Citroen Basalt X Launched; AI Assistant, 360 Camera And More Features
Citroen India has added a new variant to the Basalt lineup. Called the Basalt X, this coupe SUV has an ex-showroom price of Rs 7.95 lakhs for the base variant, going up to Rs 12.89 lakh for the top-end variant . The Basalt X will be available in two trims: Plus and Max.
Design
The Basalt X repackages features and comes with tweaked styling to maximize the coupe SUV’s appeal. It gets a stealthy appeal and comes finished in a stealthy Black shade. The 16-inch alloy wheels get dual-tone finishes, and look much the same way as they do on the standard Basalt. You also get to see a ‘Basalt X’ badge at the rear.
New AI Assistant 'Cara'
Citroen's new AI assistant 'Cara' makes its first appearance on the Basalt X. Citroen calls it "India's first intelligent co-passenger". Cara is capable of continuous conversation (like AI chatbots with voice mode), can offer smart reminders about fuel stations and fuel status, make calls and has an SOS functionality too for emergencies.
Interior And New Features
The interior of this vehicle looks fresher than that of the standard car, and comes better packaged. The regular Basalt gets an all-White cabin. The Basalt X, on the other hand, gets a Black-Tan dual-tone colour scheme. It looks richer and more upmarket. The rear seat now gets a new central armrest with two cupholders. This will boost practicality inside.
Six key new features: Ventilated seats for driver and front passenger, auto dimming IRFVM, all-LED front headlamps and fog lamps, Start -Stop button, cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry and 360 camera.
Other features include a floating 10.2-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, auto AC with rear vents, adjustable under-thigh support for rear passengers, cruise control, new centre console, a wireless phone charger, and warm white ambient lighting.
The Basalt X Max trim will offer brown and black interiors, with gloss, satin and textured elements. The Plus trim will have grey interiors.
The Basalt X definitely has more appeal than the regular car. There is, however, no sunroof on offer, even on the X.
The safety suite consists of six standard airbags, hill hold, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a rear parking camera with sensors.
Citroen Basalt X Powertrain Specifications
The Basalt X continues with the same engine options as the standard coupe. A 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.2-litre turbo-petrol are both on offer. The former produces 82 PS and 115 Nm, while the latter makes 110 PS and up to 205 Nm.
The naturally aspirated petrol engine comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission alone while both a six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes can be had on the turbocharged engine.
The turbocharged petrol engine is highly regarded for its rev-happy nature, and torquey performance making it an enthusiast favourite. This turbo engine is a staple across Citroen's budget car range in India including the C3, AirCross and Basalt.
Basalt X In The Indian Market: The Road Ahead
The Basalt X commands a slight price premium over the standard car. To put things into perspective, the standard Basalt is priced in the range of Rs 8.32 lakh and Rs 14.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
The primary rival in the Indian market is the Tata Curvv. Buyers may also consider the Basalt X as an alternative to models like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
The Basalt X is meant for those who want a car that looks and feels more premium than the regular Basalt but at a mild price premium.