Citroën Basalt| The Affordable Coupe of 2024 Review: Pros, Cons & Performance

The Citroën Basalt is the latest entrant in the Indian automobile market, and it’s creating quite a buzz, especially with its competitive pricing starting at ₹7.99 lakh. In a market saturated with options, this vehicle attempts to carve out a niche for itself by offering a blend of style, comfort, and practicality. But does it deliver? In this review, we’ll delve into its pros and cons, engine performance, and how it stacks up against the competition. We’ll also explore whether it’s worth your money in today’s market.

Pros of the Citroën Basalt

1. Stylish Design: The Citroën Basalt carries the signature French flair in its design. With its sleek lines, bold front grille, and eye-catching LED lights, it stands out from the crowd. The design is modern yet practical, offering a fresh look in a segment often dominated by more conservative designs.
2. Comfortable Ride Quality: Citroën is known for its emphasis on comfort, and the Basalt is no exception. The suspension is well-tuned to handle the rough roads commonly found in India, providing a smooth ride even over potholes and bumps. The seats are plush, with good cushioning, making long drives less fatiguing.
3. Feature-Packed: Despite its competitive pricing, the Citroën Basalt doesn’t skimp on features. It comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, cruise control, and more. Safety is also well-covered, with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control.
4. Fuel Efficiency: The Citroën Basalt offers decent fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and long drives alike. With rising fuel prices, this is a significant plus for budget-conscious buyers.
5. Pricing: Starting at ₹7.99 lakh, the Citroën Basalt is aggressively priced, making it an attractive option for those looking to get a stylish, feature-packed car without breaking the bank.

Cons of the Citroën Basalt

1. Engine Performance: While the Citroën Basalt’s engine is adequate for city driving, it falls short when it comes to highway performance. The acceleration is moderate, and it can feel underpowered during overtaking maneuvers. This might be a drawback for those who frequently travel on highways or prefer a more spirited driving experience.
2. Limited Dealer Network: Citroën is still establishing its presence in India, and the limited dealer and service network could be a concern for potential buyers. In case of any issues or regular maintenance, access to authorized service centers might be challenging in some areas.
3. Resale Value: As Citroën is relatively new in the Indian market, its resale value is uncertain. This could be a potential downside for buyers who are looking for a car that holds its value well over time.
4. Space: While the Citroën Basalt is comfortable, it isn’t the most spacious car in its segment. The rear seat legroom and boot space are adequate but not class-leading, which could be a concern for families or those who require more cargo space.
5. Engine Options: The Citroën Basalt currently offers limited engine options. While this might suffice for some buyers, those looking for more power or alternative fuel options might find the choices restrictive.

Engine Performance and Comparison

The Citroën Basalt comes with a 1.2L petrol engine that delivers decent performance for city driving. It’s smooth and refined, with a focus on efficiency rather than outright power. However, when compared to its rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Swift or the Hyundai i20, the Basalt’s engine can feel less responsive, especially at higher speeds. Both the Swift and i20 offer more powerful engine options, which makes them better suited for those who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience.

On the flip side, the Basalt’s engine is quieter and more refined, which contributes to a more relaxed driving experience in urban settings. Its fuel efficiency also matches up well against competitors, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commutes.

Is It Worth Buying?

The Basalt is a great option for buyers who prioritize style, comfort, and features over raw engine performance. Its competitive pricing, combined with Citroën’s reputation for comfort, makes it a strong contender in the compact car segment. However, if you’re someone who values engine performance and brand familiarity, you might find better options among its competitors.

For those living in cities with access to Citroën’s service network and who primarily drive within urban environments, the Basalt offers a compelling package. However, if highway performance or extensive service support is crucial to you, it might be worth exploring other options.

FAQs

1. What is the price of the Citroën Basalt?
   • The Basalt starts at ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Is the Citroën Basalt good for highway driving?
   • The Basalt is more suited for city driving due to its moderate engine performance. It might feel underpowered on highways, especially during overtaking.
3. What are the main competitors of the Citroën Basalt?
   • The main competitors are the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20, and Tata Altroz.
4. Does the Citroën Basalt offer good fuel efficiency?
   • Yes, the Basalt offers decent fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for daily use.
5. What are the main pros of the Citroën Basalt?
   • Stylish design, comfortable ride, feature-packed, and competitive pricing.
6. What are the main cons of the Citroën Basalt?
   • Moderate engine performance, limited dealer network, and uncertain resale value.

Know more : https://carovaar.com/tata-curvv-2024-coupe-of-india/