Citroen Basalt : The compact SUV segment in India has grown exponentially over the past decade, evolving from a niche category to one of the most fiercely contested battlegrounds for automakers. Dominated by names like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, this segment has seen remarkable growth as Indian consumers increasingly favor vehicles that offer the perfect blend of practicality, style, and value. Now, a new competitor has entered the arena, as French automaker Citroën introduces the Basalt—a coupe SUV designed specifically to challenge established players like the Hyundai Creta.
A French Revolution in the Indian SUV Market
Citroën’s journey in India began relatively recently compared to many of its competitors. The company made its official entry into the Indian market in April 2021 with the launch of the C5 Aircross, followed by more accessible offerings like the C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross SUV. While these models helped establish Citroën’s presence in India, they didn’t quite capture the imagination of the Indian consumer in the way the company had hoped. The Basalt represents Citroën’s most focused attempt yet to crack the Indian market by targeting one of its most lucrative segments.
The Basalt isn’t just another SUV—it’s Citroën’s first coupe SUV designed specifically for the Indian market. This strategy mirrors what we’ve seen from other European brands like Renault and Volkswagen, who have developed India-specific models to cater to local tastes and preferences. The Basalt is built on Citroën’s Common Modular Platform (CMP), which also underpins the C3 and C3 Aircross. However, the Basalt brings a distinct coupe-like silhouette that sets it apart from its siblings and most of its competitors.
“We’ve studied the Indian market extensively,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, Citroën’s parent company, during a recent visit to India. “The Basalt represents our understanding of what Indian consumers want—stylish design, modern features, and excellent value for money. We believe it has what it takes to challenge established players like the Hyundai Creta.”
Design: Where French Flair Meets Indian Roads
The Basalt makes a striking first impression with its distinctive design language that carries Citroën’s unmistakable French DNA while adapting to Indian tastes. The front fascia features the brand’s signature split headlamp setup, with LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlamp units. The iconic Citroën chevron logo takes center stage on a chrome-accented grille that extends across the width of the vehicle.
It’s in profile, however, that the Basalt truly distinguishes itself from the competition. Unlike the boxy silhouette of the Hyundai Creta, the Basalt features a sloping roofline that tapers gracefully toward the rear, creating the coupe-like appearance that’s become increasingly popular among SUV buyers worldwide. This design choice not only gives the Basalt a more dynamic and sporty stance but also creates a distinctive visual identity in a segment where many vehicles look increasingly similar.
The rear of the Basalt continues the distinctive design theme with wraparound LED taillights connected by a light bar that spans the width of the tailgate. A roof-mounted spoiler and faux diffuser add to the sporty character, while dual-tone bumpers and wheel arch cladding emphasize its SUV credentials.
“The Basalt’s design is quintessentially Citroën, but with considerations for Indian tastes and preferences,” explains Pierre Leclercq, Citroën’s Global Design Director. “We wanted to create something that stands out on Indian roads without being polarizing. The coupe-SUV silhouette gives it a premium, forward-looking aesthetic that we believe will resonate with Indian consumers looking for something different from the usual boxy SUVs.”
Performance: Power and Efficiency for Indian Roads
Under the hood, the Citroën Basalt offers two engine options that balance performance and efficiency—a crucial consideration for Indian consumers who expect their vehicles to be frugal yet responsive. The base variant comes equipped with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces around 82 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. While these numbers might seem modest, they’re competitive in the segment and provide adequate performance for city driving.
For those seeking more excitement, Citroën offers a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out a more substantial 110 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. This turbo variant brings the Basalt’s performance closer to the Hyundai Creta’s 1.5-liter turbocharged version, offering brisk acceleration and confident highway cruising capability.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox for both engine variants, while the turbocharged version also gets the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The latter is particularly impressive, offering quick and smooth shifts that enhance the driving experience significantly.
Notable by its absence is a diesel engine option—a strategic decision by Citroën that reflects the gradual shift away from diesel in the Indian passenger vehicle market. While the Hyundai Creta still offers a diesel variant that remains popular among high-mileage users, Citroën has chosen to focus on refining its petrol offerings instead of investing in diesel technology at a time when regulatory pressures on diesel vehicles continue to increase.
During a recent media drive event, the Basalt demonstrated impressive refinement on varied road conditions. The suspension setup, which includes MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, has been specifically tuned for Indian roads. It strikes a commendable balance between ride comfort and handling precision—soaking up potholes and broken surfaces while maintaining composure through corners.
“We’ve spent countless hours tuning the Basalt’s ride and handling characteristics for Indian conditions,” says Jean-Michel Imbert, Citroën’s Chief Engineer for the project. “Indian roads present unique challenges, from urban congestion to rural pathways with varying surface quality. The Basalt has been engineered to deliver comfort without compromising on driving dynamics.”
Interior: French Comfort Meets Indian Practicality
Step inside the Basalt, and you’re greeted by an interior that combines French design sensibilities with practical considerations for the Indian market. The dashboard follows a horizontal layout with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. This system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Citroën’s own interface that provides access to various vehicle functions and settings.
Behind the flat-bottom steering wheel sits a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that displays essential driving information in a clear, legible format. The overall dashboard design is clean and uncluttered, with physical controls for frequently used functions like climate control—a thoughtful touch that many competitors have abandoned in favor of touch-based interfaces that can be distracting to use while driving.
Material quality throughout the cabin is generally good, with soft-touch materials used on key touchpoints like the dashboard top and door armrests. Hard plastics are evident in less visible areas, but they’re well-finished and don’t detract significantly from the overall premium feel. The seats offer good support with adequate cushioning for long journeys, and the driving position is commanding with excellent visibility—a key SUV attribute.
