Citroën Basalt Coupe SUV Launched In India: Variant Features, Pricing & Competitor Analysis

Citroën India has unveiled the much-anticipated Basalt Coupe SUV, marking its entry into the Indian market with a starting price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory). This introductory offer is available for bookings made until October 31, with the prices for other variants to be announced later in August. The Basalt is available for booking online or at nearest dealerships, with a booking amount of Rs 11,000.

Variant Overview: Entry-Level to Top-of-the-Line
The Citroën Basalt comes in three distinct variants: You, Plus, and Max, each offering a different set of features and engine options. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what each variant offers:

Basalt You - Starting at Rs 7.99 Lakh
The Basalt You is the entry-level variant, designed to provide essential features at an accessible price point. It is powered by a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engine paired with a manual transmission. The You variant comes equipped with 16-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights, fabric seats with ISOFIX mounts, and turn indicators mounted on the fenders. Safety features include rear parking sensors, six airbags, ABS, and electronic stability programme (ESP). Other features include front power windows, a 12V charging socket, and a minimalistic yet functional interior setup.

Basalt Plus (NA Engine) - Expected Price: Rs 9 Lakh
The Plus variant, which is expected to be priced around Rs 9 lakh, builds upon the features of the You variant. It includes 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and LED DRLs. The Plus variant also sports a gloss black grille and ORVMs, dual-tone dashboard, and steering-mounted audio controls. It comes with a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, front USB charging port, all four power windows, TPMS, and a height-adjustable driver seat.

Basalt Plus (Turbo Engine) - Expected Price: Rs 10 - 12 Lakh
The Plus variant with the turbo engine is expected to range between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh. It includes all the features of the NA engine Plus variant but adds more advanced amenities such as LED projector headlamps with fog lamps, front and rear skid plates, and a sliding armrest. It also offers rear USB charging ports, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, a rear reading lamp, and rear defogger. This variant provides a choice between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Basalt Max (Turbo Engine) - Expected Price: Rs 13.5 Lakh
The Max is the top-of-the-line variant, expected to be priced around Rs 13.5 lakh. It is exclusively offered with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This variant includes all the features of the Plus (Turbo) but further enhances the driving experience with dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, a shark fin antenna, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Additional features include rear headrests with extra support, rear seat tilt cushion for under-thigh support (AT), chrome bezel gear knob (AT), boot light, rearview camera, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Market Position and Competition
The Citroën Basalt is the fourth model under Citroën's C-Cubed programme, following the C3 and eC3 hatchbacks and the C3 Aircross SUV. It is set to compete directly with the Tata Curvv, which also offers a range of engine options including a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with varying power outputs. The Curvv's engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, offering a broad spectrum of performance options.