Citroën Basalt X Review: French Coupe-SUV with AI Minds and Indian Heart
The new Citroën Basalt X in India 2025 – a sleek French coupe-SUV that marries high-end interiors, AI-savvy CARA assistant, high-end safety, comfortable suspension, and aggressive pricing of 7.95–12.89 lakh. Complete review with features, performance, pros & cons,and verdict.
The Beginning: When France Met India
If the Indian automobile industry were a Bollywood movie, SUVs would be the stars—large, brawny, and ever-present in the foreground. Another “all-new SUV” pops up every other launch, and they all seem to resemble the previous one suspiciously. Along comes Citroën, the flamboyant French carmaker, who said: “Let us give India a romance, not another action movie.”
Thus was born the Citroën Basalt—a coupe-SUV meant to turn heads among the square-jawed competition. And just when everyone began to take notice, Citroën spilled some more of that special sauce with the Basalt X in 2025. Imagine it as the “director’s cut” edition: more goodies, improved looks, and some nice tricks up its sleeve.
But can a stylish French coupe win in a market obsessed with practicality, mileage, and resale value? Let’s break it down.
Interior: A French Café on Wheels
Shut the door of the Basalt X, and suddenly the mess of Indian roads fades away. Inside, Citroën has built a space that feels like a blend of Parisian café charm and Indian practicality.
Build quality that doesn’t feel cheap: As opposed to some low-cost SUVs where plastics taste like reconstituted lunch boxes, the Basalt X’s dashboard is equipped with soft-touch plastic, contrast bronze trim, and a fit-finish a grade or two above its price.
Seats that pamper you: Plush cushioning, ventilated front seats, and a tan-black leatherette combination that’s stylish without shouting at you.
Space that counts: Rear passengers are not an afterthought—there’s good knee room, a proper armrest, and cupholders.
Tech-charged dashboard:
A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
A 7-inch digital driver’s display with its graphics a class apart.
And then there’s CARA, Citroën’s in-car artificial intelligence assistant supporting 50+ Indian languages. You can actually say “Oye, CARA, play Arijit Singh” and it’ll do so.
It’s not premium-looking—it’s warm, cozy, and refreshingly futuristic for the money.
Performance: Smooth Operator With a Turbo Punch
French automobiles have always been about comfort rather than lap times. The Basalt X continues that DNA but injects just enough zip for Indian customers who enjoy overtaking in the fast lane.
Engine Options:
1.2L naturally aspirated petrol – 82 bhp. Fuel-efficient, smooth, ideal for city drivers.
1.2L turbo petrol makes 110 bhp and 190–205 Nm torque. The entertaining one. Sneakier overtakes, relaxed highway driving.
Transmission Options:
5-speed manual – simple yet effective.
6-speed manual – sweet spot for handling.
6-speed torque converter automatic – smooth, no jerks, set up for India’s traffic stop-go life.
But the absolute show-stopper? Suspension calibration. While competition goes after “sporty handling,” Citroën set out to do what Indian roads actually need: comfort instead of crater-hopping, stability instead of speed breaker-galloping, and not a dram of drama over nasty patches. It floats, yet does not wobble. It’s like sipping filter coffee that somehow manages to remain smooth even when beans weren’t up to par.
Safety: A Car That Cares About Your Family
In India, you don’t purchase a car for yourself alone—you purchase it for your whole family (and occasionally half your neighborhood). Safety, thus, is not an option.
The Basalt X checks all the right boxes:
6 airbags across variants
ABS with EBD
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
Hill-hold assist (goodbye rollback anxiety on flyovers)
ISOFIX child-seat mounts
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Rear parking sensors + optional 360° Halo Camera
4-star Bharat NCAP rating – not class-leading, but reassuring
It’s not Volvo-standard safety, but at this price range, it provides peace of mind.
Capabilities: Not Just a Pretty Face
Coupe-SUVs tend to be “all show, no go.” The Basalt X proves them wrong.
City-friendly: Small enough to zip through tight lanes, light steering, and large windows for visibility.
Highway confidence: Turbo-petrol + good stability = stress-free road trips.
Ground clearance: 195 mm—translation: speed breakers, monsoon floods, or even potholes? Welcome to it.
Tech advantage: CARA AI simplifies life—whether you want cricket scores, weather forecasts, or navigation without having to type in chaotic traffic.
It's not just a car to drop by Starbucks in—it's an efficient companion for India's crazy driving conditions.
Pricing and Availability: Surprisingly Reasonable
Here’s the point: the Citroën Basalt X starts from 7.95 lakh to 12.89 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s lower than most competitors, given the coupe-SUV design, AI technology, and premium interiors.
Optional add-ons:
Dual-tone roof: 21,000
360° Halo Camera: 25,000
On sale at 85+ Citroën dealerships across the country, although the company’s limited service network is something to consider if you don’t reside in metros.
Pros and Cons: The Real Talk
Pros:
Coupe-SUV styling that turns heads
AI-powered assistant (CARA) – segment-first, multilingual, enjoyable to use
Best-in-class ride quality and suspension calibration
Premium, feature-laden interiors at affordable price
Safety aspects are well addressed
Cons:
Lack of a diesel engine (a turn-off for highway enthusiasts)
Citroën’s dealership network still modest in India
Resale value still a question mark
Final Verdict: The SUV for People Who Don’t Want “Just Another SUV”
Citroën Basalt X is not try to be the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos. It doesn’t gamble on numbers. Rather, it’s a vehicle for individuals who wish to be different, prioritize comfort, and appreciate some French flair in their daily commutes.
Yes, the lack of a big service network and no diesel option will deter some customers. But for those bold enough to take the plunge, the Basalt X offers a singlepack of style, comfort, safety, and modern tech—at a price that seems almost too good to be true.
In a nutshell: If all other SUVs are like copy-paste Bollywood remakes, Citroën Basalt X is the indie film with subtitles that you find yourself loving more.
FAQs
Q1. How much is Citroën Basalt X priced in India?
It starts around ₹7.95 lakh to ₹12.89 lakh (ex-showroom) based on variant.
Q2. Is there a diesel engine available for Citroën Basalt X?
No, only 1.2L petrol and 1.2L turbo-petrol engines are available.
Q3. Why is the Citroën Basalt X different from Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos?
It stands out for its coupe-SUV design, AI-driven CARA assistant, and comfortable plush suspension.
Q4. Is the Citroën Basalt X safe?
Yes, it has 6 airbags, ESC, TPMS, and a 4-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
Q5. Do I need to purchase the Citroën Basalt X in 2025?
If you desire a unique, comfort-oriented SUV with up-to-date tech and do not care about Citroën’s limited network, it is worth purchasing.