Where the Basalt’s coupe-like design might raise concerns is rear headroom, especially for taller passengers. However, Citroën’s engineers have cleverly sculpted the headliner to maximize available space, resulting in adequate headroom for most adults. Legroom in the rear is generous, and the bench seat offers good thigh support—important considerations for a market where many vehicles serve as family transport.
Cargo capacity stands at around 380 liters, which is slightly less than the Hyundai Creta’s 433 liters—a trade-off for the sloping roofline design. However, the loading area is well-shaped and practical for everyday use, with a relatively low lip that makes loading heavy items easier.
Technology and Features: Competing in a Feature-Rich Segment
The compact SUV segment in India is particularly competitive when it comes to features and technology, with buyers expecting increasingly sophisticated equipment even in mid-range variants. Citroën has equipped the Basalt generously to meet these expectations and challenge the feature-rich Hyundai Creta.
The aforementioned 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the Basalt’s technological centerpiece, offering crisp graphics and responsive touch inputs. It’s complemented by a six-speaker audio system in higher variants that delivers impressive sound quality. The infotainment system also includes connected car features through Citroën’s smartphone app, allowing owners to remotely access various vehicle functions like locking/unlocking, location tracking, and service reminders.
Safety features are comprehensive, with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system available on higher variants. The Basalt also offers a 360-degree camera system that provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings—particularly useful when maneuvering in tight spaces. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) include features like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control on the top-spec variant.
Comfort and convenience features include automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, and ambient lighting with customizable colors. The Basalt also offers a hands-free tailgate function that opens the rear hatch when the key holder stands behind the vehicle with the key in their pocket—a feature that’s increasingly popular among Indian consumers.
“The Indian consumer today is incredibly well-informed and expects world-class features,” notes Emmanuel Delay, Stellantis’s Head of India and Asia Pacific. “With the Basalt, we’re offering technology that enhances both safety and convenience without overwhelming the user with complexity. Every feature has been chosen with purpose, not just to populate a specification sheet.”
Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy
Citroën has positioned the Basalt as a stylish alternative to established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. While official pricing hasn’t been announced at the time of writing, industry insiders suggest that the Basalt will be priced competitively, starting from approximately Rs. 10 lakh for the base variant and extending to around Rs. 18 lakh for the fully-loaded turbo-automatic version (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy would place the Basalt slightly below the Hyundai Creta in terms of starting price, potentially giving it an edge among value-conscious buyers. However, Citroën faces challenges beyond just pricing—Hyundai and Kia have established strong brand presence and extensive service networks across India, while Citroën is still building its dealer and service infrastructure.
To address this concern, Citroën has announced plans to expand its sales and service network significantly over the next two years. The company currently operates around 45 dealerships across India but aims to increase this number to over 100 by the end of 2023. Additionally, Citroën has introduced innovative service models like mobile service units that can perform routine maintenance at customers’ homes or workplaces—a convenience that could appeal to busy urban professionals.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
The Citroën Basalt enters the Indian market at a time of significant transition in the automotive industry. Rising fuel prices, increasing electrification, and changing consumer preferences present both challenges and opportunities for newcomers like Citroën.
One significant challenge is establishing brand recognition and trust in a market where consumers often prefer familiar names, especially for high-value purchases like automobiles. Hyundai, for instance, has been operating in India since 1996 and has built a reputation for reliability, feature-rich products, and strong after-sales service—attributes that have contributed to the Creta’s success.
Another challenge is the gradual shift toward electrification. While the Basalt launches as a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle, the segment is likely to see increased electrification in the coming years. Hyundai already offers the Kona Electric in India and has announced plans to introduce more electric vehicles, including potentially an electric version of the Creta. Citroën will need to accelerate its electrification plans for the Indian market to remain competitive in the medium to long term.
However, the Basalt also presents significant opportunities for Citroën. Its distinctive design and European heritage could appeal to consumers looking for something different from the mainstream options. The coupe-SUV body style, while not entirely new to the Indian market, is still relatively uncommon in the compact SUV segment, giving the Basalt a unique selling proposition.
Furthermore, Citroën’s focus on comfort—a core brand value globally—could resonate with Indian consumers who navigate challenging road conditions daily. The company’s expertise in suspension tuning, demonstrated in models like the C5 Aircross with its innovative “flying carpet” ride quality, could translate into a key competitive advantage for the Basalt.
A Worthy Challenger with French Flair
The Citroën Basalt represents an intriguing addition to India’s compact SUV landscape—one that brings European design sensibilities, innovative features, and a focus on comfort to a segment dominated by Asian manufacturers. While challenging established players like the Hyundai Creta won’t be easy, the Basalt offers enough distinctive attributes to carve out its own niche in the market.
Its coupe-SUV styling provides a refreshing alternative to the conventional SUV design that dominates the segment. The turbocharged petrol engine delivers engaging performance that should satisfy enthusiastic drivers, while the well-tuned suspension offers the kind of ride comfort that could become a significant talking point among owners.
For Citroën, the Basalt represents more than just another model—it’s a statement of intent for the Indian market. It demonstrates the company’s commitment to understanding and addressing the specific needs and preferences of Indian consumers rather than simply importing global models with minimal adaptations.
Whether the Basalt succeeds in challenging the Hyundai Creta’s dominance remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an interesting new dimension to one of India’s most competitive automotive segments. For consumers, this increased competition can only be good news, potentially driving innovation, feature enhancements, and value improvements across the category.
As India’s automotive landscape continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on design, technology, safety, and efficiency, models like the Citroën Basalt that bring fresh perspectives and global expertise will play an important role in raising standards and expanding consumer choices. The French challenger may have arrived relatively late to India’s compact SUV party, but it’s certainly making its presence felt with style and substance.
ALSO READ: Maruti Ignis 2025 Top Features of the Compact SUV