What's The Big News?
Citroen is trying hard to make you notice them. After giving their mid-size Aircross SUV a shot of premium features with a special edition, the French carmaker has now turned its attention to their gorgeous coupe-SUV. Yes, the Citroen Basalt has just received a new Comfort Edition variant, starting at a tempting price tag of Rs 8.75 lakh (ex-showroom). This isn't just a sticker job; it's a calculated move to bring more value to buyers who want style without stretching their budget to the absolute limit.
They're essentially trying to fix the biggest complaint Indian buyers had with French cars—the lack of features in the lower trims. If you've been eyeing that sloping roofline but were holding back because the entry-level variants felt too bare-bones, this new edition might just change your mind. It packages some of the most-requested features without burning a massive hole in your pocket (and honestly, it shows they are listening to feedback).
A Clever Blend of Style and Convenience
Let's look at what you actually get for your hard-earned money. Citroen has realized that safety and convenience aren't negotiable anymore for Indian car buyers. The Comfort Edition builds on the existing lower trims but adds some key features that elevate the daily driving experience. You get a much better infotainment setup than before, steering-mounted controls, and some cosmetic tweaks that make this entry-level model look far more premium than its price suggests.
It's a smart play. Instead of forcing you to stretch your budget to the top-spec trims just to get basic modern conveniences, they're giving you a sweet spot. The cabin feels more complete, the dashboard doesn't look like a blank plastic wall anymore, and you can actually show off your ride to your neighbors without making excuses for missing features. It's exactly the kind of course correction the brand needed in India.
Decoding Citroen's Strategy: Is It Enough To Fight The Giants?
We all know how tough the Indian market is. If you're not offering Maruti-level mileage or Hyundai-level features, you're going to have a hard time. Citroen started its journey in India with beautiful but under-equipped cars. They gave us fantastic ride quality—seriously, nothing in this price bracket rides like a Citroen—but forgot that we love our cabin tech and creature comforts.
This Comfort Edition is a direct response to that market reality. By launching this right after a similar edition for the Aircross, the brand is signaling a shift. They want to be seen as a value-for-money alternative to traditional sub-four-meter compact SUVs and premium hatchbacks. You're getting a unique, head-turning coupe-SUV silhouette for the price of a mid-spec Swift. That's a massive talking point at any family gathering.
Specs At A Glance
Here is a quick look at the key specifications of the Citroen Basalt range that this new Comfort Edition fits into:
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Engine Options | 1.2L Naturally Aspirated Petrol / 1.2L Turbo Petrol |
Power Output (NA) | 82 PS (Standard) |
Power Output (Turbo) | 110 PS (Standard) |
Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
Starting Price (Comfort Edition) | Rs 8.75 Lakh (Ex-showroom) |
Body Style | Coupe-SUV |
How Does It Stack Up Against The Competition?
At Rs 8.75 lakh, the Basalt Comfort Edition enters a very crowded boxing ring. It goes up against the likes of the Tata Curvv (its only direct coupe-SUV rival, though priced significantly higher), popular sub-four-meter SUVs like the Maruti Brezza and Tata Nexon, and even premium hatchbacks like the Hyundai i20.
While the Brezza and Nexon offer more established brand value and wider service networks, they look like everyday commuter cars next to the Basalt. The French coupe-SUV has immense road presence. However, Citroen still lags behind when it comes to the sheer number of service touchpoints. If you live in a tier-1 or tier-2 city with a local dealership, this is a phenomenal alternative. But if you're in a remote town, the peace of mind of a Maruti or Hyundai is still hard to beat.
The Good And The Not-So-Good
What We Like
- Stunning coupe-SUV styling that punches way above its price class.
- Unmatched ride quality that glides over broken Indian roads with ease.
- Smart feature additions make the entry-level price point feel genuinely premium.
- Priced incredibly competitively against boring hatchbacks.
What Could Be Better
- Citroen's dealership and service network is still quite limited across India.
- Cabin plastics in lower trims could feel a bit more premium.
- Missing some fancy tech highlights like a sunroof which rivals offer.
Price & When You Can Buy It
The Citroen Basalt Comfort Edition starts at Rs 8.75 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings are officially open across all Citroen dealerships in India, and you can also reserve yours online. Deliveries are expected to begin shortly, making it a great option if you want to bring home a unique machine this festive season without waiting for months.
Our Verdict
Here's the thing — Citroen has finally stopped playing hard to get and is giving Indian buyers exactly what they want. They've kept the stellar ride comfort and gorgeous design intact while fixing the feature deficit at a price that makes you do a double-take. If you want to stand out from the crowd without spending a fortune, this is the car to buy right now.
