Citroën Launches Basalt Dark Edition; First Unit Delivered to MS Dhoni

​Citroën India has joined the growing wave of special edition models by unveiling the Basalt Dark Edition, a limited-run variant of its upcoming coupe-SUV. Launched alongside the Dark Editions of the C3 and C3 Aircross, the Basalt Dark Edition marks Citroën's latest push to add excitement and exclusivity to its lineup. The very first unit was delivered to none other than cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, adding a celebrity sheen to the special edition’s debut.

A Meaner, Moodier Basalt

This exclusive version of the Basalt stays true to its core design but comes dressed in a striking Perla Nera black exterior finish, a colour exclusive to this edition. The cosmetic enhancements focus on dark-themed elements to lend a more aggressive and premium road presence. Notable tweaks include dark chrome accents for the Citroën logo and other trim pieces, contrasting well with red inserts near the fog lamps. The silver front skid plate remains unchanged, preserving the rugged cues of the standard SUV coupe.
While the 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels are carried over from the regular model, the addition of Dark Edition badging on the front doors, right below the ORVMs, gives it a distinct identity. At the rear, the dark chrome Citroën logo is the only deviation, as the LED taillights and rear skid plate are unchanged from the standard Max variant.

A Cabin with Dark-Themed Drama

Step inside the Basalt Dark Edition, and the cabin reflects a carefully curated aesthetic shift. The theme now centres around carbon black interiors with a white roof, enhancing the sporty yet plush appeal. The standout feature here is the black leatherette upholstery with ‘Dark Edition’ embossing, Lava Red contrast stitching, and silver inserts, which are exclusive to this version. The dashboard gets a dark leatherette wrap with silver accents, giving it a more premium, tactile finish.

Illuminated Citroën scuff plates, which are typically offered only as accessories, come as standard on this model. Another unique touch is the inclusion of multi-colour ambient lighting, adding a splash of vibrance to the otherwise stealthy interior.

Packed to the Gills with Features

Since the Basalt Dark Edition is based on the top-spec ‘Max’ variant, it doesn’t compromise on equipment. It retains features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless phone charger, automatic AC with rear vents, a 6-speaker sound system, keyless entry, steering-mounted controls, and a rear defogger.

On the safety front, it offers six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a rearview camera with parking sensors.

Powertrain and Price

The Citroën Basalt Dark Edition is powered by the familiar 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 110 PS and up to 205 Nm of torque. It is available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Here’s how the pricing stacks up against the standard Max variant:

Rivals and Segment Context

With this launch, Citroën positions the Basalt Dark Edition as a direct rival to the Tata Curvv, which also has its own Dark Edition in the works. Beyond that, it also serves as an alternative to mainstream compact SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, and Skoda Kushaq, several of which also come in dark-themed variants.

With a focus on design enhancements and creature comforts, the Citroën Basalt Dark Edition builds upon the foundation of the standard model while offering a more distinctive personality. With MS Dhoni as its first customer, Citroën may have just hit the sweet spot in blending sportiness, exclusivity, and star power.

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