Citroen India has commenced series production of its much-anticipated SUV, the Basalt, at its Thiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu. This milestone comes ahead of the Basalt’s official market launch in the coming months, according to a confirmation from Autocar India.
The Citroen Basalt is being assembled alongside the C3 Aircross SUV at the Thiruvallur facility, which also produces the C3 high-riding hatchback and its electric variant, the eC3. This production rollout marks a significant step for Citroen India as it expands its portfolio in the competitive SUV segment.
A New Contender in the SUV Market
The Citroen Basalt, showcased in near-production form a few months ago, is set to challenge the upcoming Tata Curvv, which features a similar SUV-coupe design. At approximately 4.3 meters in length, the Basalt will offer a distinct alternative in the midsize SUV category, competing with well-established models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq. It will also be positioned as a unique option alongside Citroen’s own C3 Aircross SUV.
Performance and Features
Under the hood, the Basalt will share the 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with the C3 Aircross, available with both manual and automatic transmission options. The SUV-coupe is expected to feature a sloping roofline and offer additional amenities compared to the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV. This move is likely aimed at addressing previous criticisms regarding the latter models’ lack of competitive features.
Market Expectations
The introduction of the Basalt is a strategic effort by Citroen to capture a larger share of the growing SUV market in India. By offering a unique design and enhanced features, the Basalt aims to attract consumers looking for style and functionality in their vehicles.
As Citroen ramps up production at its Tamil Nadu plant, the automotive market eagerly anticipates the Basalt’s official launch and its impact on the midsize SUV segment. With its competitive pricing and feature-rich offerings, the Basalt could potentially redefine consumer expectations in this category.
Looking Forward
Citroen India’s commitment to expanding its model lineup and enhancing production capabilities underscores its long-term vision for the Indian market. The successful rollout of the Basalt SUV is expected to bolster Citroen’s presence and competitiveness in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.
As the Basalt prepares to hit the roads, consumers and industry watchers alike will be keen to see how this new entrant fares against its rivals and contributes to Citroen’s growth trajectory in India.
