Production Commenced of the Citroen Basalt in Tamil Nadu; Details Here

The Indian division of the French automobile manufacturer Citroen has finally made their Basalt SUV to the production line. The manufacturing plant is situated in Tiruvallur, a small town in Tamil Nadu. 

As you may remember, Citroen India started selling their first ever India-bound product, the C5 Aircross, in 2019. Since then, the Citroen Basalt will be the company’s sixth model in its Indian portfolio. Currently, the on-sale products comprise C3, eC3, C3 Aircross, and C5 Aircross. 

So, let’s see what offerings are expected from the upcoming Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV. 

Also Read: MS Dhoni is Citroen India's Official Brand Ambassador

The Design Department

The most striking design element of the Citroen Basalt is the sharp receding roofline, which gives this vehicle a couple-like appearance. If you see this car from the front quarter angle, you will notice the bulged-out tail lamps in black, which adds more character. 

There is also a fine belt line which is mostly noticeable on the front and rear fenders. To give a rugged SUV look, this vehicle is equipped with black cladding that runs on the lower section of the car. The Basalt Coupe (as shown in the pic) has a proportionate tyre profile to its body’s design. The construction of the alloy wheels adds more drama, which looks premium yet sporty.   

Furthermore, the front end of this vehicle resembles the new-age Citroen cars.

The two vertical slats with Citroen’s logo at the centre, flanked by the angular C-shaped LED DRLs are unmistakably identifiable as a Citroen. 

The rest of the notable features on the front bumper include the main headlights and fog lamps, coupled with a large air intake, which gives an imposing look.  

As for the rear, this vehicle has big square-shaped LED tail lamps, complemented by the low lip spoiler on the tailgate. 

You will also find two inlets on the bonnet and some on the rooftop, which meet the aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. 

Lastly, the Basalt Coupe SUV’s approach and departure angles look strategically designed and promising, as they have less chances to scratch while inclining downwards or upwards. 

Please note: The model in the image is a pre-production vehicle, which may differ from the production version.

Dimensions

As per sources, the Citroen Basalt won’t be a sub-four metre offering. Keeping that in mind, while looking at the shape of it, this vehicle will lock horns with the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, Kia Sonet, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota Hyryder, to name a few. 

In terms of dimensions, the Basalt SUV will have a length of 4300mm, a width of 1770mm, and a height of 1660mm.   

Power Pack

On this specifications front, this Citroen SUV is expected to use the tried and tested 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which also powers the C3 and C3 Aircross. This motor is tuned to produce 108bhp of peak power and 189Nm of peak torque. 

It is expected to get both manual and automatic transmissions. The company, however, won’t offer any diesel engines. 

Also Read: First 500 Units of the Made-in-India Citroen eC3 Exported to Indonesia

Features

In this department, Citroen India will have to give competitive features, especially in the segment they will enter. 

That said, the customers will expect the Basalt SUV to have a fully digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment unit with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seats, a wireless charger, and Type-C USB ports. 

Further, they will also expect auto-dimming IRVM, power windows (front and rear), leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting, connected car technology, cruise control, electric ORVMs, sunroof, etc. 

On the safety front, this vehicle is expected to have a tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags, hill-hold control, hill assist, a rearview camera with parking sensors, and disc brakes, to name a few. 

Availability

As the Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV has entered the production stage, customers can expect this vehicle to go on sale in late 2024. The Tata Curvv, the upcoming direct rival of the Basalt, will also launch this year. 

However, the current rivals of the Basalt SUV include Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta.