Citroen Unveils the Basalt: A New Dawn for Affordable Coupe SUVs

Embarking on a new era of automotive design, Citroen has taken the wraps off its latest creation, the Basalt. This innovative coupe SUV is poised to redefine the market with its blend of striking aesthetics and practicality, all while maintaining an accessible price point. Developed with significant input from teams in India and South America, the Basalt Vision is a harbinger of the production model set to hit the roads in late 2024.

Experience the Fusion of Style and Practicality with Citroen's Latest Masterpiece

Introduction to Citroen Basalt

With the unveiling of the Basalt, Citroen introduces a fresh contender in the coupe SUV category, a segment that's rapidly gaining traction. The Basalt Vision, a near-accurate representation of the forthcoming production model, is the result of collaborative efforts between Citroen's Indian and South American teams. This vehicle is not only a testament to Citroen's commitment to these markets but also a strategic move to strengthen its global presence.

The Basalt is set to ride on the innovative Smart Car platform, which has been fine-tuned to cater to the unique demands of the emerging markets. The anticipation for its market launch is building, with the second half of 2024 earmarked for its debut.

Design and Aesthetics

The Citroen Basalt's front facade bears a striking resemblance to the Citroen New C3 Aircross, albeit with nuanced modifications that set it apart. The Indian variant of the Basalt boasts advanced LED lighting on its main headlamps, a stark contrast to the halogen beams on its South American counterpart. The Basalt's profile is athletic, sharing design elements with the seven-seater SUV, including a descending roofline that culminates in a revamped rear end.

It's the rear view that truly captivates, featuring an aggressively slanted rear window, signature C-shaped LED taillights, a robust bumper, and a sculpted hatch with an integrated spoiler. These design choices not only enhance the vehicle's visual appeal but also contribute to its aerodynamic efficiency.

Interior Expectations and Shared Technology

While the interior remains a mystery due to the absence of released images, expectations are high for the Basalt to inherit technological advancements from its Citroen siblings. The brand has pledged to focus on spaciousness and comfort, ensuring that the Basalt aligns with the company's overarching philosophy.

Anticipated shared features may include cutting-edge infotainment systems and connectivity options, further cementing the Basalt's position as a vehicle that does not compromise on modern amenities.

Platform and Performance

The underpinnings of the Citroen Basalt are rooted in the Smart Car architecture, an evolved iteration of the CMP/eCMP platforms. This foundation has been specifically adapted for the Indian and South American markets, differing from the configurations seen in European models such as the Citroen e-C3.

While details on the powertrain remain speculative, the likelihood of a turbocharged 1.2-liter gasoline engine delivering 108 horsepower is high. Moreover, there's buzz about an all-electric Basalt joining the lineup in 2025, potentially mirroring the specifications of the regional New e-C3.

Market Positioning and Competition

The Basalt's name marks a departure from Citroen's traditional naming convention, signaling a new chapter for the brand. Upon its arrival, the Basalt will enter a competitive landscape, squaring off against the Fiat Fastback in South America and the Tata Curvv in India, among other conventional SUVs and sedans.

This strategic move by Citroen is set to stir the segment, offering consumers an alternative that blends the practicality of an SUV with the sleek appeal of a coupe, all at a price point that's designed to be accessible.