An SUV with a coupe-style roof might need been round for lengthy and within the Indian market, it was confined to the efficiency/premium phase solely. So no matter transpired to 2 carmakers launching their respective fashions inside every week of one another have to be greater than coincidence. From Tata Motors, there’s the Curvv, launched in each ICE and EV variations, whereas from Citroen, we’ve the all-new Basalt. Each these are longer than 4 metres and positioned in the identical bracket as fashionable mid-SUVs, so the pure query arises if these are something extra than simply your common SUV with a swooping roof — a bit extra trendy, however largely the identical in any other case. We pattern the Citroen Basalt to discover a particular reply to that query.
Let’s begin with the subject of rivalry in the mean time, the Basalt’s appears to be like. Once I first noticed the pictures, it didn’t look as interesting, I’ll be sincere, however it’s a unique story within the flesh. Whereas there’s no denying that it shares lots with the C3 Aircross (visually, too), the Basalt sits fairly handsomely. Its distinctive rear is brief however not awkward. The tailgate is formed quite effectively, the sloping rear windscreen provides character to its look, the taillights aren’t unhealthy in any respect, and the dual-tone bumper rounds off issues properly. A lot in order that it received’t be mistaken to name the Citroen Basalt in all probability the best-looking automotive within the phase.
Just like the rear, the profile is visibly totally different from anything available on the market. The sloping roofline deserves all of the credit score for that, and it positively doesn’t appear to be a pressured design determination. The coupe SUV sits on 16-inch alloys and conserving the rugged look alive is the black cladding across the automotive. The door handles seem a contact old skool since these aren’t the extra fashionable and handy ones which require to be pulled in direction of you. There are 5 colors to select from, with two of these being supplied with a contrasting black roof. That’s good, however it’s a pity that the gold shade which Citroen shared digital imagery of, on the time of asserting the automotive, isn’t on provide.
It’s price noting that whereas the rendering’s color would possibly’ve not made it to the manufacturing mannequin, the remainder of the Basalt may be very near the way it seemed because the Basalt Imaginative and prescient idea. It’s additionally much like the seven-seat C3 Aircross, which shouldn’t be a shock as each share the platform. The entrance is sort of an identical however on nearer inspection, you’ll discover that the grille inserts are of a unique end, that the nostril protrudes and the Basalt comes geared up with projector headlamps.
The tailgate is formed quite effectively, the sloping rear windscreen provides character to its look, the taillights aren’t unhealthy in any respect, and the dual-tone bumper rounds off issues properly
Cabin
The cabin of the Basalt can be acquainted to that of the C3 Aircross, however not with out key modifications. It’s spacious and regardless of the sloping roofline, the headroom appeared ample to me. The seats are snug and have a pleasant material end. The entrance armrest on the Basalt is bigger whereas the headrests are actually designed to be extra supportive than earlier than. The rear bench on the automated model additionally had the adjustable thigh help, which isn’t simply distinctive but additionally very helpful. Its operation, actuated with the assistance of a deal with, may’ve been higher although. The boot, at 470 litres, is very large, too.
The automated local weather management unit is a welcome inclusion and comes with a digital show and rocker switches. A ten.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is normal whereas the instrument cluster is a 7-inch display (variant dependent). There are a number of USB ports along with a big wi-fi charging pad on the entrance. It’s not essentially the most extremely specced cabin, although, with options like a keyless begin, sunroof and even an electrical adjuster for headlamps not included. There aren’t any ADAS options however six airbags, ESP and TPMS are normal throughout the vary. Other than some fit-and-finish points, the cabin looks like a pleasant place to spend time in and it’s not devoid of character, both. It’s spacious and sensible, though I really feel the tailgate opens up a contact too excessive, which might doubtlessly be troublesome to entry for some individuals.
No diesel, EV variations
Engine and gearbox selections are simple: the previous is comprised of a naturally aspirated petrol unit and a turbocharged. Each are 1.2-litre items, whereas the NA makes 82 bhp and 11.7 kg-m, the turbo is extra highly effective at 110 bhp and 19.3 kg-m. The torque score goes up a notch when specced with the optionally available 6-speed computerized gearbox to twenty.9 kg-m. The NA engine will get a 5-speed guide with no choice to get an computerized, whereas the usual gearbox on the turbo mannequin is a 6-speed guide. Whereas there’s no diesel or EV model, the claimed gasoline financial system exhibits why you wouldn’t thoughts their absence: the NA can return 18 km/l, the turbo-automatic a formidable 18.7 km/l, whereas the turbo-manual can doubtlessly be pushed to 19.5 km on a litre of gasoline.
Citroens are identified for his or her journey consolation and the Basalt reaffirms that, even with out being equipped with a trick suspension like within the C5 Aircross. There’s suppleness all the time, the suspension soaks every little thing it’s subjected to, and the expertise is similar for each entrance and rear passengers. Within the dealing with division, whereas no dud, it’s not as participating or well-sorted as one thing just like the Volkswagen Tiguan. A extra responsive steering and higher brakes would’ve actually helped its case, however it doesn’t lack general composure and drives effectively with out a lot drama.
The turbo-manual that I drove felt adequately highly effective because of the provision of torque even at decrease revs. This implies you don’t have to shift gears too typically, however whenever you do discover the necessity, a fast downshift will see the Basalt take off reassuringly. Its 6-speed gearbox shifts easily, its clutch is gentle and as you construct up momentum, just some engine and turbo noise permeates into the cabin. No, it doesn’t sound annoying, and the general expertise of driving the Basalt, which mightn’t be as spirited as a number of the larger-engined vehicles in its value vary, is fulfilling. There’s no cruise management however triple-digit speeds are achieved very quickly and 120 km/h within the sixth gear appeared just like the candy spot.
The opposite candy spot must be the Citroen Basalt’s costs. It begins at simply ₹7.99 lakh, ex-showroom, and goes in opposition to the Curvv (Tata is but to announce the ICE model’s costs) and different mid-SUVs. With the Basalt, Citroen’s fourth C-Cubed-based product available on the market, the corporate is clearly within the means of discovering a brand new area of interest for itself. It appears to be like nice, doesn’t disappoint with its cabin, its engine appeared alright for on a regular basis duties and the coupe SUV comes with a number of character. It misses out on some options, the general construct high quality can enhance, and the gross sales and repair community, albeit bettering constantly, is nowhere near the rivals’. You would possibly discover it troublesome to fathom why the sub-segment exists aside from attractiveness, however the Basalt excels in that, and when you resolve to purchase one, you’ll respect what an honest product it’s. Plus with a tempting price ticket like that, it’s going to be laborious to disregard, even when its engaging appears to be like eluded you.
