Citroen Basalt: I’ve never been one to get excited about coupe SUVs, especially in the budget segment. For years, these sleek, sloping-roofed beasts were exclusively the playground of luxury brands like BMW with their X6.
The combination of practicality and style always seemed like an expensive compromise that required deep pockets. But something interesting is happening in the Indian market right now – the coupe SUV silhouette is going mainstream, and Citroen’s Basalt is leading this democratization charge, taking the fight directly to homegrown giant Tata Motors.
Last week, I spent some time with Citroen’s new Basalt at their media drive event in Rajasthan, and I couldn’t help but compare it to Tata’s Curvv, which I’d tested just a month prior.
The battle between these two coupe SUVs represents something bigger than just another segment rivalry – it’s a French challenger openly challenging an Indian automotive powerhouse on its home turf.
Citroen Basalt The French Invasion: Citroen’s Bold Market Strategy
Citroen’s journey in India hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. After entering the market with the premium C5 Aircross in 2021, the French automaker has been on a mission to crack the volume segments with models like the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV. Sales have been modest at best, with Citroen struggling to establish the widespread dealer network needed to challenge the established players.
But with the Basalt, Citroen seems to have found its groove. This isn’t just another me-too SUV – it’s a statement product with a distinctive coupe silhouette that’s aimed squarely at style-conscious buyers who find traditional SUVs a bit too boxy and conventional.
“We’re not here to play safe,” admitted Saurabh Vatsa, Brand Director at Citroen India, when I chatted with him at the launch event. “The Basalt represents our commitment to bringing uniquely designed products that stand out in a crowded marketplace. We believe Indian consumers are ready for something different.”
Different it certainly is. The Basalt’s aggressive pricing strategy – starting at ₹8.32 lakh (ex-showroom) – is a direct challenge to Tata’s Curvv, which begins at ₹10 lakh. That’s a significant ₹1.68 lakh advantage at the entry level, enough to make budget-conscious buyers take notice.
But is it enough to worry Tata Motors? That’s the million-rupee question.
Design Showdown: French Flair vs. Indian Ingenuity
Park the Basalt and Curvv side by side, and you’ll immediately notice their different interpretations of the coupe SUV concept. The Basalt adopts a more rounded, fluid approach with softer curves and a less aggressive stance. In contrast, the Curvv embraces sharper lines and a more muscular presence that’s unmistakably Tata.
Citroen’s signature double chevron grille and distinctive V-shaped LED DRLs give the Basalt an instantly recognizable face, though I couldn’t help but notice its family resemblance to the C3 Aircross.
The sloping roofline is well-executed, giving the Basalt a genuinely sporty profile without compromising too much on rear headroom – something I’ll get to later.
Dimensionally, it’s a close match. The Basalt is actually 44mm longer than the Curvv (4352mm vs. 4308mm) and boasts a 91mm longer wheelbase (2651mm vs. 2560mm), which translates to better rear legroom. However, the Curvv is 45mm wider and 37mm taller, giving it a more substantial road presence.
I found myself preferring certain elements of each design. The Basalt’s longer wheelbase creates more balanced proportions, but the Curvv’s connected LED light bar and flush door handles feel more premium and contemporary than the Basalt’s flap-type handles, which seem oddly dated on a style-focused vehicle.
“We weren’t trying to out-Tata Tata,” explained Jean-Charles Onda, Design Director for Citroen Asia, when I pressed him about the design philosophy.
“The Basalt’s design language is distinctly Citroen – progressive yet approachable, with a focus on comfort and practical elegance rather than aggressive styling.”
Power Play: David vs. Goliath Under the Hood
Popping the hoods reveals another interesting contrast in approaches. The Basalt comes with two petrol engine options: a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated unit making 82PS/115Nm, and a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine producing 110PS/190Nm (205Nm with the automatic).
Transmission options include a 5-speed manual for the NA engine, and either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the turbo.
The Curvv counters with more powerful options – its 1.2-liter direct-injection turbo-petrol delivers 125PS/225Nm, a healthy 15PS and 35Nm advantage over the Basalt’s turbo unit.
Tata also offers a 1.5-liter diesel option making 115PS/260Nm, which Citroen doesn’t match. Both of Curvv’s engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
On paper, the Curvv has a clear power advantage. But numbers don’t tell the whole story.
