Citroën has introduced its new Basalt model, adding an SUV-coupé to its local line-up to fit between the C3 and the Aircross and becomes the third model sourced from India under Citroën’s C-Cubed programme.
I have always been a fan of Citroën’s left-of-centre design styling that has set them apart from some very bland moments in automotive design – to say nothing of innovations it has brought to market through the years such as hydraulic suspension.
So, the design of the Basalt is just enough to the left to give it Citroën credibility and this, alone, may well go a long way to appealing to buyers looking into an extremely congested market segment.
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While still old-school enough to believe ‘coupé’ means a two-door car, modern usage has allowed this term to reference four-door vehicles with a sloping rear and the Basalt wiggles into this terminology also offering higher ground clearance, a pronounced bonnet line and robust detailing.
Inside, the cabin has is out with a focus on everyday practicality. There is generous legroom across the five seats, and the boot offers 470 litres of space. A 10-inch Citroën Connect floating touchscreen comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, paired with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that keeps key information within the driver’s sightline – and ventilation controls are button operated outside of the touchscreen.
Comfort features include automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, front and rear armrests and height-adjustable front headrests and, on a short drive around a rather traffic-choked Hartbeespoort Dam, the comfort levels were welcomed.
Other convenience items include cruise control with a speed limiter, keyless entry with proximity sensing and push-button start, power windows all round, electrically adjustable and folding side mirrors.
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Safety equipment includes a high-strength body structure, six crash bags as standard, Electronic Stability Programme with Hill Hold Control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, and two ISOFIX child-seat anchor points.
Under the bonnet is a 1,2-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 81?kW and 205?Nm of torque from 1?750?r/min and this courageous little engine is impressively good at shifting the Basalt around Highveld roads, getting a pleasantly rorty note as the revs climb.
Ride comfort, road and tyre noise as well as overall handling were all above par for the segment. It rides on 205/60 R16 wheels and tyres which, I think, are a bit small and it would benefit from 18-inch wheels.
Pricing for the Basalt starts at R354?900 for the Plus 1.2 Turbo Automatic and goes up to R369?900 for the Max 1.2 Turbo Automatic. Each model comes with a 4-year or 60?000?km service plan and a 5-year or 100?000?km warranty.
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Mmathapelo Khumalo, head of Citroën South Africa, said the Basalt brings a distinctive attitude to the local SUV segment, combining design with the comfort and technology the brand is known for.
The model takes its name from the volcanic rock basalt, drawing on associations with strength and durability, and is now available at dealerships nationwide.
Citroën, founded in 1919, describes itself as a brand focused on innovation and customer wellbeing. It operates in 101 countries with a network of 6?200 points of sale and service.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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