Citroen Basalt : In a bold move that’s shaking up India’s increasingly competitive SUV market, Citroen has finally thrown its hat into the coupe-SUV ring with the launch of the much-anticipated Basalt.
With its distinctive sloping roofline and aggressive pricing strategy, the French automaker is taking direct aim at Tata’s recently launched Curvv – creating what promises to be one of the most fascinating automotive rivalries in India this year.
A French Twist on the Coupe-SUV Trend
The Basalt represents Citroen’s fifth model for the Indian market and perhaps its most strategic yet. In an automotive landscape previously dominated by traditional boxy SUVs, coupe-styled alternatives were typically reserved for luxury marques with price tags well beyond the reach of most Indian consumers.
With the Basalt’s launch, priced aggressively from ₹7.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom), Citroen is democratizing this premium design language for the masses.
“We saw a clear gap in the market,” explains Arnaud Rebotini, Citroen India’s Head of Product Planning, during my conversation with him at the launch event in Mumbai.
“Indian buyers increasingly want vehicles that stand out, that make a statement about their individuality. The coupe-SUV silhouette delivers that emotional appeal without compromising on practicality.”
The timing couldn’t be more interesting, coming just weeks after Tata Motors introduced the Curvv – India’s first mass-market coupe-SUV – starting at ₹9.99 lakh.
While Tata may have beaten Citroen to market, the French brand’s more aggressive pricing strategy has turned what might have been a one-horse race into a compelling contest.
Design: Where Function Meets Flair
First impressions matter, and the Basalt makes a strong one. Drawing clear inspiration from Citroen’s global design language while incorporating elements familiar to Indian consumers from the C3 Aircross, the Basalt strikes a balance between distinctiveness and familiarity.
Up front, the signature V-shaped split LED DRLs and split grille establish the familial connection to other Citroen models, though the bumper design has been tweaked to give the Basalt its own unique character.
The silhouette, however, is where the Basalt truly comes into its own. The coupe roofline flows elegantly toward the rear, creating a sportier stance than its boxier C3 Aircross sibling.
“The profile is critical for a coupe-SUV,” notes automotive designer Prakash Sharma, who has consulted for several major manufacturers. “Citroen has done a commendable job balancing proportions.
The sloping roofline doesn’t compromise the SUV stance, and the 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels fill the arches nicely, giving it a planted appearance.”
At the rear, the Basalt features wraparound halogen tail lights and a blacked-out bumper with a silver skid plate, completing the rugged yet sophisticated look. It’s a design that manages to be both eye-catching and restrained – a difficult balance to achieve at this price point.
Rohit Mehta, a 34-year-old IT professional from Pune who was among the first to book the Basalt, shares his perspective: “I was originally considering the Tata Curvv, but when I saw the Basalt in person, it just looked more European, more sophisticated. Plus, the price difference allowed me to opt for a higher variant with more features.”
Cabin: Premium Ambitions Within Reach
Step inside the Basalt, and it’s immediately apparent that Citroen has focused on elevating the interior experience relative to the price point. While there are clear similarities with the C3 Aircross, including the identical dashboard layout with dual digital displays, the Basalt introduces several unique touches.
The white leatherette upholstery adds a premium feel, while one particularly clever feature stands out – the rear seat base can be moved by 87mm, providing better underthigh support for taller passengers, a thoughtful touch rarely seen in this segment.
The feature list is comprehensive for the price point. Higher variants come equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and six airbags.
While not revolutionary in isolation, the comprehensive package represents strong value at this price point.
“The cabin feels more upmarket than I expected at this price,” says Meera Patel, an interior designer who attended the Basalt’s Mumbai showroom launch.
“The materials don’t feel cheap, and the white upholstery creates an airy, spacious feeling that compensates somewhat for the slightly reduced headroom from the coupe roofline.”
Not everything is perfect, though. Some potential buyers have pointed out that unlike the Tata Curvv, the Basalt doesn’t offer a sunroof – panoramic or otherwise – a feature that has become increasingly important to Indian consumers in recent years.
It’s a deliberate omission that speaks to Citroen’s European sensibilities perhaps not fully aligning with Indian market preferences.
Under the Hood: Proven Powertrains
The Basalt comes with two petrol engine options, both familiar from the C3 lineup. The entry-level variants feature a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine producing 82hp and paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission – adequate for city driving but unlikely to excite enthusiastic drivers.
