Citroen Basalt SUV-coupe breaks cover

Citroen has globally unveiled the all-new Basalt Vision coupe-SUV. This is the fourth model under the company’s C-Cubed programme following the C3 and eC3 hatchbacks, and the C3 Aircross SUV. These images give us a first look at the exterior design of the upcoming model that will go sale in India in the second half of 2024. Although it’s still labelled as a concept, Citroen says, “It is faithful to the model that will hit the streets.”

Interestingly, the ‘Basalt’ – which is what it will be called in production spec – nomenclature is a departure from existing C-Cubed models that have always carried the alpha-numeric ‘C3’. The Basalt will be produced in India and will also be exported to South American markets.

1. Basalt is the fourth model under the C-Cubed programme
2. Combines SUV aesthetics with sedan-like proportions
3. Will carry over 1.2-litre powertrain from the C3 Aircross

Citroen Basalt exterior design

The Citroen Basalt, unsurprisingly, bears a very close resemblance to the C3 Aircross. In fact, the entire fascia is nearly identical save for a slightly different finish for the grille inserts; you get the same chrome-lined Chevron logo at the top, a two-part grille and a faux silver skid plate for the chin. But what’s a welcome step up is that the Basalt finally gets projector headlamps instead of the halogen units seen on other C-Cubed models. The LED daytime running lamp signature remains unchanged, though, and so does the bonnet.

When viewed in profile, the Basalt has a distinct design, with the cladding over the wheel arches being a little more squared-off, the pinched window line on both sides and the smoothly flowing roof line that meets the boot. The door claddings have also been removed, thereby revealing a contoured surface, with the C-pillar featuring a stylish blacked-out extension of the window line. This concept rides on stylish alloy wheels with a gun-metal finish, although it is likely to be toned down in production-spec. The Basalt, however, still retains the pull-type door handles.

The Basalt features a short, stubby rear end with clean surfacing and newly designed tail-lamps. They are of the same shape as in the C3 Aircross, but are larger and feature new LED signatures. It also gets a chunky dual-tone bumper finished in black and silver.

The Basalt is similar in size to the C3 Aircross, which means it will measure about 4.3 metres in length. The SUV aesthetics and jacked up ride height combined with the coupe-like roofline slots it into the upcoming segment of midsize coupe-SUVs; the Tata Curvv being the other model that will launch around the same time as the Basalt.

Citroen Basalt interior, powertrain, specs   

Citroen, however, hasn’t yet given us a look at the Basalt’s interior. We expect the dashboard to be carried over from the C3 Aircross, although it will get more equipment. So features like electric folding mirrors, automatic climate control, cruise control, wireless charging, push-button start and keyless entry, which have so far been missing from existing C-cubed models could be a part of the package right from the start.

Sharing the engine with existing C-cubed models, the Basalt will be powered by a sole 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, mated to either a manual or torque converter automatic. There will be an all-electric iteration as well that will join the line-up about six months after the petrol-powered model goes on sale.

Citroen says it will announce more details about the Basalt towards the middle of the year, so the electric version should follow by January or February 2025.

Also See:

Citroen C3 hatchback to get automatic gearbox by June