Citroen has officially started the production of its much-awaited SUV, the Basalt, at its Tiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu. The Basalt is set to hit the market in the coming months.
This manufacturing plant, which also produces the C3 Aircross SUV, is now dedicated to the production of this new model. The Basalt will be the fourth model to be produced at this factory, joining the C3 high-riding hatchback and its electric variant, the eC3.
Citroen Basalt to rival Tata Curve
The Citroen Basalt SUV was showcased in an almost production-ready form a few months ago. The SUV coupe will be around 4.3 meters long and will be targeted at the upcoming Tata Curve, which will also have a similar body style. Moreover, the upcoming Basalt will serve as a slightly different-looking alternative to popular midsize SUVs like the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Haider, Taigun and Kushaq, and even Citroen’s own C3 Aircross SUV.
Citroen Basalt: Powertrain, Feature expectations
The Basalt will be powered by the same 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine as the C3 Aircross, with manual and automatic gearbox options available. Apart from the sloping roofline, the Basalt is also expected to have a few additional features over the C3 hatch and C3 Aircross SUVs, which have been criticized for not being as well-equipped as their respective rivals.
Citroen Basalt: Design
The most distinct exterior highlight of the Citroen Basalt Vision is obviously the sharp retracting roofline, which gives the car a sporty coupe-like profile. However, apart from the profile and the new alloy wheels, there is hardly anything to differentiate between the Basalt and the C3 Aircross. For example, the entire front fascia is almost identical to the C3 Aircross, which has a more conventional design.
These SUVs including the Tata Curve will be the competition
The Citroen Basalt SUV was showcased a few months ago as an almost production-ready version. This SUV coupe will be around 4.3 meters long and will be aimed at the upcoming Tata Curve, which will also have a similar body style.
Apart from this, the upcoming Basalt will compete with popular cars like the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Highrider, Taigun, and Kushaq. This midsize SUV is being considered and is also being seen as a slightly different-looking alternative to Citroen’s own C3 Aircross SUV.