More interesting is the 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol option, which delivers a more substantial 110hp and up to 205Nm of torque (with the automatic).
This can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The latter combination, in particular, should provide a good balance of performance and refinement.
“The turbo-petrol is definitely the one to go for if your budget allows,” advises automotive journalist Vikram Singh, who drove both variants at the media drive event.
“The naturally aspirated engine feels adequate but nothing more. The turbo brings a welcome dose of urgency, especially when paired with the smooth-shifting automatic. It’s not the most powerful in the segment, but it’s refined and gets the job done without fuss.”
Fuel efficiency figures are respectable, with Citroen claiming 18 kmpl for the naturally aspirated unit, 19.5 kmpl for the manual turbo-petrol, and 18.7 kmpl for the automatic variant. Real-world testing will reveal how accurate these figures are, but they suggest the Basalt won’t be overly thirsty.
What’s conspicuously absent is a diesel option – something Tata offers with the Curvv. In a market segment where diesel still commands significant interest, especially among high-mileage users, this could prove to be a limitation for the Basalt.
The Curvv Comparison: David vs. Goliath?
The elephant in the room – or rather, the Curvv in the showroom – is how Citroen’s new offering stacks up against its most direct rival from Tata Motors.
On paper, there are interesting contrasts. The Basalt is 44mm longer than the Curvv but 45mm narrower. More significantly, it has a wheelbase that’s 91mm longer, potentially translating to better rear legroom – a crucial consideration for family buyers.
Conversely, the Curvv is 37mm taller, which might give it an edge in headroom, especially important in a coupe-SUV where the sloping roofline can compromise rear passenger comfort.
Engine comparisons also reveal trade-offs. The Curvv offers two turbo-petrol options, including a more powerful 125hp 1.2-liter T-GDI unit, plus a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 118hp – giving it a power advantage over the Basalt across the board.
However, the Basalt’s lighter weight might partially offset this disadvantage in real-world driving.
Feature-wise, the Curvv holds certain advantages, particularly with its panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS capabilities on higher variants.
But the Basalt counters with a significantly lower starting price, potentially allowing buyers to step up to higher variants for the same budget.
“It’s not a straightforward comparison,” notes automotive analyst Deepak Joshi. “The Curvv offers more power and some headline-grabbing features, but the Basalt’s value proposition is compelling. Citroen is essentially offering entry into the coupe-SUV segment at compact SUV prices, which could disrupt Tata’s strategy.”
Target Demographic: Young, Urban, and Style-Conscious
Who exactly is Citroen targeting with the Basalt? Based on the positioning and marketing, it appears to be young, urban professionals who want to stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank.
“Our research showed that many younger buyers are drawn to distinctive styling but often have to compromise due to budget constraints,” explains Marianne Durand, Citroen India’s Marketing Director.
“The Basalt allows them to make a style statement without the premium price tag typically associated with coupe-SUVs.”
This focus on style-conscious buyers is evident in the color options available – Polar White, Steel Grey, Platinum Grey, Garnet Red, and Cosmo Blue – all chosen to complement the Basalt’s design lines.
Ankur Sharma, a 29-year-old digital marketing professional from Bangalore who recently test drove the Basalt, embodies this target customer: “I wanted something different from what everyone else in my apartment complex drives.
The coupe styling of the Basalt turns heads, and frankly, I couldn’t afford something like a Mercedes GLC Coupe. This gives me that distinctive look at a price I can actually manage.”
Market Positioning and Strategy
Citroen’s strategy with the Basalt is fascinating from a business perspective. By pricing it from ₹7.99 lakh to ₹13.83 lakh (ex-showroom), they’ve positioned it to straddle multiple segments – competing with premium compact SUVs at the lower end while challenging mid-size SUVs like the Curvv at the higher end.
This aggressive pricing wasn’t achieved without compromises. The halogen tail lamps instead of LEDs, the absence of a sunroof, and the carryover powertrains from the C3 lineup all point to careful cost management to hit the target price point.
“It’s a classic disruptor strategy,” observes automotive business analyst Ravi Bhatia. “Citroen doesn’t have Tata’s market share or brand recognition in India yet, so they’re using price as a wedge to gain attention and consideration. It’s similar to what Kia and MG did when they entered the Indian market – offer more for less until you establish yourself.”
