The Indian automobile market has witnessed a massive surge in demand for SUVs and crossover vehicles over the past few years. From compact SUVs to full-size premium models, the segment has been buzzing with competition. Citroen, the French automaker that entered India not too long ago, has been steadily making its mark with distinctive designs and unconventional approaches to mobility. After the launch of the C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross SUV, Citroen is now preparing to introduce a coupe-SUV to the Indian market—the Citroen Basalt X.
This upcoming SUV is expected to combine the practicality of an SUV with the sporty flair of a coupe, a design direction that has been gaining popularity globally. Let’s dive into what we can expect from the Citroen Basalt X in terms of design, performance, features, and market positioning.
A Fresh Take on Coupe-SUV Styling
The Citroen Basalt X will stand out primarily because of its coupe-inspired design. Unlike conventional SUVs that focus only on muscularity and road presence, the Basalt X will bring in a more elegant and stylish silhouette. The sloping roofline is expected to give it a sporty stance, while Citroen’s signature design cues—like the split headlamp setup, bold front grille, and chunky cladding—will ensure it retains an SUV identity.
- Front Design: Expect LED DRLs with a V-shaped pattern, a wide grille with chrome and gloss-black accents, and projector headlamps for a premium look.
- Side Profile: The coupe-style sloping roofline, strong character lines, and large alloy wheels will make it distinctive.
- Rear Design: Wrap-around LED tail lamps, a sculpted tailgate, and a sloping rear glass panel will emphasize its coupe SUV persona.
With these design elements, the Basalt X is expected to appeal to young buyers who prioritize aesthetics without compromising practicality.
Interiors: Blending Technology and Comfort
Inside, Citroen is likely to maintain its philosophy of quirky yet practical design. Expect a dual-tone dashboard, comfortable fabric or leatherette upholstery, and ample space for both front and rear passengers. Since the coupe styling often raises concerns about headroom, Citroen might optimize the interior packaging to ensure comfort.
Key interior highlights could include:
- A large infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- A fully digital instrument cluster with customizable themes.
- Premium features like automatic climate control, wireless charging, and push-button start.
- A panoramic sunroof, which would add to the premium appeal.
- Practical touches such as multiple storage spaces, wide rear seats, and adjustable driver ergonomics.
Given Citroen’s focus on comfort, the Basalt X is expected to feature plush seating and suspension tuned for Indian roads, ensuring a smooth ride.
Engine and Powertrain Options
When it comes to performance, the Citroen Basalt X is expected to borrow powertrains from the C3 Aircross. This means we could see:
- A 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering around 110 PS of power and 190 Nm of torque.
- A 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic transmission as options.
Considering the growing importance of sustainability, Citroen might also explore flex-fuel compatibility or hybrid technology in the future. For now, however, a petrol-only strategy seems more likely for the Indian market.
Ride and Handling
Citroen cars have consistently impressed Indian buyers with their ride quality, thanks to suspension tuning that perfectly balances comfort with control. The Basalt X is expected to carry forward this legacy. Despite its coupe-SUV stance, it should provide excellent stability and cushioning on bumpy Indian roads.
The higher ground clearance will also allow it to handle rough patches, while the compact dimensions (compared to full-size SUVs) will make it easier to navigate city traffic.
Features and Technology
The Basalt X is expected to arrive with a feature-rich package to compete with rivals in the compact SUV segment. Possible highlights include:
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car features.
- Digital driver display with navigation and multimedia integration.
- Automatic climate control and rear AC vents.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in higher trims, including lane departure warning and emergency braking.
- 360-degree camera and parking sensors.
- Safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, and ISOFIX mounts.
Competition in the Market
The Citroen Basalt X will likely compete with models such as the Tata Curvv (upcoming), Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. What sets the Basalt X apart is its unique coupe-SUV styling, which few competitors currently offer in this price bracket.
Expected Launch and Price
While Citroen has not officially revealed the launch timeline, industry insiders suggest that the Basalt X could debut in late 2025 or early 2026. Pricing will be crucial for its success in India. Given Citroen’s strategy of competitive pricing, the Basalt X is expected to start at around ₹12–15 lakh (ex-showroom).
Why the Citroen Basalt X Matters
The Indian car market is evolving rapidly, and buyers are now seeking distinctive vehicles that combine practicality, technology, and style. The Citroen Basalt X checks all these boxes by bringing:
- A fresh coupe-inspired SUV design.
- Comfort and ride quality tailored to Indian roads.
- A modern feature set with connected tech.
- Competitive pricing that undercuts premium rivals.
For Citroen, the Basalt X could become a game-changer, helping the brand establish a stronger foothold in the SUV-dominated Indian automotive landscape.
Final Thoughts
The Citroen Basalt X represents a bold step for the French automaker in India. With its coupe-inspired styling, comfortable interiors, advanced features, and practical performance, it has the potential to stand out in a crowded market. If priced right, it could become a strong alternative for buyers looking for something fresh and stylish beyond the usual SUV offerings.
As anticipation builds, the Citroen Basalt X might just be the model that elevates Citroen’s presence in India to the next level.