The Citroen Basalt is a compact SUV that offers a unique blend of comfort, features, and performance. Despite being an underrated option in the market, the Basalt has a lot to offer, including a spacious and comfortable cabin, a range of features, and a fuel-efficient engine. The Basalt’s ride quality is one of its strong points, with softly tuned suspensions that absorb bumps and provide a smooth experience, even on bad roads. However, the ride quality can become a bit bouncy at high speeds, and there is some body roll and understeer when cornering.
The Basalt’s feature list is not as extensive as some of its competitors, but it does come with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless connectivity, and a wireless charger. The touchscreen has decent feedback, but the reverse parking camera could be improved. The Basalt also lacks some features that are common in the segment, such as front ventilated seats, driving modes, and ambient lighting.
In terms of safety, the Basalt has scored a four-star rating in the Bharat NCAP crash test, and it comes with six airbags, ABS, and EBD. The projector LED headlamps have a good throw and do not feel cheap during night driving. The Basalt’s engine performance is another highlight, with a 1.2L turbo petrol engine that produces 120 bhp and 190 Nm of peak torque. The engine has some lag at low speeds, but it picks up pace quickly once it crosses 2,000 RPM. The gear shifts are smooth, and the clutch has a slightly longer travel, but it becomes easy to maneuver in traffic once you get used to it.
The Basalt’s fuel efficiency is also impressive, with a claimed mileage of 15.2 km/l during the test drive. The Basalt is a practical and comfortable coupe-SUV, with ample storage space, multiple cup holders, and bottle holders. The seats are well-cushioned and offer a comfortable ride experience, although the light-colored upholstery can be prone to getting dirty.
The Citroen Basalt is priced between ₹9.44 lakh and ₹14.83 lakh (on-road, Noida), making it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment. While it may not have the most extensive feature list, the Basalt’s unique design, comfortable ride, and punchy engine make it an attractive option for buyers who are willing to compromise on some features. However, the limited dealership and service center network may be a concern for some buyers. Overall, the Citroen Basalt is an underrated option that is worth considering for those looking for a comfortable and feature-packed compact SUV.