The timing also suggests Citroen had been monitoring Tata’s Curvv development closely, positioning the Basalt to launch in the same window and potentially steal some of Tata’s thunder.
With both vehicles representing the first mainstream coupe-SUVs in India, the proximity of their launches has created a natural comparison point for consumers and media alike.
Dealer Perspective: Early Demand Signals
Early indicators from Citroen dealerships suggest the strategy might be working. Several dealers report strong initial interest, with showroom footfall increasing significantly following the Basalt’s launch.
“We’ve seen a 40% increase in walk-ins since the Basalt display car arrived,” shares Amit Kapoor, a Citroen dealer from Delhi. “Many visitors mention they were originally looking at the Curvv but wanted to check out the Basalt before making a decision. The price difference is definitely a conversation starter.”
Booking numbers are still closely guarded, but unofficial sources suggest Citroen has collected over 5,000 bookings in the first two weeks – a modest number by Tata standards but significant for a brand still establishing itself in India.
Delivery timelines vary by variant and location, with some buyers reporting waiting periods of 4-6 weeks for the more popular turbo-petrol automatic configurations. This suggests production capacity could become a constraint if demand exceeds Citroen’s projections.
Challenges and Road Ahead
Despite the promising start, the Basalt faces significant challenges in its battle against the Curvv and the broader mid-size SUV segment.
First and foremost is Citroen’s relatively limited dealer network compared to Tata Motors. While the French brand has been expanding its presence, it still can’t match Tata’s extensive reach, particularly in smaller towns and cities. This could hamper the Basalt’s ability to reach potential customers outside major metropolitan areas.
Service network concerns also weigh on buyers’ minds. “I like the Basalt, but there’s only one Citroen service center in my city compared to four Tata service points,” notes Rajesh Kumar, a potential buyer from Jaipur. “For a family car, service accessibility is a big factor.”
Another challenge is brand perception. While Citroen has a strong global heritage, it’s still building recognition in India. Tata, conversely, carries strong nationalistic appeal and has cultivated a reputation for safety and robustness – powerful selling points in the family SUV segment.
Finally, there’s the question of how the Basalt will age in a rapidly evolving market. The lack of features like a sunroof and ADAS could become more apparent disadvantages as these technologies become increasingly mainstream in the segment.
Industry Impact: Democratizing Coupe-SUVs
Regardless of which model ultimately prevails in sales, the simultaneous arrival of the Basalt and Curvv marks a significant shift in the Indian automotive landscape. For years, coupe-SUVs were exclusive to premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, with price tags starting well above ₹50 lakh.
The introduction of these two models at mainstream price points democratizes a body style previously out of reach for most Indian consumers.
This could potentially create a ripple effect, with other manufacturers accelerating plans to introduce their own coupe-SUV offerings at accessible price points.
“This is how market segments evolve,” explains automotive historian Dr. Anand Prakash. “We saw it with sunroofs, with connected car technology, and now with coupe-SUVs.
Features and designs that were once exclusive to luxury vehicles gradually filter down to mass-market models. The Basalt and Curvv are at the forefront of this shift for coupe-SUVs in India.”
Citroen Basalt Conclusion: A Welcome Challenger
The Citroen Basalt enters the Indian market as a bold challenger, offering a compelling alternative to the Tata Curvv and traditional SUVs alike.
Its combination of distinctive styling, competitive pricing, and decent feature set should ensure it finds homes with buyers looking to stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank.
Whether it can truly challenge the Curvv’s sales volumes remains to be seen – Tata’s broader lineup, extensive dealer network, and established reputation give it significant advantages.
But competition breeds innovation, and Indian consumers ultimately benefit from having more choices at accessible price points.
As Sanjay Sethi, a 42-year-old business owner who switched his booking from the Curvv to the Basalt, puts it: “Five years ago, I couldn’t have dreamed of owning a coupe-SUV without spending luxury car money.
Now I have two excellent options to choose from, both offering something unique. It’s a great time to be a car buyer in India.”
The coupe-SUV revolution in India is just beginning, and the Citroen Basalt has ensured it won’t be a one-horse race. That alone makes it a significant launch, regardless of how the sales numbers eventually stack up.