Citroen, the French automobile company, has been turning heads in India’s two-wheeled market with its appealing looks and comfort. Citroen Basalt and C3 Aircross, two of the latest models, have aroused the interest of SUV lovers. However, they are all siblings with a common family tree but are each different at the same time with different targets. In all fairness, let us take an in-depth look of the Citroen Basalt and C3 Aircross to assist you in making a decision on which French SUV is better suited for you.

Design and Exterior

The most obvious divergence in terms of the Basalt and C3 Aircross is how they look on the outside. Two cars also have Citroen-style bias in the form of headlights but they tend to differ in eyeball designs.

Citroen Basalt: The Crossover Coupe at Its Best

The Basalt adopts the popular coupe-suv fashion trend with its upturned roof and sporty image. As far as its design elements are concerned, they include:

More tapering tail units in the rear section with less pronounced light clusters

Bulbed out fenders or wheel arches for the beefy look

Reduction of the vehicle height aiming at better handling

Citroen C3 Aircross: The SUV Profile

Similarly, the C3 aircross, has a more conventional approach to the SUV shape:

• Folded arms with erect stance and box shaped neck and head
• Greater degree of lift for its off-road Toggles
• Bigger clear sights

Both cars feature a classic Citroen split grille and a V-shaped LED DRL, linking these models stylistically to the brand’s family. However, Basalt is equipped with LED projectors as standard while C3 Converts provides halogen units (though they will be equipping with led headlights on next update).

Automotive design expert Jean-Pierre Ploué said “The Basalt is Citroen’s new model which is destined for the coupe-suv segment where it presents more emotional and dynamic appeal than practical C3 Aircross.”

Interior and Features

When entering both these SUVs its da3 would be similar in design and arrangement of the controls except that the Basalt has some superiority over the rest in terms of its add ons.

Common Elements:

• 10.2-inch touch screen infotainment system
• The 7-inch digital driver’s display
• White leatherette upholstery
• FM with six speakers

Basalt’s Advantages

• Climate Control
• Wireless charging of mobile devices
• Moving downward adjustable thigh support (a first in this category)

C3 Aircross’s Unique Offering

• Possibility of a 5+2 arrangement for bigger families

Citroen plans to offer new features of Citroen Basalt in C3 Airtrosses in the further therefore clearer stand these two models

Performance and Powertrain

What is under the hood, SUVs share most engine options but

Citron Basalt

• 1.2 L Petrol Puretech naturally aspirated 82 PS 115 Nm (5 speed manual)
• 1.2 Lit turbo PS 110 Nm -190 Nm (6 speed manual) / Nm – 205 (6 speed Automatic)

Citron C3 Aircross

• 1.2 L turbo charged Petrol engine active PS 110, Torque 190 Nm (6speed Manual)/ 205 (6speed Automatic)
• Being a naturally aspirated option the Basalt can afford to go cheaper – priced from Rs 7.99 lakh

When it comes to fuel consumption, the Basalt boasts slightly better figures:

• Basalt: 18-19.5 kmpl (depending on variant)
• C3 Aircross: 18.5 kmpl (manual) / 17.6 kmpl (automatic)

Comfort and Ride Quality

The more interesting feature is that due to Citroen’s policy of achieving optimum ride comfort, Basalt and C3 Aircross also do their job well. However, there are some nuances to consider:

Citroen Basalt

The suspension is softer in order to provide a better level of comfort in city driving

Better cornering control thanks to a lower center of gravity

The roofline slopes downwards a little such that rear visibility is slightly compromised

Citroen C3 Aircross

• Increased ground clearance being helpful in rough terrain
• Standing up is indicated in close areas rather than needing to look over the cabin
• Large rear seats offer the possibility of extra central third row

Narayana Karthikeya an automotive critic points, “No doubt both SUVs will offer comfortable Citroen’s ride, for the highway the Basalt gives more confidence while for broken roads the C3 Aircross is more effective.”

Safety and Technology

Citroen took efforts to boost the Basalt in those areas even lifting brand new considerations and safety regarding by setting a new height for the Citroen baseline:

Citroen Basalt

• 6 airbags fitted as standard across all variants
• Further enhanced Chassis construction using ultra high strength steel
• Electronic Stability Program (ESC) and Hill hold assist

Citroen C3 Aircross

• At present only 2 front airbags are provided (with an update likely)
• ESC and Hill Hold Assist on higher variants
• ISOFIX child seat belts

Every model offers rear parking sensors and a reversing camera as standard, but the more complete array of safety features offered by the Basalt makes it a winner in this metric.

Price and Value Proposition

The pricing strategy for the two models helps in illustrating the market that Citroen occupies:

Citroen Basalt

• Cost range: Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 13.83 lakh (ex showroom)
• Caters to the style oriented market who seeks for a premium touch

Citroen C3 Aircross

• Cost range: Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 14.11 lakh (ex showroom)
• Looks at usability and space, with the unique 7 seater option

The Basalt’s cheaper entry level price comes in handy for customers seeking their first compact-SUV, while the C3 Aircross goes to the larger households who will not have enough storage space.

Conclusion

The choice between Citroen Basalt and C3 Aircross finally resolves down to your priorities and the way you move around:

On the other hand, if what you’re after is aesthetics and a sportier drive yet do not require the additional seating space, you can not go wrong with Basalt.

In terms of relief offers and practicality, versatility and capability for some off yards, C3 Aircross makes more sense.

Citroen’s remarkable comforts and artistic styles are available with both cars, which are rare features in an SUV packed market. As the automotive landscape evolves it is worth asking: Will coupe-SUVs like the Basalt continue to proliferate, or will old-fashioned SUV shapes like C3 Aircross stay compelling to justify their prevalence?