Citroen Basalt

The Citroen Basalt stands out with its distinct coupe-like design, which sets it apart from its SUV sibling, the C3 Aircross. Its sloping roofline and pronounced wheel arches give it a more dynamic and emotive presence on the road.

Although it is narrower, lower, and sits on a shorter wheelbase than the Aircross, the Basalt still manages to make a bold statement. The lowered ground clearance adds to its sporty appeal, while the carefully reworked chassis structure with ultra-high-strength steel around critical areas aims to achieve a 5-star BNCAP safety rating.

However, despite its aesthetic appeal, it lacks certain features like a rear wiper that would have added practicality to its design.

Under the hood, the Citroen Basalt is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

This powertrain is familiar from the C3 Aircross and continues to impress with its good drivability, smoothness, and effortlessness, particularly in the low and mid-range. The throttle response is alert yet linear, providing a balanced driving experience.

The engine, though generally quiet, can be a bit jerky when shifting from first to second gear. It might not be the most thrilling engine to push to its limits, but it is more than capable of handling overtakes and maintaining cruising speeds on highways.

However, the steering feels vague and lacks precision, which detracts from the overall driving experience.

The interior of the Citroen Basalt has seen some improvements over its predecessors, addressing previous shortcomings.

The top-spec variant now includes powered ORVMs, wireless charging, digital climate control, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Rear power window switches have also been moved to the doors, enhancing convenience.

The Basalt offers an adjustable front central armrest and rear seats with three-step adjustable thigh support in the automatic version. However, it still lacks some key features like a sunroof, keyless entry and start, and a rear wiper.

The quality of materials inside the cabin is inconsistent, with some areas featuring rich gloss black plastic, while others are finished in cheaper-looking matte plastic. The fit and finish of the plastic panels also vary, which might not meet the expectations of buyers in this segment.

Citroen has made significant strides in safety with the Basalt. It comes standard with six airbags, ESP, hill hold, TPMS, and ISOFIX seats. The reworked chassis structure aims for a top-tier BNCAP safety rating, reinforcing its focus on safety.

In terms of comfort, the Basalt excels with its spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and thoughtful features like a height-adjustable driver’s seat and an adjustable steering column. The ride quality is particularly impressive, with the softer suspension setup providing a smooth and composed ride over rough roads.

However, taller passengers might find the rear headroom a bit tight due to the sloping roofline.

The Citroen Basalt offers a comfortable and composed ride, especially over rough or undulating roads, thanks to its softer suspension setup. It maintains stability in a straight line and dismisses bumps and potholes with ease.

However, the Basalt is not a sharp handler. It tends to roll in corners and does not feel particularly agile in quick direction changes. The steering, while having a fine rack ratio, lacks response and feedback, making it feel vague, especially off-center.

This might be a drawback for those who prioritize engaging driving dynamics. On the plus side, the elevated seating position and good visibility up front make it an easy car to drive, although the rearward visibility is compromised by the narrow rear windscreen and low-resolution reversing camera.