new customers in. Let us keep an eye out for the launch ceremony to know all the details.
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