Watch MS Dhoni Unveil The Citroen Basalt Dark Edition Coupe SUV [Video]
Citroen has launched a Dark edition on its Indian portfolio. The C3, Aircross and Basalt now get stylish Dark-themed special editions. The Basalt Dark is probably the best-looking among the three. Cricketer MS Dhoni has long been associating with Citroen and is part of the newest campaign as well. It was Dhoni himself who unveiled the Dark edition Basalt at its launch. A video of the same has now been shared on the carmaker's official YouTube channel.
It shows the senior management at Citroen India talking about having Dhoni on board for the campaign, and how well the legendary cricketer represents the legendary car brand. Then we see Dhoni unveil the Dark edition Basalt in a grand ceremony. He then talks about Citroen and the product, expressing his confidence in it. Dhoni has become the first owner of the Dark Edition Basalt in India.
Citroen has also launched an interesting campaign to celebrate the launch of the Dark editions. Taking a test drive could get you a chance to win Dhoni merchandise. Lucky winners could also take home a dark edition and get to meet Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Basalt Dark Edition: Quick Look At It
The Dark edition is based on the top-spec MAX variant of the Basalt coupe. It is finished in a new Perla Nera black colourway. You will find multiple 'Dark Edition' badges at different places on the exterior- like the front doors and the tailgate.
The grille (or the 'front moustache' as Citroen calls it) has been darkened out, and so has the Citroen logo. The bumper and door handles are finished in Gloss Black. The alloy wheels get the same design and finish as those of the standard car.
Touches of Red can be seen on the Dark edition logo, and the same make a presence inside the cabin as well. The dashboard is now leatherette-wrapped and has red contrast stitching.
The Basalt Dark edition also gets Black seatbelt cushions, ambient light, footwell lamps and illuminated sill plates. The gear lever has a Gloss Black finish to it. Overall, the cabin looks more premium and upmarket than before.
The Dark editions of the C3, Aircross and Basalt get no mechanical changes over the standard models. This means that the Basalt Dark edition is powered by the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine as the top-spec variant of the regular coupe.
It is capable of producing 110 hp and up to 205 Nm with the six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and 190 Nm with the six-speed manual unit. If manufacturer claims are to be believed, the Basalt delivers a maximum mileage of up to 19.5kpl.
The Dark edition has an ex-showroom starting price of 12.80 lakh. This is, in fact, Rs 23,000 more than the regular top-spec. The automatic Dark edition costs 14.10 lakh (ex-showroom).
Dhoni's Association With Citroen
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been associating with the French carmaker for over two years for various campaigns and activities. He was roped in again as Citroen's brand face in May 2024. The cricketer is known for his passion for cars and motorcycles.
To celebrate the collaboration, Citroen even rolled out a brand-new 'Dhoni edition' on the Aircross SUV. He was also part of the Basalt's launch campaign, and from what we got to see back then, Dhoni seems to have had an eye on the coupe ever since. He is now a happy owner of the visually better 'Basalt Dark edition'