Citron Basalt – Premium SUV with budget of ₹10 Lakhs, powerful engine with 24kmpl mileage

Citron Basalt : You know how the Indian car market loves to throw curveballs? Well, Citroen just lobbed a massive one with the Basalt X, their latest twist on the already popular Basalt SUV coupe.

Launched amid buzzing anticipation in late 2025, this “X” edition amps up the style and features, making it a head-turner for urban drivers craving something fresh without breaking the bank.

A Design That Turns Heads on Delhi Roads

Picture this: you’re cruising through Delhi’s chaotic traffic, and every second light, someone glances over. That’s the Basalt X for you.

Its sleek coupe-style roofline swoops gracefully from the bold front grille to those sharp LED tail lamps, giving it a premium vibe that punches way above its price tag.

Citroen drew inspiration from volcanic rock—fittingly named Basalt—for that rugged yet elegant look, complete with 16-inch alloys that fill the wheel wells just right.

The X variant adds sporty flair with dual-tone paint options like Garnet Red with black roof, glossy black accents, and even a new Cara voice assistant that chats back in Hindi or English.

At 4,352mm long with 200mm ground clearance, it handles pothole-ridden streets like a champ, unlike some boxy rivals that scrape at every speed breaker.

I remember test-driving one last monsoon; water splashed everywhere, but it felt planted and confident.

Cabin Comfort That Feels Like Home

Step inside, and the Basalt X wraps you in a surprisingly upscale cocoon.

The dual-tone black and tan interior screams sophistication—soft upholstery, chrome accents on vents, and a dashboard layout borrowed from pricier Citroens but refined for everyday chaos.

Front seats are plush with height adjustment, and the steering offers tilt for that perfect driving posture. But the real magic? The rear bench.

With adjustable under-thigh support, generous knee room for six-footers, and AC vents keeping Delhi’s summer heat at bay, it’s chauffeur-car territory.

Families will love the 470-litre boot—swallow two massive suitcases plus weekend gear without flinching.

Add wireless charging, a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and that Cara AI handling calls or navigation, and you’ve got a cabin that’s miles ahead of basic sub-10 lakh cars.

Citron Basalt

Powertrains Built for Indian Realities

Under the hood, Citroen keeps it simple yet smart with two 1.2-litre petrol mills. The base NA unit churns 80bhp and 115Nm, mated to a slick 5-speed manual—perfect for city sips at 18kmpl ARAI.

But the star is the turbo-petrol: 108bhp, up to 205Nm with the 6-speed auto, delivering 19.5kmpl claimed and real-world 17kmpl in mixed traffic.

No vibrations mar the experience like some three-pots; it’s refined enough for highway hauls from Delhi to Jaipur. Overtakes need a nudge, but the torque kicks in predictably.

Fuel tank’s 45 litres mean fewer stops, crucial when petrol prices flirt with 100 bucks a litre. Citroen promises low maintenance too, aligning with their C-Cubed program’s no-fuss ethos for emerging markets like ours.

Safety First in a Crowded Segment

Gone are the days of flimsy imports; the Basalt X boasts a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating, thanks to structural tweaks across the C3 platform.

Six airbags standard, ABS with EBD, hill-hold, and tyre pressure monitors—basics done right. The X edition throws in ventilated seats for sweaty commutes and cruise control for those NH44 runs.

It’s not loaded with ADAS like some Koreans, but for under 13 lakhs, it outscores many on crash protection. Rear seatbelt reminders nag just enough, and that high ground clearance dodges flooded underpasses better than sedans. In a market where safety sells, Citroen nailed it without hiking prices.

X Edition: The Value King Emerges

What sets Basalt X apart? Fresh perks like ventilated fronts, 360-camera in tops, push-button start, and premium trims starting at Rs 7.95 lakh ex-showroom (You 1.2 MT) up to Rs 13.55 lakh (Max Turbo AT).

Mid-spec Plus Turbo MT at 11 lakhs packs most goodies. Post-GST cuts, it’s even sweeter—rivals like Tata Curvv or Hyundai Venue demand more for less flair.

User buzz is electric: “Best suspension ever,” raves one Delhiite on forums. Service network’s growing—85 La Maison outlets now—and resale holds steady thanks to that safety badge.

Drawbacks? No sunroof, no diesel yet (CNG whispers abound), and three-cyl drone at idle. Minor gripes for a car that redefines affordable cool.

Also Read This : TVS Jupiter 110 Dhansu features and look is Gajab for Girls – mileage is 75 Kmpl

Why Citron Basalt X Fits India’s 2026 Drive

As 2026 kicks off with EV hype, the Basalt X reminds us ICE still rules for reliability and range. It’s for the young professional dodging Gurugram gridlock, the family weekend warrior, or the first-time buyer ditching bikes.

Citroen bet big on style-plus-comfort, and it’s paying off—sales ticked up post-X launch despite segment slowdowns.

In a sea of me-too SUVs, Basalt X stands tall, blending French joie de vivre with desi practicality.

Head to a showroom; that sloping silhouette might just steal your heart. At this price-performance sweet spot, ignoring it would be the real crime.

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