Citroen have introduced the new SUV coupe, Basalt to the South African market.
Image: Mpho Mahlangu
In a market flooded with many compact SUV offerings, it becomes rather difficult for OEMs to offer vehicles that stand out to buyers in the segment. SUV coupes are a good way to do that even though there aren’t many offerings.
Enter the all-new Citroen Basalt, which joins its C3 and C3 Aircross siblings to complete the model line-up for the firm locally.
It goes without saying that French cars have a certain appeal to them when it comes to styling, and the same applies to the all-new Basalt.
Up front, it of course looks like its siblings in the model line-up; however, the biggest difference is at the rear, where you find the sloping roof line, which gives the coupe-like look and feel.
LED headlamps and daytime running lights are employed up front, with 3D effect taillamps on duty at the back. Red design elements are also found on the front and rear lower bumper.
The Citroen Basalt features a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 81kW and 205Nm of torque.
Image: Mpho Mahlangu
Stepping inside, the Citroen Basalt features a well-laid-out cabin.
The driver is met by a multi-functional steering wheel, which is complemented by a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that displays important driver information, along with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Physical climate control buttons are also on offer below the infotainment touchscreen.
Storage is also plentiful in the Basalt’s cabin. However, one gripe that I experienced during the media launch was the cupholders, which aren’t particularly deep, which may prove to be impractical for placing water bottles or taller drinks in them.
The door cards, however, do offer sufficient storage too.
Further practicalities in the Citroen Basalt include keyless entry and push button start, electric windows for the front and rear, electrically adjustable and foldable side mirrors, two ISOFIX points, ESP with hill hold control, ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags, and rear parking sensors.
The Citroen Basalt features a well-laid-out cabin.
Image: SUpplied
Under the bonnet, you get a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is capable of an impressive 81kW and 205Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
On the open road, the Citroen Basalt feels quite punchy and responsive. Acceleration is brisk and effortless, and with the smooth automatic transmission, gear changes are hardly felt except in low-speed manoeuvrability in first gear.
Citroen says that its key rivals to the Basalt are the Suzuki Fronx and the Toyota Starlet Cross, and based on first impressions, I can confidently say that the Basalt offers a much better driving experience than the aforementioned.
However, only time will tell how the market receives this new entry to the segment.
Pricing and warranty
The Citroen Basalt is sold with a four-year/60,000km service plan and a five-year/100,000km warranty.