Citroen Basalt EV

The Citroen Basalt is a compact 5-seater SUV-coupe powered by a 1199 cc, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that produces between 80 to 109 bhp and torque ranging up to 205 Nm. It provides both manual and automatic transmission options and a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres. The vehicles dimensions include a length of 4352 mm and a wheelbase of 2651 mm, positioning it comfortably in the urban SUV space with a spacious cabin. Its interiors feature modern conveniences such as a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, adjustable rear seat underthigh support, and automatic climate control. Safety is well addressed with a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating, 6 airbags, ABS, ESP, hill assist, and tyre pressure monitoring system. With a boot space of 470 litres, it also scores well on practicality. The Basalts sharp styling and comprehensive feature list make it a strong contender in a rapidly evolving Indian SUV market focused on youthful buyers who want a combination of style, connectivity, and practicality in a petrol-powered package.

The Citroen Basalt impresses with its distinct SUV-coupe styling and competitive engine performance, making it an attractive choice in the sub-14 lakh petrol SUV segment. It offers a well-balanced 1199 cc turbocharged petrol engine delivering up to 109 bhp and 205 Nm torque, which provides confident city and highway driving. The spacious cabin with adjustable rear underthigh support and a 10-inch touchscreen equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enhance comfort and connectivity. Safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating, boost confidence in safety. While it may not lead in outright mileage, its 18 to 19.5 kmpl claim is respectable for its class. The Basalts unique styling, feature-rich interiors, and assured quality give it a niche edge over more conventional rivals, though its best suited for those prioritizing style and comfort over purely budget-conscious running costs. Overall, it strikes a nice balance between style, safety, and tech for buyers seeking something fresh and practical from an Indian petrol SUV.

The Citroen Basalt EV is set to launch in India around late November 2025 with an expected price range between ₹14 lakh and ₹17 lakh. This electric variant will feature a 35 kWh battery pack paired with a single electric motor delivering around 98 to 100 bhp, with a front-wheel-drive layout and automatic transmission, promising a driving range of about 450 km on a single charge. It includes modern amenities like a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity and a wireless mobile charger, along with automatic climate control, targeting urban electric SUV buyers who want a blend of style and efficiency. The Basalt EV will compete with models like the Mahindra BE.6 and the Hyundai Creta Electric in the growing electric SUV segment. Its coupe SUV design and expected premium features offer a fresh alternative to Indian customers seeking an electric vehicle with a distinctive look and decent driving range. This launch follows the petrol Basalt’s successful introduction in 2024, known for its 1.2L turbo petrol engine, good safety features including six airbags, ESC, and a modern infotainment setup. The EV aims to expand Citroen’s portfolio and strengthen its presence in India’s electric mobility market.

In India, the Citroen Basalt is priced between approximately 8.32 lakh to 14.1 lakh ex-showroom, varying by variant and transmission choice. The manual variants start around 8.3 lakh, while the turbocharged automatic and higher trims, including the Dark Edition, climb close to 14.1 lakh ex-showroom. On-road prices in major cities typically add around 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh, depending on state taxes, insurance, and registration fees, so expect on-road costs from around 9.3 lakh to upwards of 15 lakh. This pricing positions the Basalt competitively against other subcompact SUVs with petrol powertrains. Given its premium features, refined turbo engine, and distinct design, the price is justified within its segment. It offers good value for buyers desiring a feature-loaded, stylish SUV-coupe without stepping into the more expensive electric or hybrid categories that currently dominate urban luxury buyers. Being a relatively new offering with limited sales so far, Citroen may also offer attractive deals or discounts to gain a stronger foothold in the Indian market.

The Citroen Basalt delivers an ARAI-certified mileage range between 18 and 19.5 kmpl in petrol variants, depending on whether you opt for manual or automatic transmission. Real-world figures tend to hover around 17.5 to 17.7 kmpl, which is decent for a 1.2L turbo petrol SUV. Considering petrol prices in India and the Basalts balanced fuel efficiency, it represents an acceptable running cost for an SUV of this size and power. If mileage and lower fuel expenses are a priority, its worth considering the manual variant, which generally offers marginally better fuel economy.