Summary
The Citroen Basalt is a stylish coupe-style compact SUV designed especially for Indian buyers. It combines a bold design with practical space and good fuel efficiency. Powered by the proven 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine in both naturally aspirated and turbo versions, it comes with manual and automatic gearbox choices. Prices in India currently start at around ₹8.32 lakh and go up to ₹14.10 lakh ex-showroom. If you want something unique, modern, and budget-friendly in the SUV market, the Citroen Basalt is a smart option.
Quick Spec Table — Citroen Basalt (India, 2025)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Segment | Compact Coupe SUV (5-seater) |
| Engines | 1.2 NA petrol (PureTech 82); 1.2 turbo petrol (PureTech 110) |
| Power & Torque | Up to 110 hp, 205 Nm |
| Gearboxes | 5MT (NA), 6MT / 6-speed automatic (TC) (turbo) |
| Dimensions (L x W) | 4352 x 1765 mm; wheelbase 2651 mm |
| Ground Clearance | ~180 mm |
| Fuel Efficiency (ARAI) | 18–19.5 km/l |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Variants | You, Plus, Max |
| Current Price Range | ₹8.32 – ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
Introduction — What is the Citroen Basalt?
The Citroen Basalt is a compact SUV with a sporty coupé roofline. It sits above the C3 hatchback and alongside the C3 Aircross in Citroen’s India line-up. Citroen’s idea was simple: give Indian customers a fresh design, modern features, and a torquey turbo-petrol engine at an affordable price. The Basalt was first shown as the Basalt Vision in 2024 and entered the market soon after.
Design & Road Presence
Coupe stance with SUV attitude
The Basalt carries a high bonnet, split LED DRLs, and a wide grille. The sloping roof gives it a sporty coupé-SUV look that stands out from rivals like Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue.
Well-judged size for Indian roads
At 4,352 mm long and 1,765 mm wide, the Basalt feels spacious yet manageable in Indian cities. The 2,651 mm wheelbase also ensures decent stability and rear space.
Cabin, Space & Practicality
Family-friendly 5-seater layout
Inside, the Basalt is a proper five-seater SUV with good knee room and a comfortable rear bench. Two adults can sit at the back with ease, and a third can squeeze in for shorter city runs.
Useful storage and everyday ease
It offers multiple storage areas including deep door pockets and a central console. The boot has a low loading lip, making it practical for family trips and shopping runs.
Also Read Renault Kiger 2025 Review – Stylish, Budget-Friendly Compact SUV for Indian Roads
Engines & Gearboxes
Proven 1.2 PureTech petrol engines
The Basalt gets two engine options — the 1.2-litre NA petrol for calm city commutes, and the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol (PureTech 110) for enthusiasts. The turbo delivers 110 hp and 205 Nm, making it one of the torquiest SUVs in its class.
Manual and smooth automatic gearbox options
The NA version comes with a 5-speed manual, while the turbo is offered with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The AT version is smooth in city traffic and stable on highways.
Performance, Ride & Handling
City performance: torquey and light
Thanks to 205 Nm torque, the turbo engine pulls strongly at low revs, making overtakes easy. The steering is light, perfect for crowded Indian traffic and narrow lanes.
Highway performance: stable and composed
On highways, the long wheelbase helps the Basalt stay planted. The 6-speed automatic keeps revs low at cruising speeds, making long journeys comfortable and fuel-efficient.
Features & Technology
Modern infotainment and connectivity
Depending on the variant, the Basalt comes with automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and connected features. Higher trims get a large touchscreen and digital cluster.
Claimed numbers that matter
Fuel efficiency is rated between 18–19.5 km/l, which is impressive for a turbo-petrol SUV. The turbo automatic also claims quick acceleration, doing 0–100 km/h in under 10 seconds.
Safety & Braking
Active safety and driver aids
The SUV is equipped with ABS, EBD, ESC (on higher trims), rear parking sensors, rear camera, and multiple airbags. Tyre pressure monitoring is available on top trims.
Structure and stability
The raised stance, SUV-style clearance, and stable suspension setup ensure safe braking and confident handling even on rough Indian roads.
Variants, Prices & Rivals
Variants and price range
The Citroen Basalt is offered in You, Plus, and Max trims, each with manual and automatic sub-variants. Prices range from ₹8.32 lakh to ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Rivals in the Indian market
The Basalt rivals the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. Its unique coupé styling and turbo performance give it an edge in personality.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Strong mileage for daily use
The ARAI-claimed mileage is 18–19.5 km/l depending on the engine and gearbox. In real conditions, buyers can expect around 14–16 km/l in mixed driving.
Service and maintenance
Citroen is still growing its service network in India, but online service booking and shared parts with other Citroen models help reduce costs.
Ownership Experience & Comfort
Everyday comfort with coupe flair
Despite the sloping roof, the Basalt offers decent headroom. The higher seating makes it easy for elders to get in and out.
Weekend practicality
The wide boot mouth and folding seats make it useful for road trips and family luggage. The automatic turbo is the best option for frequent travellers.
Who Should Buy the Citroen Basalt?
Buy it if you want style + value
Choose the Basalt if you need a stylish, compact SUV that’s easy to drive, efficient, and comes with a powerful turbo option at a competitive price.
Consider alternatives if…
You want diesel or hybrid efficiency, or if after-sales service network size is your top priority.
Pros & Cons
What’s good
- Eye-catching coupé SUV design
- Strong 1.2 turbo engine with 205 Nm torque
- Smooth 6-speed automatic
- Claimed 18–19.5 km/l mileage
- Competitive pricing (₹8.32–₹14.10 lakh)
What could be better
- No diesel or hybrid option
- Safety kit varies by variant
- Limited service network compared to rivals
FAQs — Citroen Basalt India (2025)
Q1. What are the engine options of Citroen Basalt?
It comes with a 1.2 NA petrol and a 1.2 turbo-petrol (110 hp, 205 Nm).
Q2. Does Citroen Basalt have an automatic gearbox?
Yes, the turbo gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Q3. What is the mileage of Citroen Basalt?
The ARAI-claimed mileage is 18–19.5 km/l.
Q4. What are the dimensions?
Length 4352 mm, width 1765 mm, wheelbase 2651 mm, and ground clearance around 180 mm.
Q5. What is the price range?
Ex-showroom prices in India are ₹8.32–₹14.10 lakh.
Q6. Which variant is the best value for money?
The Plus or Max Turbo variants strike the best balance of features, power, and price.
Conclusion — Should You Buy the Citroen Basalt in 2025?
If you want a compact SUV that looks sporty, premium, and different from the crowd, the Citroen Basalt is a strong choice. It offers modern features, high fuel efficiency, and a punchy turbo-petrol engine at an affordable price. The only drawbacks are the limited service network and no diesel/hybrid options. For urban Indian families and young buyers, the Basalt makes a stylish, practical, and value-packed SUV under ₹15 lakh.
Author- Ayush
