The demand for reliable city drive vehicles that are not only compact but also efficient and tech-loaded, with affordability, has been an important checklist for Urban Indian families. City driving is not just about small cars anymore, but about vehicles that can handle the challenging traffic, poor road conditions, tight parking spaces, and are still equipped with premium features and comforts.
Citroen launched the Basalt X, a compact coupe-SUV on September 5, 2025, to address the urban lifestyle. A pricing between ₹9.4 lakh to ₹12.9 lakh (ex-showroom) and competing against some heavyweight contenders such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Tata Curvv, and Honda Elevate, in this Citroen Basalt X review, we will determine if it truly stands as the best city car in its price range discussing honest pros, cons, real-world owner reviews, and check whether this is a value for money or not.
A Glance at Basalt X
The Citroen Basalt X is launched with 2 different engine options which are:
- A 1.2L NA Petrol engine that delivers approx 82 bhp of power & 115 Nm torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
- A 1.2L Turbo Petrol engine produces a power of 110 bhp & 205 Nm torque. And is available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
The coupe-SUV design features LED projector headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a pitched roofline. It is around 4,300 mm long and 1,800 mm wide – a sweet spot between being small and being more substantial, while the 2,670 mm wheelbase provides a decent cabin space. A 380 liters bootspace, which is handy, although it does not have split-folding rear seats which limits the flexibility.
Key features in the cabin include a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-tone interior, ambient lighting and ventilated front seats in the higher variants.
Real World Owner Reviews
Early owners review that the ride comfort is excellent, also highlighting Citroen’s suspension tuning which absorbs potholes and rough surfaces better compared to its competitors. The high ground clearance also got appreciated which helped tackling rough roads of India.
The AC performance was also commendable with quick cooling, and rear vents that provide front seaters comfort in hot climates. One of the features, which the owners felt outstanding is the “CARA” Voice Assistant though some owners experienced minor lag in the touchscreen response.
Pros: City Friendliness
- Compact size, easy to maneuver in tight parking spaces.
- High ground clearance to tackle bad roads.
- Excellent suspension comfort. It is remarked as one of nicest features of the car
- Light steering and good visibility helping in city driving
- The silent cabin with excellent insulation from the road noise.
- Other premium features include: ventilated seats, rear AC vents, 360° camera view, wireless smartphone connectivity.
Cons: City or Ownership Drawbacks
- Engine Refinement: noticeable vibration when the car is in rest and some turbo lag in lower RPMs.
- Automatic Gearbox: Feels relaxed during sudden overtakes, best suited for calm city driving.
- Service Reach: A developing service network unlike Maruti & Hyundai.
- Cabin Space: rear legroom and boot area are average and not segment-leading.
- Feature Omissions: missing Panoramic sunroof, and powered driving seats that its competitors like Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos has to offer.
Safety & Features
The Citroen Basalt X has earned a 4-star Bharat NCAP rating and has 6 airbags. Other Features are:
- ABS with EBD: It assists in safe braking without locking up the wheel and automatically distributes the right amount of braking power to each wheel in order to give you better control on slippery roads or during a panic stop.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): It automatically brakes individual wheels to help you maintain the car control on sharp turns or if the car starts to skid.
- Hill Start Assist: A lifesaver feature that keeps your car from rolling backward by holding the car for a few seconds, till you keep your leg from the brakes to the accelerator.
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera: Sensors that beep and camera that shows you what’s behind the car assisting you to easily maneuver into tight parking space.
- ISOFIX Mounts: A securely and correctly installed child seat with special built-in anchors.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System: This system warns you if the tire’s pressure is getting too low avoiding the danger of a flat tire.
Some extra features available on higher variants: Auto headlamps, Rain-sensing wipers, Keyless entry and Push button start.
Value for Money Analysis
It is indeed the most affordable midsize SUV in its space. Let’s compare:
- Hyundai Creta (₹10.5 – 18.5 Lakh): Popular brand, wide service network, and turbo options, but higher priced
- Kia Seltos (₹10.7 – 18.2 Lakh): Comes with loaded features and sleek design but stiffer ride quality.
- Tata Curvv (₹10.9 – 17.2 Lakh): Spacious as well as futuristic, but newer in market validation.
- Honda Elevate (₹11.5 – 17.5 Lakh): Premium interiors and refined engines.
- Citroen Basalt X (₹9.4 – 12.9 Lakh): Different styling, excellent ride comfort, advanced assistant features.
Please Note: The car models mentioned in this comparison are linked to their detailed reviews. Click on the highlighted car name to read more about engine performance, pricing, interior quality and safety ratings to choose your right car.”
Citroen offers a 3-year/1,000 km standard warranty that is extendable up to 5 years. Maintenance packages are available but finding service stations outside major cities could be challenging. Resale value is still uncertain but competitive pricing and advanced features improves its overall proposition.
This Citroen Basalt X review highlights that Citroën’s latest product is not only a stylish option, but is a true city-friendly choice. The car has to offer a blending innovative design, class-leading suspension, and luxury features in a sizable package at a reasonable price point. There are areas for improvement, in particular with service reach and engine refinement, but it compensates with its established strengths. The Basalt X is a viable choice for urban drivers who want something different from the mainstream SUVs.
Verdict: For someone whose primary vehicle usage will be to drive in the city, The Basalt X is one of the most compelling midsized SUVs on the market.
Have you driven or own the Basalt X? Comment below your experience and challenges as a city driver to assist other buyers with their decision-making process!