MS Dhoni Teases Citroen C3X - A More Premium Take On The Basalt Coupe SUV [Video]

Citroen has released its first official teaser of what appears to be a premium variant of the Basalt coupe SUV, expected to go by the name C3X. The teaser, starring brand ambassador MS Dhoni, points to a strategic shift for the brand in India, moving away from a value-first approach to a more features-led proposition. While Citroen has found little foothold with models like the C3 and the Basalt, the new C3X seems to respond directly to market criticism of earlier models that lacked essential features, even at higher price points.

With subtle but telling design tweaks and several firsts for the brand, the C3X aims to enter territory currently underserved by most mainstream manufacturers, a reasonably priced, yet feature-rich coupe SUV. If executed well, it could serve as a turning point for Citroen’s India strategy.

Design Tweaks Signal Premium Aspirations

The teaser images reveal design elements that differentiate the C3X from the standard Basalt. The familiar silhouette and styling cues are retained, but enhancements like a dual-tone red and black paint scheme, upgraded LED DRLs, and a sharper tailgate design with prominent C3X badging point to a more refined offering.

Electrically adjustable ORVMs and a 360-degree camera system, both missing on the Basalt, mark a clear attempt to bridge the features gap that had hampered Citroen's appeal. These additions seem designed not only to boost showroom appeal but also to reassure buyers that the brand is learning from past feedback.

The car will continue to be based on the Common Modular Platform (CMP) shared across Citroen’s India lineup, but early signs indicate improved fit and finish as part of the package. If these quality upgrades are delivered consistently, the C3X could help repair the brand's reputation for inconsistent material and build quality.

Same Engines, More Gear

While Citroen hasn’t revealed the technical specifications yet, it’s widely expected that the C3X will carry over the Basalt’s 1.2-litre petrol engines, available in naturally aspirated (82bhp) and turbocharged (110bhp) forms. The more significant shift is likely to be in the transmission offerings. Citroen may finally offer automatic transmissions across both engine options, improving appeal among city-focused buyers.

The focus appears to be on convenience and usability rather than a mechanical overhaul. Automatic variants in a better-equipped body style could open up a new customer base that may have previously skipped Citroen due to its lack of transmission choices or missing comfort features.

There is also potential for safety upgrades. While six airbags may remain standard, additional driver assistance systems are expected to make an appearance, potentially including features like blind-spot monitoring or lane assistance, though these remain unconfirmed for now.

Positioned to Fill a Segment Gap

Citroen seems to be aiming for a sweet spot between entry-level coupe SUVs like the Basalt and more expensive, feature-packed offerings from premium brands. This could put the C3X in direct competition with the upcoming Tata Curvv, although Tata’s pricing strategy and drivetrain options may push the two slightly apart in terms of final positioning.

The C3X could appeal to those who find current mass-market SUVs too bland or basic, yet aren’t willing to pay for premium badges. With expected pricing somewhere above Rs 10 lakh but below the Rs 15 lakh mark, it could carve out its own space.

The launch timeline is projected to be late 2025 or early 2026, which allows Citroen to build on the momentum created by the Basalt and incorporate user feedback from its recent launches. The company’s C-Cubed platform strategy, which already underpins the C3, eC3, C3 Aircross, and Basalt, helps manage development costs and ensures quicker time to market.

Citroen’s Big Test

The C3X represents Citroen’s clearest attempt yet at breaking into the premium mass market. For this strategy to succeed, the car must deliver not only on paper but also in the showroom and on the road. This means higher build quality, better service support, and a smoother buying experience, all areas where the brand has struggled so far.

Customer expectations will be significantly higher in this price bracket, especially with better-established rivals offering increasingly well-rounded products. Citroen’s dealer network remains limited, and unless it scales its support infrastructure, the improvements seen in the C3X may not translate into sales.

Still, if the pricing remains competitive and Citroen delivers on its promise of better features and quality, the C3X could find a loyal following. The brand will need to back the product with clear marketing communication, an expanded service network, and strong word-of-mouth from early adopters.