Citroen Basalt vs C3 Aircross – What All’s Different?

The Citroen Basalt is based on the existing C3 Aircross and is slated for launch on August 2.

The Citroen Basalt and C3 Aircross are closely related but there are some concrete differences between the two. The French carmaker has not experienced immense success in the Indian market due to stiff competition. While the C5 Aircross was always going to be a niche product, the subsequent C3 and C3 Aircross were aimed at the masses. However, the number of rivals in both these categories (compact and mid-size SUVs) is very high. Hence, a product needs to stand out from the rest of the field. Going forward, Citroen wants to attract new buyers by using a unique body type, the coupe SUV. Let us compare the Citroen Basalt with the C3 Aircross (its donor model).

Citroen Basalt vs C3 Aircross – Specs Comparison and Price

The Citroen Basalt and C3 Aircross will most likely share the engine and transmission options. This includes a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine which churns out a decent 110 PS and 205 Nm (with AT) of peak power and torque. The transmission duties are carried out by either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. Based on the CMP platform, both SUVs will share this engine-gearbox combination. Hence, there is not much to choose between these two. The expected price of the Basalt is between Rs 11 lakh and Rs 16 lakh, while the existing C3 Aircross retails between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 14.11 lakh, ex-showroom.

SpecsCitroen Basalt / C3 AircrossEngine1.2L 3-cyl Turbo PetrolPower110 PSTorque205 NmTransmissionMT / ATSpecs Comparison

Citroen Basalt vs C3 Aircross – Design Comparison

This is where the distinctions will be the most prominent. The Citroen Basalt will bear a coupe silhouette which will be marked by the sloping roofline toward the rear. Until now, this body type was reserved exclusively for the high-end premium SUVs from luxury carmakers. But with the Basalt, the buyers will be able to experience this design language without having to burn a hole through their pockets. At the front, we will see the trademark Double Chevron logo integrated into the dual chrome strip. Towards either side, these strips culminate into LED DLRs which encapsulate the headlamps.

The lower section of the bumper is divided into two segments via a horizontal bar. Interestingly, there are fog lamps and cube insignia on the radiator grille as well. The sturdy skid plate-type section in the lowermost section of the bumper oozes ruggedness. The side profile contains alloy wheels, prominent wheel arches, and a sloping roofline, completing the coupe silhouette. The black side pillars elevate the styling quotient and the rear section contains a boot lid-mounted spoiler, shark fin antenna, sturdy skid plate and an upright stance. All in all, the Citroen Basalt will surely make heads turn.

On the other hand, the C3 Aircross also has somewhat similar fascia with chrome elements at the front with a Double Chevron logo and LED DRLs on either side. These encapsulate headlamp clusters on the extreme edges of the bumper along with a radiator grille section down below. Just like the Basalt, the C3 Aircross has cubical elements on the grille and a silver skid plate. On the sides, the roofline doesn’t drop toward the rear and retains the orthodox boxy shape. The roof rails accentuate the sporty nature and the wheel arches showcase the large alloy wheels. At the rear, it gets LED taillamps connected via a black component, a sport bumper and again, a skid plate. Apart from the sloping roofline, most elements of the two SUVs are identical.

Features

The list of features on both these SUVs will be rather extensive. I feel this is one area where the French carmaker needs to work the most. The reason is simple. The rivals are well-equipped and offer ultra-modern functions in addition to connectivity amenities. That is what modern customers get drawn to. For starters, let us glance at what the C3 Aircross offers:

7-inch TFT Digital Instrument Cluster

10.2-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

40 Connected Features via MyCitroen Connect App

Dual Airbags

TPMS

Hill-Hold Assist

Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

Adjustable Headrests

Reclining Second-Row Seats

Roof-Mounted AC Vents

Reverse Parking Camera

6-Speaker Audio System

On the other hand, most of these will also make it to the Citroen Basalt. The top highlights are as follows:

10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wireless Smartphone Charger

6 Airbags

Digital Instrumentation

Automatic Climate Control

Toggle Switches For HVAC

Front Armrest with Storage Space

Our View

I believe choosing between these two models from the French carmaker will only depend on personal preferences. On the outside, the Citroen Basalt will definitely be something that we have not seen in this market segment yet. I feel that is the biggest differentiator between the two. On the inside, the Basalt will also boast a few extra amenities in comparison to the C3 Aircross. However, there will also be a bump in the pricing. At the moment, we don’t know the retail price of the Basalt. Hence, we would reserve our verdict until then.

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