Citroen Basalt: A New Challenger to the Hyundai Creta Throne?

Citroen, the French automaker, is all set to shake up the compact SUV segment once again. After a lukewarm response to the C3 Aircross, the company is gearing up to launch its second offering for the Indian market – the Citroen Basalt. Positioned as a stylish coupe-SUV, the Basalt is directly aimed at the segment leader, the Hyundai Creta.

A Bold Design Statement

The Basalt promises to bring a fresh perspective to the segment with its coupe-like silhouette. While the C3 Aircross had a boxy design, the Basalt is expected to sport a more sloping roofline, giving it a sportier appeal. The front fascia is likely to feature Citroen’s signature split headlamp design and a bold grille, while the rear will get sleek LED taillights. The overall design is expected to be a mix of style and substance, appealing to the young and dynamic buyer.

Powertrain Options

While official details are scarce, it’s highly probable that the Basalt will share its powertrain options with the C3 Aircross. This means we can expect a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the hood, producing around 110bhp and 205Nm of torque. Transmission options could include a manual and an automatic gearbox.

Features and Tech

Citroen has shown a penchant for offering a decent feature list in its cars, and the Basalt is expected to be no different. Expect a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, a connected car tech suite, a premium audio system, and a host of safety features. The interior is likely to be driver-focused with a modern and minimalist design.

Price Expectations

This is where Citroen could play its trump card. Given the competitive nature of the segment, the Basalt is expected to be aggressively priced, it can start from 9 lakhs and can go up to 16 lakhs. If Citroen does so and manages to undercut the Creta by a significant margin, it could be a game-changer.

Creta vs Basalt: A Battle of the Titans?

The Hyundai Creta has been a runaway success, thanks to its blend of style, space, features, and reliability. The Basalt will have its work cut out to dethrone the king. While the Creta offers a more conventional SUV design and a wider range of engine and transmission options, the Basalt could appeal to buyers looking for a sportier and more stylish package.

Ultimately, the success of the Basalt will depend on its pricing, feature list, and driving dynamics. If Citroen manages to get the formula right, we could be looking at a potential upset in the compact SUV segment.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming Citroen Basalt? Do you think it has what it takes to challenge the Creta? Share your opinions in the Hyundai Creta Community.