During my drive through the winding roads around Udaipur, I found the Basalt’s turbo engine surprisingly eager and responsive, especially at low and mid-range RPMs. There’s a delightful punchiness to it that makes urban driving and quick overtakes a breeze.
The Curvv, when I tested it earlier, felt more refined but somehow less exciting, with power delivery that was smoother but less immediate.
“Our focus was on creating an engaging driving experience rather than winning the specifications war,” said Antoine Picaron, Citroen’s Technical Director for India, when I quizzed him about the power deficit. “The Basalt’s lighter weight and torque-focused tuning mean it feels livelier than the numbers suggest.”
He’s right. The Basalt weighs roughly 100kg less than the Curvv, and that weight advantage translates to a car that feels more nimble and agile.
Fuel efficiency is another area where the Basalt shines, with claimed figures of 18-19.5 kmpl compared to the Curvv’s 13-16 kmpl, according to user reports.
Comfort Zone: The Basalt’s Secret Weapon
If there’s one area where Citroen has traditionally excelled, it’s ride comfort. The brand’s progressive hydraulic cushion suspension technology has earned it a reputation for creating cars that seem to float over broken roads, and the Basalt continues this tradition.
Despite riding on relatively small 16-inch wheels (compared to the Curvv’s 18-inchers), the Basalt delivers a plush, controlled ride that soaks up bumps and imperfections with impressive composure. There’s minimal body roll despite the soft setup, and high-speed stability is confidence-inspiring.
The longer wheelbase pays dividends in the rear compartment, where passengers enjoy class-leading legroom. Citroen has also equipped the Basalt with a unique three-step adjustable rear seat thigh support – a thoughtful touch that makes long journeys significantly more comfortable for back-seat passengers.
“Comfort is part of Citroen’s DNA,” insisted Saurabh when I praised the ride quality. “The Basalt is designed to excel in real Indian conditions, not just on paper or perfect tarmac. We spent thousands of hours tuning the suspension specifically for Indian roads.”
The Curvv isn’t far behind in the comfort department, though. Tata has made huge strides in ride and handling in recent years, and the Curvv benefits from this progress with a well-damped suspension that balances comfort and control admirably. Its wider cabin also provides better shoulder room for three adults in the back, though the Basalt counters with superior legroom.
Feature Faceoff: Premium vs. Practical
When it comes to features and technology, the battle gets interesting. The Curvv throws everything at the wall – a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat, and even level 2 ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
The Basalt takes a more measured approach, focusing on practical comfort features rather than headline-grabbing tech. Its 10.2-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital display are adequate but not class-leading. There’s no sunroof (panoramic or otherwise), no ventilated seats, and no ADAS functionality.
“We focused our resources on the features that our research showed Indian customers use daily,” explained Saurabh. “Things like the adjustable thigh support for rear passengers, the wireless phone charger, and excellent air conditioning performance. The 470-liter boot is also among the largest in the segment.”
It’s a valid strategy, but one that might struggle against the Curvv’s impressive tech arsenal in showroom comparisons. Indian consumers have developed a taste for feature-loaded cars, and Tata has responded with a product that ticks nearly every box on the typical midsize SUV wishlist.
Safety is another crucial battleground. The Curvv boasts a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, while the Basalt has secured a still-respectable 4-star rating.
Both offer six airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and rear parking sensors. The Curvv adds front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera with blind spot monitoring.
Price Warrior: Citroen’s Market Disruption Strategy
Here’s where things get really interesting. Citroen has positioned the Basalt as a value proposition, with prices starting at ₹8.32 lakh for the base naturally-aspirated petrol variant, going up to ₹14.10 lakh for the top-spec turbo-petrol automatic dual-tone model.
The Curvv, in comparison, starts at ₹10 lakh for the base turbo-petrol variant and goes up to ₹17.69 lakh for the top-end model. That’s a significant price gap across variants, with the Basalt undercutting its Tata rival by ₹1.68 lakh at the entry level and ₹3.59 lakh at the top end.
“Our pricing strategy is deliberate,” confirmed Shishir Mishra, Head of Sales for Citroen India, during our conversation over dinner. “We want to offer Indian consumers a premium SUV-coupe experience without the premium price tag.
The Basalt delivers exceptional value, especially when you consider the standard safety features and comprehensive 3-year warranty package.”
