A massive number of cars are launched in India that don’t provide the driving feel one would expect on a budget. Many people turn to recommendations from their car enthusiast friends, often being advised to upgrade to a Volkswagen or Skoda. However, the main concern remains the budget. It’s rare to find a new vehicle that offers performance within an affordable range. With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the Citroën Basalt—a coupe SUV that strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, offering everything you could need on a budget.
Looks of the Citroen Basalt
I don’t think I need to elaborate on the looks of the Citroën Basalt—you can visit your nearest dealership and form your own opinion. However, one thing I must say is that the Citroën Basalt has a far better design than the Hyundai Verna and the Creta. You might wonder why I’m comparing the Creta and Verna when their price tags don’t even come close to the Basalt. The answer is simple: design matters, and in this aspect, the Basalt outshines its rivals.
The Basalt comes with projector headlights and LEDs, eliminating the need to rely on influencers recommending modifications at car accessory shops. I firmly believe that OEM parts always trump aftermarket modifications in terms of reliability. For those with OEM projectors, there’s no need to worry about voiding warranties or spending extra at service centers for repairs. Trust the manufacturer and opt for the top-end variant—especially the Basalt’s Max variant, which offers excellent value for money.
One aspect I feel could be improved is the door handles; they remind me of the ones in my Fiat Palio. On the bright side, the Basalt’s diamond-cut alloy wheels are a big plus. They not only enhance the car’s charismatic appeal but are also significantly more reliable than aftermarket options.
Interior and features of the Citroen Basalt
We often prioritize features so much that we overlook other positives a car has to offer. Citroën may not provide a panoramic sunroof in the Basalt, but that’s far from a dealbreaker. Essential features like a reverse camera, a 10-inch touchscreen, and a digital MID are more than enough to keep you satisfied on a budget. Additionally, the inclusion of automatic climate control—a feature absent in Citroën’s earlier models like the C3 and Aircross SUV—is a welcome upgrade.
For those who consider a sunroof a necessity, it might be time to rethink priorities. In India, sunroofs are more of a cosmetic feature than a practical one. Citroën does offer connected car technology, though it’s exclusive to the automatic variant. If you’re curious about the features available in different variants, the brochures provide a detailed breakdown.
In my opinion, Citroën has done a great job of including all the essential amenities at a price point that makes sense. Quality matters and the Basalt delivers with its spacious interior and powerful air conditioning—perfect for tackling India’s hot summers. Experience the car for yourself, and you might just fall in love with it.
Driving Experience
Everything you need to know about the engine and transmission options for the Citroën Basalt is readily available in the brochures. However, the real highlight is its frugal yet exciting driving experience, where the Basalt can outshine its Korean competitors on a budget. I had the chance to drive the turbo-petrol variant, and it’s truly a gem in its segment. The PureTech 110 engine made me fall in love with Citroën products, delivering a punchy performance reminiscent of my experience with the same engine in the C3 hatchback.
Despite being a 3-cylinder engine, the insulation levels in the Basalt feel significantly better than those in the Citroën C3 hatchback. This improvement showcases how Citroën is continuously enhancing its newer models. The automatic variant of the Basalt, in particular, makes for an excellent traffic companion. Its seamless gear shifts ensure a jerk-free experience in city driving—a conclusion I can confidently draw after spending some time behind the wheel of this coupe SUV.
Unfortunately, many people focus so much on features that they overlook the impressive ride and handling balance that Citroën cars offer. With the Basalt, I barely felt the potholes, thanks to its suspension, which is perfectly tuned for Indian road conditions. While Indian roads remain full of challenges, cars like the Basalt are designed to handle these imperfections effortlessly.
The steering feels light and convenient for city use, but I’ll reserve my final verdict on its high-speed feedback and handling until I can test it further on highways. So far, the Basalt impresses with its practicality, comfort, and driving dynamics tailored for Indian roads.
Safety of the Car
Those who were concerned about the safety rating will not have to worry about it. The Basalt scored a 4-star rating for adult occupants in the crash test conducted by Bharat NCAP.