Citroen Basalt X: A New Look at the SUV Coupe Experience with French Inspiration and AI Innovation
A new trend is emerging in the global car market, blending SUV and coupe styles to create a new generation of vehicles. And now Citroën has launched a remarkable offering, the Citroën Basalt X. This car isn't just a car, but a statement that signifies a new era of style and performance has begun on Indian roads. Launched on September 5, 2025, this car has created a stir in the market. Its starting price is Rs.795,000 (ex-showroom), making it an attractive option in its segment.
The Citroën Basalt X is not only distinctive in appearance, but also boasts numerous features that are typically hard to find at this price point. Citroën's goal has been to ensure that this car not only stands out in looks but also excels in technology, comfort, and safety. Furthermore, customers are benefiting from the GST exemptions provided by the Indian government, making premium features more affordable.
The Basalt X is the second vehicle from Citroën to receive the X suffix, after the C3 X. This means it not only offers more upgrades than the base model, but also receives special attention in terms of interior, technology, and safety. This vehicle is designed for those who think outside the box, who want their vehicle to look unique, be fun to drive, and be comfortable for family travel.
Design and Styling That Won Everyone's Heart
The exterior design of the Citroën Basalt X is such that it catches your eye the moment you see it. It combines the rugged nature of an SUV and the elegant style of a coupe. The first thing that catches your eye at the front is the V-shaped LED daylight running lights that sit above the projector LED headlamps. This design has become a Citroën signature, and it looks even more beautiful at night. At the rear, wraparound tail lamps and bold body cladding give it a strong and confident road presence.
The X variant features illuminated strips on the grille, making it even more striking at night. The X badging on the rear distinguishes it from other models. The car is available in seven colors, including a new shade of Garnet Red. Dual-tone options are also available, such as Pearl Nera Black over Polar White and Pearl Nera Black over Garnet Red. These color combinations further enhance the car's dynamic profile. Sixteen-inch dual-tone alloy wheels complete the car's overall look.
Interior a Luxury Feel
The interior is as beautiful as it is comfortable. Citroën has completely redesigned the cabin of the Basalt X. Here, you'll find a sophisticated color combination of black and tan, replacing the previous white theme. The dashboard features imprinted patterns and a slanted design, along with bronze trim pieces that exude luxury. The leather-feel seats (Leatherette) are in black and tan, giving the cabin a premium look.
Excellent attention to detail—chrome inserts on the door handles, gold accents on the center console, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels great to grip. The dashboard is also covered in leatherette, a drawback of previous models. The quality of the materials is felt throughout, making this car feel far above its price segment.
A perfect blend of performance and engineering power and efficiency
The Citroën Basalt X is offered with two engine options; both three-cylinder engines, but their performance differs. The base variant features a two-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces eighty-two horsepower and one hundred and fifteen Newton meters of torque. It comes with a five-speed manual transmission and is ideal for those looking to save more fuel. Its ARAE-certified mileage is up to eighteen kilometers per liter.
For those seeking more power and performance, the turbocharged petrol engine is a better option. This engine produces one hundred and ten horsepower and one hundred and ninety Newton meters of torque with a manual transmission and two hundred and five Newton meters of torque with an automatic. The manual variant is a six-speed gearbox, providing smooth shifting, while the automatic variant comes with a six-speed torque converter, making it easy to operate in traffic and perfect for highway overtaking.
Driving Experience: A Balance of Comfort and Control
The Basalt X's biggest strength is its ride experience. The suspension is tuned for comfort, easily handling even rough road conditions. It's perfect for India's diverse road conditions. The steering setup is light, making it easy to drive on crowded city streets. At high speeds, the steering automatically becomes heavier, maintaining control.
Noise insulation is also excellent, with minimal road, wind, and engine noise entering the cabin. This car is perfect for long-distance travel, reducing fatigue and increasing enjoyment.
Technology and Connectivity: Keeping Up with Modern Needs
The Basalt X boasts some impressive technology features. The automatic variant features the Cara AI voice assistant, which understands natural language. This system can provide vehicle health information, suggest routes based on real-time traffic, make emergency calls and SOS calls, and even provide flight status. This sets a new benchmark in this segment.
There's also a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A seven-inch digital instrument cluster displays important driving information. Ambient lighting also enhances the cabin's atmosphere at night.
Comfort and Features: Make Your Journey Memorable
The Basalt X is equipped with numerous features for comfort. The front seats are ventilated, providing great relief in the Indian heat. There's a rear center armrest with cup holders. Features include automatic climate control, rear AC vents, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry, and push-button start. Storage spaces include door pockets, seatback pockets, and a sliding front armrest.
Connectivity options include USB ports (with Type-C fast charging) and a 12-volt power outlet. Boot space is 470 liters, which is sufficient for a family's luggage.
Safety is a top priority
The Citroën Basalt X also excels in safety. It received a four-star rating in India's Bharat NCAP crash test. Six airbags are standard across all variants, which is a significant advantage at this price. Additionally, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system are also included. ISOFIX child seat anchors and three-point seatbelts are also available for all five seats. The top variant also features a 360-degree camera, making parking easier.
Price and Variants: Options for Every Budget
The Citroën Basalt X comes in three trims—U, Plus, and Max. The base U variant, priced at ₹795,000, comes with a naturally aspirated engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The Plus variant is available for ₹942,000, while the Turbo petrol manual is available for ₹108,200 and the automatic for ₹12,07,000. The top-of-the-line Max variant, the Turbo petrol manual, is available for ₹116,300 and the automatic for ₹129,000.
How will this car stand in the competition?
The Basalt X competes with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and the upcoming Tata Curve. However, its biggest strength is its unique design and styling, which sets it apart from the rest. Standard six airbags, ventilated seats, an AI voice assistant, and Citroën's renowned ride quality—all of these elements give it a distinct identity. However, Citroën's sales and service network is still under development, which may be a concern for some customers.
Conclusion: Is this car right for you?
The Citroën Basalt X is a breath of fresh air in the Indian car market. This car is for those who want to stand out, who desire style, technology, safety, and comfort all in one. Its price is also lower than expected, making it even more attractive. If you are confident about Citroën service availability in your area, this car could be an excellent choice for you.
This car is not just a vehicle, but an experience, a unique blend of French innovation that is ready to take Indian roads by storm.
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