Citroen Basalt: Does it really lack in features?

The Citroen Basalt has been making quite an impression in the compact SUV market since its launch. However, there's been some debate about whether it truly lacks in features compared to its competitors. Let's take a closer look at what the Basalt offers and see if it holds up to scrutiny.

Design and Exterior Features

The Citroen Basalt sports a bold and modern design, drawing inspiration from the C3 Aircross. It features LED headlights, LED DRLs, and a sleek tail light setup. The exterior is complemented by a body cladding that runs from the front to the rear bumper, giving it a rugged yet stylish appearance. The Plus variant even comes with front fog lamps and a silver skid plate for added flair.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Basalt offers a spacious and comfortable cabin. The white and black theme is both elegant and practical, with decent-quality materials used throughout. The Plus variant features a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity. The seats are well-cushioned, and the rear seats have adjustable headrests, a center armrest with cupholders, and a unique adjustable under-thigh support. However, it does miss out on a sunroof, which some might consider a drawback.

Technology and Connectivity

The Basalt is equipped with a 7-inch digital driver's display and a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also includes a USB charging port for rear passengers, ensuring everyone stays connected on the go. The Plus variant comes with automatic climate control and rear AC vents, adding to the comfort. However, the naturally aspirated variant only has manual AC and lacks rear vents.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for Citroen, and the Basalt doesn't disappoint. It comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, an electronic stability program (ESP), hill-hold assist, reverse parking sensors, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The Basalt has also been crash-tested by Bharat NCAP, where it received a commendable four-star rating for both adult and child occupant protection.

Performance and Powertrain Options

The Basalt offers two engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 82 PS and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 110 PS. The former is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the latter gets either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, a torque converter unit. The claimed fuel efficiency figures range from 18 to 19.5 kmpl, making it a practical choice for daily commuting.

Practicality and Convenience

The Basalt is designed to be a practical and versatile SUV. It offers a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for both front and rear passengers. The boot space is generous, with 470 liters of capacity, perfect for family trips or weekend getaways. The adjustable rear seat under-thigh support adds to the comfort, ensuring a pleasant ride for all passengers.

Price and Value for Money

The Citroen Basalt is priced competitively, starting from Rs. 7.99 lakh and going up to Rs. 13.83 lakh for the top-end variant. Given its features, build quality, and safety ratings, it offers good value for money. However, some might argue that it lacks certain premium features found in higher-end rivals.

Conclusion: Does It Really Lack in Features?

While the Citroen Basalt may not have every single feature found in its competitors, it still offers a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of most buyers. Its design, comfort, technology, and safety features make it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. The absence of a sunroof and some other premium features might be a minor drawback for some, but overall, the Basalt holds its own quite well.

In the end, it comes down to personal preferences and priorities. If you value a stylish design, comfortable ride, and robust safety features, the Citroen Basalt is definitely worth considering. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it certainly doesn't lack in delivering a satisfying ownership experience.

What do you think about the Basalt? Are there any specific features you wish it had?