It’s a compelling value proposition, especially for budget-conscious buyers who want something stylish without breaking the bank. But Tata counters with a broader range of variants and powertrain options, including the diesel engine that many Indian consumers still prefer for its superior fuel efficiency on highways.
Tata also enjoys a massive advantage in terms of dealer network and after-sales support. With over 400 sales outlets across India compared to Citroen’s approximately 85, Tata’s reach extends far beyond the metropolitan areas where Citroen has concentrated its presence.
“We’re expanding rapidly,” insisted Shishir when I pointed out this disadvantage. “By the end of 2025, we aim to have over 150 outlets covering all major cities and many Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. We’re also investing heavily in mobile service units to reach customers in areas where we don’t yet have physical service centers.”
The Dark Edition Battle: Style Wars Intensify
In a fascinating parallel move that demonstrates how closely these brands are watching each other, both Citroen and Tata have recently launched “Dark Edition” versions of their coupe SUVs.
Citroen’s Basalt Dark Edition, launched in April 2025, adds approximately ₹23,000 to the price of the standard top-spec variant. It features blacked-out exterior elements, including an all-black grille, darkened alloy wheels, and black badging. Inside, it gets an all-black interior with subtle dark blue accents.
Tata’s Curvv Dark Edition follows a similar formula, with Oberon Black exterior paint, black alloy wheels, and darkened chrome elements. It also adds privacy rear window blinds, a feature not available on the Basalt Dark Edition.
These cosmetic packages are aimed at younger, style-conscious buyers who prefer a more aggressive, stealth-like aesthetic. The fact that both manufacturers launched these editions within weeks of each other speaks to the intense competition in this emerging segment.
Cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni received the first Basalt Dark Edition in India, giving Citroen some much-needed celebrity endorsement to counter Tata’s strong brand presence. It’s a smart move that leverages Dhoni’s massive popularity, especially in smaller towns and cities where Citroen is trying to establish a foothold.
Citroen Basalt The Road Ahead: Can Citroen Truly Challenge Tata?
After spending time with both vehicles and speaking with executives from both companies, I’ve come to some conclusions about this fascinating market battle.
The Basalt is undoubtedly the better value proposition, offering a distinctive coupe SUV experience at a significantly lower price point than the Curvv. Its excellent ride quality, practical features, and engaging turbo engine make it a compelling option for urban dwellers who prioritize comfort and style over outright feature count.
The Curvv, meanwhile, justifies its premium with superior refinement, more powerful engines, advanced technology features, and Tata’s extensive sales and service network. Its 5-star safety rating and available diesel engine option also give it advantages in specific consumer segments.
Chayan Biswas, an automotive market analyst I spoke with at the event, offered this perspective: “Citroen is still building its brand in India, and the Basalt represents its most serious attempt yet to grab market share.
The aggressive pricing is a clear signal that they’re willing to sacrifice some profit margin to establish a foothold in this competitive segment.”
“Tata, on the other hand, is operating from a position of strength,” he continued. “They’ve revitalized their brand image over the past five years with successful products like the Nexon and Harrier, and they have the luxury of commanding a premium for the Curvv based on their strong safety reputation and wide service network.”
The future of this battle will likely depend on how well Citroen can expand its dealer network and build brand awareness in India. The product itself is competitive, but in a market as vast and diverse as India, accessibility and after-sales support are just as important as the vehicle’s inherent qualities.
One thing is certain – this competition benefits Indian consumers. The emergence of stylish, feature-rich coupe SUVs at relatively affordable price points gives buyers more choices than ever before.
Whether you prefer the French flair of the Basalt or the homegrown confidence of the Curvv, there’s never been a better time to be in the market for a distinctive, style-focused SUV.
For now, Tata remains the goliath of this story, with its stronger brand presence and expansive network. But Citroen’s Basalt represents a well-aimed stone from an increasingly confident David.
The French brand is clearly here to stay, and with products like the Basalt, they’re making sure Tata – and every other manufacturer in India – knows they mean business.
As for my personal choice? I’m surprisingly torn. The value proposition and comfort-focused approach of the Basalt appeals to the practical side of me, while the Curvv’s superior technology and feature set speaks to my inner gadget lover.
If I were buying today, I’d probably lean toward the Basalt turbo-petrol automatic for its combination of performance, comfort, and value. But ask me again next month, and my answer might change – such is the closeness of this fascinating automotive duel.