Citroen Basalt Coupe-SUV Breaks Cover, Global Debut On August 2

Citroen has revealed the production-ready Basalt coupe-SUV. It looks similar to the earlier design sketches.

Set to make its global debut on August 2, the Basalt brings some fresh updates over the prototype shown a few months ago.

The new Basalt features a matte finish for its plastic cladding, replacing the gloss black seen before. The diamond-cut alloy wheels have been scaled down to what’s expected to be 17 inches. Despite its premium status, it retains old-school flap-type door handles and halogen tail-lamps, though it will come equipped with modern LED projector headlamps and Daytime Running Lamps.

According to the official Press Release, Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroën Design, shared, “The New Citroën BASALT is a new type of silhouette, complementing C3 and C3 Aircross in India. It brings together the best of two worlds: the robustness and versatility of a SUV, the roominess and efficiency of a Coupé. The proportions of BASALT mix the strength of SUV codes, with its fenders and claddings, while its fastback silhouette brings out the elegance of a Coupé. The falling roofline is also a nod to iconic models, such as the CX (1974) and more recently, the popular C4.”

Inside, the Basalt will sport a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and auto climate control with toggle switches. It will also feature contoured rear headrests and a front armrest with storage. A striking red paint option will be available, with other colors still to be announced.

One noticeable omission is the sunroof, a feature increasingly popular in SUVs. While competitors like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer panoramic sunroofs, the Basalt does not, putting it at a disadvantage in a feature-rich segment. The upcoming Tata Curvv, a major rival, will include a panoramic sunroof.

Under the hood, the Basalt will use the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine found in the C3 Aircross, delivering 110 bhp and 205 Nm of torque. It will offer a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Positioned above the C3 Aircross, the Basalt is expected to start at around Rs 11 lakh-12 lakh (ex-showroom).