Citroën Basalt Looked Perfect on Paper But Didn’t Make the Cut
A Real Buyer’s Perspective on the Citroën Basalt
When you’re looking for a compact SUV under ₹15 lakh, you’re spoiled for choice. But that also means making a decision gets harder, especially when new players like Citroën step in with fresh designs and tempting brochures. We caught up with H. Paliwal, a buyer from Bengaluru who recently test drove the Citroën Basalt along with nearly every other CSUV in the segment.
Here’s his unfiltered take on why the Basalt almost sealed the deal until it didn’t.
Ride Quality? Yes. But That’s Not Enough
“I was genuinely excited about the Basalt,” he began. “I’d experienced the eC3 as a BluSmart passenger and knew Citroën’s ride quality was the real deal. Paired with the 1.2L turbo petrol and Aisin-sourced TC AT, it looked like a winner.”
Paliwal had already driven the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, Skoda Kushaq, and the lesser-known Kylaq. His requirements were simple. A petrol automatic, decent power, and just a couple of must-haves like Android Auto and cruise control.
On paper, the Basalt promised all that along with more boot and cabin space than most rivals.
A Test Drive with Great Expectations
Despite the showroom being a bit out of the way, Citroën’s team brought the Basalt home for a test drive. And while the exterior design was impressive, the cabin told a different story.
“It just didn’t feel premium,” he noted. “The roof lining, dashboard plastics, even the steering. It all felt closer to a WagonR than something like the XUV 3XO or even a Sonet.”
He wasn’t looking for a sunroof or digital cluster, but there was a missing wow factor. “It felt like a car that drove well, sure, but didn’t offer anything memorable once you stepped inside.”
Who’s the Basalt Really For?
This was the question that lingered after the test drive.
“I think Citroën is still figuring out how to talk to Indian buyers,” Paliwal said. “Their Dhoni ads talk about comfort and design, but that’s not enough anymore. MG and Kia knew how to create buzz. Even eMotorad did a better job with Dhoni.”
He’s not wrong. Kia focused heavily on premium cabin experiences and tech. MG leaned into British branding, premium touchpoints, and showy launches. Citroën, despite having a genuinely different ride experience, hasn’t nailed the emotional hook yet.
Final Verdict
“The Basalt wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t good enough to make me switch from proven names,” he summed up. “In a city like Bengaluru, I’m not buying a car for pothole comfort alone. It has to feel aspirational.”
Until Citroën makes the cabin match the ride quality or sharpens its brand message, it may remain a niche player in a fiercely competitive market.
