Let’s be honest for a second—most SUVs in the budget segment look exactly the same. They are boxy, practical, and frankly, a bit boring. But every once in a while, a car comes along that breaks the mold without breaking the bank. Enter the 2025 Citroën Basalt.
If you’ve been scrolling through your feed looking for a car that turns heads but doesn’t require selling a kidney, you’ve likely stumbled upon this French coupe-SUV. It’s got the sloping roofline of a luxury performance car (yes, the Lamborghini Urus comparisons are inevitable) but wears a price tag that makes the Hyundai Creta and Tata Curvv sweat.
But is it all style and no substance? After 25 years of testing everything from budget hatchbacks to luxury tourers, I’m digging deep into whether the Basalt is just a pretty face or the bargain of the year.
Quick Specs Overview
Before we get behind the wheel, let’s look at the raw numbers.
| Specification | Details |
| Engine Options | 1.2L PureTech (Naturally Aspirated) & 1.2L Turbo Petrol |
| Power Output | 82 PS (NA) / 110 PS (Turbo) |
| Torque | 115 Nm (NA) / 205 Nm (Turbo Automatic) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed MT, 6-Speed MT, 6-Speed Automatic (Torque Converter) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18.0 kmpl (NA) to 19.5 kmpl (Turbo) |
| Boot Space | 470 Liters |
| Key Features | 10.25-inch Touchscreen, 360° Camera, Ventilated Seats (Basalt X) |
| Safety | 6 Airbags (Standard), ESP, Hill Hold Assist, TPMS |
Design: The “Coupe” Effect
The first thing you notice is that roofline. The “Coupe-SUV” silhouette was once reserved for the BMW X6 or Mercedes GLE Coupe. Citroën has democratized this design, bringing it to the mass market. The 2025 Basalt, especially in the updated “Basalt X” guise, looks far more expensive than it is.
The front face carries the signature Citroën double-chevron grille, flanked by split LED projector headlamps that give it a modern, aggressive stance. But the real drama is at the rear. The way the roof slopes down into the boot lid is seamless. It doesn’t look like a hatchback that was stretched; it looks purpose-built. The squared-off wheel arches and hefty cladding remind you that despite the pretty lines, this is still an SUV built to handle rough roads.
Performance: Comfort Over Cornering
Driving the Basalt is a uniquely “French” experience. If you opt for the 1.2L Turbo Petrol, you are in for a treat. With 110 PS, it’s punchy enough to make highway overtakes effortless. The 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth—miles better than the jerky AMTs you often find in this price bracket.
However, the real magic is the suspension. Citroën calls it the “Flying Carpet” effect, and they aren’t kidding. The Basalt swallows potholes, speed bumps, and broken tarmac better than cars costing twice as much. It doesn’t crash through bumps; it glides over them.
Ideally, this isn’t a corner-carver. The steering is light, making city parking a breeze, but there is some body roll if you push it hard into corners. It’s built for comfort, not the racetrack.
Interior & Features: A Mixed Bag?
Stepping inside, you see where Citroën saved money to give you that exterior design. The dashboard layout is clean, featuring a floating 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which works flawlessly.
The 2025 update (Basalt X) addresses previous complaints by adding ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera—features that are mandatory in today’s market.
But here is the “expert” truth: the plastic quality is still a step behind rivals like the Kia Seltos. Hard plastics are everywhere. However, Citroën redeems itself with the rear seat. They have introduced adjustable under-thigh support for the rear bench—a segment-first feature. If you are being chauffeur-driven, this rear seat is arguably the most comfortable in the segment.
Pricing: The Value Proposition
This is where the Basalt drops the mic.
- Base (You) Variant: Starts around ₹7.95 Lakh. This gets you the looks and the basic NA engine.
- Mid-Range (Plus): Starts around ₹9.99 Lakh. Adds the Turbo engine options.
- Top-End (Max): Goes up to ₹13.90 Lakh for the Turbo Automatic with dual-tone paint.
Getting a full-sized, turbo-automatic Coupe SUV for under ₹14 Lakh is aggressive pricing. It undercuts the Tata Curvv and sits significantly lower than the Creta/Seltos duopoly.
Summary
The 2025 Citroën Basalt is not perfect. The interior plastics could be better, and it lacks a sunroof (a dealbreaker for some). But it offers a stunning design, a ride quality that embarrasses luxury cars, and a turbo engine that is genuinely fun to drive—all at a price that screams value. If you want to stand out in a sea of boxy SUVs, this is your ride.