Citroen Unveils the Basalt Coupe-SUV for India

After previewing design sketches in March, Citroen has officially unveiled the production-spec Basalt coupe-SUV for India. This is the fourth model under Citroen’s C-Cubed program, specifically tailored for the Indian market, but it will also be available in South America and Europe. The Basalt, alongside the upcoming Tata Curvv, enters the emerging niche of coupe-SUVs within the competitive midsize SUV segment.

Key Highlights

• Second Midsize Coupe-SUV: Following the Curvv, the Basalt is the second midsize coupe-SUV to be introduced.
• Engine Options: Offers 82hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engines.
• Interior Features: Equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital dials, and automatic air conditioning.

Exterior Design

The production-spec Citroen Basalt closely follows the original design sketches, with the primary change being the matte plastic finish on the body cladding instead of the glossy black shown earlier. The design bears a close resemblance to the C3 Aircross SUV, sharing the same platform.

Front and Profile

The front fascia is nearly identical to the C3 Aircross, featuring the chrome-lined Chevron logo, a two-part grille, and a faux silver skid plate. A notable upgrade is the addition of projector headlamps—a first for a C-Cubed model in India—while the LED daytime running lights and bonnet design remain unchanged.

In profile, the Basalt exhibits a distinct design with squared-off cladding over the wheel arches, a pinched window line, and a smooth roofline leading to the high deck of the boot lid. It features 17-inch alloy wheels and retains the pull-type door handles from the C3 Aircross. The rear end includes a well-contoured tailgate, halogen tail lamps with a 3D effect, and a dual-tone bumper in black and silver.

Color Options

The Basalt is available in five monotone colors: Polar White, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Cosmo Blue, and Garnet Red. The white and red options also offer a contrasting black roof.

Interior and Features

Inside, the Basalt retains the C3 Aircross dashboard but introduces significant upgrades. The HVAC panel now includes digital readouts, toggle switches, and an automatic AC function, replacing the manual controls. Additional improvements include a larger front armrest with storage, redesigned rear headrests, and adjustable thigh support for the rear bench seat—a segment-first feature. The boot can accommodate up to 470 liters of luggage, with rear AC vents located on the roof and behind the front center armrest.

Higher-spec variants feature a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen and a 7-inch all-digital instrument cluster. The familiar three-spoke steering wheel is present, along with a 15W wireless smartphone charger and connected car technology. Citroen’s signature C-Cubed design motifs appear on the central AC vents and steering wheel. The interior combines gloss black and textured surfaces for a stylish look.

Safety Features

All Basalt variants come standard with six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill-hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Powertrain and Specifications

The Basalt is powered by two 1.2-litre petrol engines: an 82hp, 115Nm naturally aspirated unit and a 110hp turbo-petrol engine. The turbo engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox (producing 190Nm) or a 6-speed torque converter automatic (generating 205Nm), while the naturally aspirated engine is available with a 5-speed manual only.

Citroen claims fuel efficiency figures of 18 km/l for the naturally aspirated petrol, 19.5 km/l for the turbo-petrol manual, and 18.7 km/l for the turbo-petrol automatic.

Market Positioning

The Basalt’s introduction coincides with the launch of the Tata Curvv coupe-SUV, its most direct competitor in the midsize SUV segment, along with traditional SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and others.