After multiple teasers on social media and numerous spy shots over the last few months, Citroen has finally unveiled the first official images of its next big offering for the Indian market called Basalt. The coupe SUV is slated to make its official debut on August 2. Some dealerships have reportedly started accepting bookings for the same although unofficially.
Interested customers can book the Citroen Basalt for Rs 25,000 at an authorised Citroen dealership across India. Deliveries for the same will happen later after the Basalt has been unveiled and the prices are announced. The official images are the first clear pictures of the production-spec Basalt which reveal the design in its entirety.
Citroen Basalt exterior revealed
Presenting the design philosophy of the brand, Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroën Design, said,“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 coupe profile is said to be inspired by iconic Citroen models like the CX (1974) and more recently, the C4.
Speaking of the roofline, it extends all the way up to the trunk lid and merges with a large tailgate providing great accessibility to the boot while allowing the silhouette to have reminiscent codes of the coupés. Sticking to the side profile, it gets strong fenders enhancing the car’s stance and complemented by the geometric shape of the wheel arches.
Basalt’s exterior design largely mirrors its sibling— C3 Aircross— with the exception of its distinctive side profile and new alloy wheel design. Up front, the Basalt bears a strong resemblance to the C3 Aircross, sharing the same chrome Chevron emblem, split grille, and faux silver skid plate. While the C3 Aircross features halogen headlamps, the Basalt appears to upgrade to projector LED units, although the LED DRLs remain identical.
The sculpted clamshell bonnet also adds to the overall stance of the vehicle. Basalt also inherits the same chrome-lined Chevron logo at the top, two-part grille, and faux silver skid plate from the C3 Aircross, creating a sense of continuity between the two models. Overall, the Basalt’s exterior design builds upon the familiar aesthetic of the C3 Aircross, with subtle yet distinctive enhancements.
Citroen Basalt: Features & Specs
Although Citroen has not officially unveiled the interior images of the Basalt, the French automaker has provided a sneak peek into the cabin through its social media channels. The preview reveals several notable features, including dedicated armrests for both the driver and front passenger, as well as for rear occupants.
The rear armrests are particularly well-appointed, featuring integrated cupholders and a phone holder for added convenience. Furthermore, the headrests boast enhanced side support, elevating the overall comfort and luxury of the SUV’s interior. These thoughtful design elements hint at a premium cabin experience in the Citroen Basalt.
Citroen is still tightlipped about the powertrain to be offered in Basalt. Based on the same CMP (common modular platform) architecture as C3 Aircross, the coupe SUV is expected to utilise the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, mated to either a manual or torque converter automatic transmission. This motor churns out 109 bhp and 190 Nm (205 Nm in AT). Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
