Citroen launched the Basalt in August 2024, positioning it competitively in the Indian automotive market with a starting price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This new addition to Citroen's lineup is built on the Common Modular Platform, the same foundation used for the Aircross (formerly known as the C3 Aircross). Recently, the Basalt underwent a crash test by the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), achieving a commendable 4-star safety rating.
The Citroen Basalt excelled in safety tests, scoring 4 stars for both adult and child occupant protection. The results were shared by the autonomous testing body on its official website and YouTube channel, showcasing the comprehensive crash tests conducted shortly after the Basalt's launch.
The specific variants tested included the You and Plus configurations of the naturally aspirated petrol engines, along with the Plus and Max trims of the turbo petrol versions. These tests evaluated both manual and automatic gearbox options. The Basalt achieved impressive scores:
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP): 26.19 out of 32 points
Child Occupant Protection (COP): 35.90 out of 49 points
Notably, the Basalt is the first SUV in its segment to receive full points in the Side Crash Protection category for adult occupant safety. The vehicle scored 10.19 out of 16 points in the Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test, reflecting its robustness in frontal collisions.
In terms of collision ratings, the side movable impact and pole impact tests for adult occupants were rated as ‘Good,’ while the frontal collision ratings varied from ‘Marginal’ to ‘Adequate.’ The Basalt demonstrated effective protection for the head and neck during the frontal offset deformable barrier test, an essential factor in occupant safety.
Interestingly, the Basalt's performance stands in stark contrast to its siblings, the C3 and the eC3, which previously received disappointing 0-star ratings at the Latin NCAP and Global NCAP, respectively. This improvement in safety standards highlights Citroen's commitment to enhancing vehicle safety in their latest models.
The Citroen Basalt is equipped with an extensive range of safety features designed to protect occupants. These include:
Six airbags for added protection in the event of a collision.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to enhance vehicle stability.
ISOFIX seat mounts for securely installing child seats.
Hill Hold Control to prevent rollback on inclines.
3-point seat belts for all seats, standard across all variants.
To effectively manage impacts and minimize cabin intrusion during accidents, the Basalt employs high-strength materials, including Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and Ultra High Strength Steel (UHSS).
The Citroen Basalt offers two petrol engine options:
Power Output: 81 bhp
Torque: 115 Nm
Power Output: 109 bhp
Torque: 190 Nm (or 205 Nm with the automatic transmission)
The transmission options available include a 5-speed manual for the naturally aspirated engine and a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic for the turbo petrol variant. This diverse range of powertrain options allows buyers to choose a configuration that best suits their driving preferences.
Conclusion
The launch of the Citroen Basalt marks a significant step for the brand in the Indian market, especially with its impressive safety ratings and competitive pricing. The 4-star rating from Bharat NCAP not only enhances the Basalt's appeal to safety-conscious consumers but also highlights Citroen's commitment to improving its vehicles' safety standards. As more consumers prioritize safety features in their vehicle purchases, the Basalt stands out as a commendable option in the SUV segment.
With its robust safety features, efficient powertrain options, and competitive pricing, the Citroen Basalt is poised to make a mark in the Indian automotive landscape, appealing to families and individual buyers alike.