The Citroen Basalt, newly launched in India, is a stylish and bold entry into the competitive compact SUV segment. Positioned as a coupe-SUV, it blends the aggressive stance of an SUV with a sporty, sloping roofline, making it a unique offering. The Basalt takes on a more youthful and dynamic character compared to its sibling, the Citroen C3 Aircross, which leans towards a more conventional SUV design.
Design and Styling: Sporty vs. Conventional
The most noticeable difference between the Citroen Basalt and the C3 Aircross is their exterior design. The Basalt is designed with a coupe-like roofline that slopes toward the rear, giving it a sportier and more urban-friendly appearance. It’s targeted at buyers looking for a stylish and premium aesthetic.
In contrast, the C3 Aircross adopts a more traditional SUV design, with a focus on practicality. It has a boxier profile, larger windows, and a higher roofline, which may appeal to those who prioritize space and a rugged SUV appearance over sporty design.
Backseat Experience: Comfort All Around
The backseat experience in the Citroen Basalt stands out as one of its key selling points. Despite its sloping roofline, Citroen has ensured that rear passengers have ample headroom and legroom, which is quite impressive for a coupe-SUV. The seat comfort is enhanced by Citroen’s signature focus on cushioned ride quality, ensuring that long drives remain comfortable for rear-seat passengers.
On the other hand, the C3 Aircross, with its more traditional SUV form, offers even more spacious rear seating. The upright roofline of the Aircross translates into better headroom, and the wider rear bench makes it a bit more comfortable for three passengers. It’s an ideal choice for larger families or those prioritizing space.
Riding Experience: Comfort with a Dash of Fun
When it comes to the riding experience, Citroen’s vehicles are known for their comfort-oriented suspension setups, and the Basalt is no exception. It offers a soft, plush ride that absorbs most bumps and undulations with ease, making it a great choice for city commuting and long highway journeys. The 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine in the Basalt, shared with the C3 Aircross, delivers smooth and peppy performance, offering enough power for both urban environments and open roads.
Compared to the C3 Aircross, which also provides a similar ride experience, the Basalt’s sportier character is noticeable, thanks to its coupe-like design that gives it a slightly firmer ride. However, this added firmness doesn’t compromise the comfort that Citroen is known for, and both vehicles perform admirably in handling city traffic and highway cruising with ease.
Variants and Pricing
The Citroen Basalt is expected to come in multiple variants to cater to different customer preferences. Though detailed variant information is still unfolding, we expect the Basalt to start around ₹12-14 lakh (ex-showroom), offering competitive pricing in the coupe-SUV category.
For comparison:
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- Citroen C3 Aircross is priced starting from ₹9.99 lakh and goes up to around ₹12.45 lakh for higher trims, making it a more budget-friendly option while still providing a spacious and practical SUV experience.
Final Thoughts: Style or Space?
The Citroen Basalt is clearly aimed at younger buyers or those who prioritize style and a sportier design. Its coupe-SUV profile, comfortable interiors, and Citroen’s signature plush ride make it an attractive option in the compact SUV market. However, if you’re someone who values space and practicality above design, the C3 Aircross might be a better fit with its more conventional SUV proportions.
Ultimately, both the Basalt and the C3 Aircross excel in comfort and ride quality, but the decision comes down to whether you prefer the sporty flair of the Basalt or the spacious practicality of the C3 Aircross.
