Citroen is gearing up to launch the Basalt in the first week of August. The coupe SUV is set to break covers just ahead of the official launch of Curvv, its direct rival. Both models are vying for a piece of share in the compact C-segment of SUVs featuring the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and others.
The coupe SUV has been spotted testing on a number of occasions in recent months. Ahead of its market debut, Citroen has started its promotional campaign for Basalt on its social media handles. The French carmaker has shared three more teasers in the past 24 hours, highlighting distinct attributes of the Basalt— Design, Comfort, and Technology.
Citroen Basalt: Design
In one of the teasers, Citroen provides glimpses of Basalt’s exterior design with the most distinct highlight being a sharp receding roofline of a coupe. Apart from the profile and the new alloy wheels, there is hardly anything to differentiate between the Basalt and the C3 Aircross.
Up front, the Basalt shares a striking resemblance to its more conventionally styled sibling, the C3 Aircross. Both models feature the same chrome Chevron emblem, a split grille, and a faux silver skid plate. While the C3 Aircross makes do with halogen headlamps, the Basalt seemingly upgrades to projector LED units, though the LED DRLs remain identical.
Sideways, both cars exhibit a similar profile with elements like plastic cladding, squared wheel arches, and alloy wheels. However, Basalt’s taillights offer a sportier edge compared to the C3 Aircross. Additional design highlights include glossy black accents around the wheel arches and door sills, faux skid plates at both ends, and an all-black alloy wheel design.
Citroen Basalt: Comfort & Technology
In the second teaser, Citroen highlights cabin comfort revealing dedicated arm rests for driver and front passenger as well as for the rear passengers. The rear armrests specifically incorporate cupholders and a phone holder. Moreover, the headrests get side support, further accentuating the comfort quotient of the SUV.
Besides comfort, Citroen has also laid focus on technology which has been highlighted in the third teaser. Features like LED projector headlights, LED tail lights, auto headlights and wipers, a 10.25-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument console, smartphone connectivity and navigation, wireless charging, and much more. In terms of safety, Basalt will get six airbags, ABS with EBD, and 360-degree camera.
Citroen Basalt: Powertrain
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. There will be no diesel engine on offer.
