Citroën Basalt X Coupé: Commanding Presence, Fearless Spirit

The Citroën Basalt X is the new SUV model from the French automaker Citroën. The New SUV highlights how the company appears to have addressed many of the shortcomings of its earlier models, such as the C3 and C3 Aircross.

What does its name signify?

The Basalt X is named after Basalt rock, symbolising strength formed under intense heat and pressure. It signifies a fresh and improved product offering from Citroën in India, where the brand previously had a slow start.

Highlights of the SUV

• LED projector headlamps replace halogen units, enhancing front-end styling
• Coupe roofline with flat waistline preferred over Aircross’s rising waistline
• Rear seat comfort with adjustable thigh support and winged headrests
• Introduction of automatic climate control and wireless charging
• Superb ride quality with soft suspension that absorbs road imperfections
• Turbocharged 110 hp engine praised for linear power and smooth automatic gearbox

Basalt X Exterior Features

Stylistically, the Basalt X features a coupe-like roofline with a flat waistline, diverging from the rising waistline of the Aircross. The front end retains the signature double-chevron logo integrated into a chunky grill and DRLs. It is now complemented with LED projector headlamps, which are a significant upgrade over the halogen units in the C3. Exterior improvements include smaller 16-inch wheels compared to the Aircross’s 17-inch, a ground clearance of 180 mm, a unique wheelbase of 2,651 mm, and power-folding, electrically operated outside mirrors.

At the back, the Basalt X sports a fastback-style sloping rear glass, a flat deck with a lip spoiler, and distinct twin-winged taillights. Boot capacity stands at a respectable 470 litres, slightly less than the Aircross but still practical.

Citroen Basalt X Interior Features

Inside, the biggest changes are in comfort and features. Despite the sloping roofline, headroom remains adequate for average-sized adults, and legroom is generous. The rear seats are praised for their comfort, adjustable thigh support, winged headrests, and a fold-down armrest. Rear AC vents have been repositioned from the roof (in the Aircross) to a more conventional location with two adjustable units.

The front cabin now features a flip key, automatic climate control with easy-to-use toggles, wireless charging, and individual power window controls for all doors. The armrest is now sliding with additional storage beneath, and the dashboard materials feel softer than before.

Citroen Basalt X Safety features

Safety has been improved with six airbags now standard. Other standard safety features include ESP, Hill Hold Assist, ISOFIX, 3-point seat belts for all seats and seat belt reminders. Other safety features available in top variants are the Tyre pressure measuring system (TPMS) and the Engine Auto Start/Stop.

Basalt X Power, Transmission and ride quality

The ride quality, a historic strength of Citroën cars, remains excellent with a soft suspension that absorbs bumps well, though this softness introduces some body float at high speeds. The vehicle drives on the CMP platform and offers both naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. The Turbocharged petrol engine version delivers 110 horsepower and 205 Nm torque, and the naturally aspirated engine delivers 82 PS @ 5750 rpm and 115 Nm torque @ 3750 rpm. The engine is praised for its linear power delivery and responsiveness, despite some turbo lag.

Manual transmission is available with both engines. However, automatic transmission is available only with a turbo engine. The French carmaker claims a fuel efficiency of 18 kmpl with a naturally aspirated engine and manual transmission, and a highest fuel efficiency of 19.5 kmpl with a Turbo engine and manual transmission. The fuel efficiency for the automatic transmission is 18.7kmpl with a turbo engine.

The automatic transmission features a manual mode with smooth shifts when commanded, but occasionally exhibits noticeable shifts in auto mode, which is unexpected from a torque converter gearbox. The steering is not very quick and has a slight dead zone, but it weighs up nicely at speed, providing confidence through corners despite some body roll.

Citroen Basalt X Variants, Colours and Price

Citroen Basalt X SUV coupe comes in three variants – YOU, PLUS, and MAX. Variant YOU comes only with a naturally aspirated engine and a manual transmission. The PLUS variant is available with both engines and both types of transmissions. The Max variant comes with a Turbo engine only, but is available with both types of transmissions.

The Basalt X SUV Coupe comes in five monotones, including Polar white, Steel Grey, Cosmo Blue, Garnet Red, and Perla Nera Black and two dual-tone, including Polar white body with Perla Nera black roof and Garnet red body with Perla Nera black roof.

The price for the base variant YOU of Citroen Basalt X SUV Coupe starts at Rs. 7.95 lakh

Overall, the Citroen Basalt X delivers solid fundamentals like space, comfort, dynamics, and engine performance. Citroën plans to expand its dealership network in India to 200 by the end of the year, signalling a stronger market presence. The Basalt X is competitively priced, starting at 8 lakh rupees, focusing on value with a much-improved feature set that addresses many earlier omissions.