Citroën launches Basalt in India at INR 7.99 lakh

Citroën India has opened bookings for its groundbreaking SUV coupé, the Basalt, at an introductory price of INR 7.99 lakh. This move marks the introduction of India’s first mainstream SUV coupé, blending the ruggedness of an SUV with the elegance of a coupé. With its bold design, intuitive technology, and advanced comfort features, the Basalt aims to set a new standard in the midsized and compact SUV market.

A Vision for the Future

Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director of Stellantis India, articulated the brand's ambition: "As a company that instinctively prioritises the comfort and well-being of our customers, we are thrilled to introduce India’s first mainstream SUV coupé. Our vision is clear, to provide an accessible and sophisticated alternative in the rapidly growing midsized and compact SUV market. The Basalt embodies modern, distinctive SUV design, delivering unparalleled comfort, advanced technology, top-tier safety, and exceptional value that Citroën is renowned for. Moreover, it offers the spaciousness and versatile elegance of a coupé, setting a new benchmark in automotive excellence."

The Basalt, according to Shishir Mishra, Brand Director at Citroën India, represents a new era of SUV coupés: “Ushering a new era of SUV coupés in India, the all-new Basalt has been carefully crafted to provide a driving experience once reserved for luxury segments, now accessible to a wider audience. With its sleek lines, refined materials, and focus on the driving experience, the Basalt offers a perfect blend of style, comfort, and performance – A true reflection of our French DNA. We're confident that the Basalt will earn a special place in the hearts and homes of our customers and further strengthen Citroën's foothold in the Indian market.”

Bold Design: A New Aesthetic

The Citroën Basalt's design is a testament to bold and innovative styling. Its seamless roofline and expansive tailgate capture the sleek coupé silhouette, while elegant colour accents near the rear windows and front bumper enhance its sophisticated appeal. The assertive front end, featuring Citroën’s signature rounded design, is marked by a high, horizontal bonnet with concave indentations.

Chrome chevrons stretch across the vehicle's width, seamlessly integrating with Citroën’s LED Vision Projector lighting technology, enhancing the Basalt’s high-tech credentials. The Y-shaped LED daytime running lights further emphasise the bonnet’s clamshell design, adding to its striking presence.

Intuitive Technology: A Modern Driving Experience

Citroën equips the Basalt with state-of-the-art technology aimed at modern drivers. The centrepiece is a 26 cm Citroën Connect in-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) system, featuring seamless Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. This system is complemented by a 17.7 cm Intelli-Smart Driver Information System, ensuring essential driving data is always accessible.

To enhance convenience, the Basalt includes three USB ports and a 15-watt Smart Wireless Charger, keeping devices powered and secure. The MyCitroën Connect feature offers 40 smart features, such as remote start/stop, pre-cooling, and intrusion alerts, keeping occupants connected with the Basalt at all times.

Advanced Comfort: A New Standard

The Basalt redefines comfort with a class-leading wheelbase of 2,651 mm, providing a spacious cabin with up to 980 mm of legroom for second-row passengers. An innovative ‘Smart Tilt Cushion’ offers enhanced thigh support adjustment up to 87 mm, while the Advanced Comfort headrest provides rear passengers with lateral head support for a more relaxing ride.

Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Suspension and Advanced Comfort seats deliver the smooth ‘Flying Carpet’-like ride for which the brand is renowned. The Tropicalized Auto Climate Control system ensures best-in-class cooling, with rear seat passengers able to control airflow through vents located in the rear of the centre console.

Safety Plus: A Priority for Every Journey

Safety is a top priority for the Citroën Basalt, which includes over 40 active and passive safety features as standard. Its body structure utilises high-strength steel, Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), and Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS) to ensure optimal protection by efficiently managing front and side impacts.

The Basalt’s safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Engine Stop/Start technology, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. These elements work together to provide a secure and confident driving experience.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

The Citroën Basalt offers a choice of globally acclaimed, award-winning engine options. The 1.2 L Gen 3 PURETECH 110 turbo and PURETECH 82 engines deliver up to 110 ps and 205 Nm of torque. Drivers can choose between 5MT, 6MT, and 6AT configurations for a versatile and dynamic driving experience.

With an impressive ground clearance of 180 mm, the Basalt is well-equipped to handle challenging terrains with ease, making it a versatile choice for diverse driving conditions.

Citroën’s Legacy of Innovation

Citroën has a rich history of automotive innovation, from pioneering front-wheel-drive technology with the Traction Avant in 1931 to setting new benchmarks in ride comfort with advanced suspension systems. The Basalt embodies this legacy, reflecting Citroën's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology. Traditionally, coupés have been associated with the luxury segment, and the Basalt SUV coupé addresses the demand for a mainstream vehicle that merges the sporty appeal of a coupé with the versatility of an SUV.

Citroën's introduction of the Basalt marks a significant milestone in the Indian automotive landscape, offering an affordable and sophisticated SUV coupé. Available in five striking monotone colours—Garnet Red, Cosmo Blue, Polar White, Platinum Grey, and Steel Grey—the Basalt also offers a black dual-tone roof option for Polar White and Garnet Red. With over 70 accessories available for personalisation and deliveries set to begin in September 2024, Citroën Basalt is poised to make a lasting impression.