At the end of March, Citroen published pictures of the Basalt Vision concept, as an announcement for a new model that will be sold in South America and India, among other things, while we now have the official premiere of the production model (here for the Indian market).
Powerful and elegant, this new model combines different concepts to offer customers the best. It combines the fluidity and dynamics of a coupé, the advantages and robustness of a raised SUV and the balance and space of a family model. Developed in South America with strong local integration, the Basalt will support Citroen’s international growth alongside the C3 and Aircross in the brand’s core markets. All three models are part of the same C-Cubed program in order to introduce to the market models with a strong character and a unique comfort experience in the vehicle.
“We are delighted to introduce the third model in a program designed to drive Citroen’s international growth. Our teams are strongly committed to delivering this innovative vision of an SUV Coupe that exudes bold design, interior space and unparalleled comfort. We are confident that Basalt will attract a large number of customers and strengthen our position in key markets,” says Tieri Koskas, Citroen’s global CEO.
Citroen Basalt, according to the factory, meets the various expectations of customers. It will be the first model in this territory to borrow attributes from different automotive codes. Its SUV character is aspirational, expressing modernity, robustness and safety. Strong and muscular, it has a confident and firm stance on the road, thanks to its high ground clearance, high hood, widened fenders and wheel arch moldings with distinct geometric shapes (wheels are up to 17 inches).
Its coupé-like rear end adds fluidity and dynamism to a model that expresses a lot of energy. The kit is strong and elegant, with balanced proportions and a silhouette that reflects aerodynamic efficiency. A 7.0-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment system screen are provided for the interior of the serial model.
Its positioning justifies the exclusive name Basalt, a name it shares with basalt from volcanic rocks, born from the energy of the earth, as a promise of robustness and serenity represented by this resistant and timeless material. These values are perfectly matched with a vehicle that will surprise its owner with its resistance and reliability.
The higher ground clearance (180 mm) makes it easier to get in and out of the vehicle, which offers enough space for all passengers (wheelbase 2651 mm) and a large trunk (470 liters). With different visual elements that convey even greater robustness and style, Basalt provides a sense of safety and protection, allowing you to face tough driving conditions with peace of mind.
Following the new C3 and Aircross, the Citroen Basalt is the third model in the C-Cubed program implemented specifically to ensure Citroen’s growth in strategic regions, including Asia and South America. The ambition of the brand is to develop a strong offer of recognizable products, with a unique design, which create value for customers. All three models are based on the same platform, configured specifically to meet the needs of customers in these markets, which illustrates the modularity and efficiency of this architecture.
In addition to products, Citroen’s ambition is to offer a more peaceful and joyful ownership experience through services that make the customer’s life easier. Scheduled to hit showrooms as early as 2024, the Citroen Basalt is a bold and spacious SUV Coupe that will appeal to young professionals and families alike, offering unparalleled comfort.
In India, the Citroen Basalt will be offered with a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 82 hp and 115 Nm (with a 5-speed manual transmission), as well as a 1.2-liter turbo engine with 110 hp (which is combined with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox), while in Brazil it will be available with a three-cylinder 1.0 liter turbo engine that has 125 hp on gasoline and 130 hp on ethanol.
Prepared by: Ivan Mitić – Autoblog.rs
Photo: Citroen / Powerdrift
Source: autoblog.rs