Good Where it Matters Most

Citroën India attempt a fusion of the best bits of the cars we want and the ones we need

- Joshua Varghese

FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH OF THE C3 AND C5 range, we were expecting to see a C2 or even a C4. Citroën India’s latest offering is not named after the plastic explosive. It does not even have a “C” in the name, but it does promise to be interesting enough to cause a stir in the four-metre-plus sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. Incidentally, the Citroën Basalt was our first experience with an SUV coupé that does not cost more than Rs 20 lakh (hopefully) and we spent some time behind its wheel on a rainy day in Goa.

When viewed head-on, there is not much to set the Basalt apart from the other Citroën cars that are based on the C-cubed platform and that holds true if one were to follow the shoulder-lines of the car until the B-pillar. After that, things get interesting because its SUV form flows down gently into the rear glass before ending in an unmistakable tail-end.

It is a design that promises to polarise opinion, so we will leave you to form your own judgement, but it is worth noting that photos do not do justice to the actual stance and proportions of the Basalt. Personally, I felt that the 17-inch four-spoke wheels from the C3 Aircross would have added more to the Basalt’s road presence than the 16-inch units with which it comes equipped.

When we drove the C3 Aircross a year ago, it did not have projector headlights, whereas they are present in the Basalt and the latest C3 range. Good to see Citroën India listening to their customers and addressing their needs.

Basalt’s cabin with its large windows is a nice place to be because its layout is simple, uncluttered, and airy. Visibility is great too. Since it does not slope downwards much, the ends of the bonnet are easily visible, which adds to the convenience while driving.