At first glance, this car looks like a high-end European lifestyle statement that should cost upwards of ₹20 lakh—but is the Citroen Basalt X Plus really the bargain of the century, or is it just a beautiful body with a hollow soul?
Buying a car today is more confusing than ever. You have the sub-four-meter sedans that dominate our city skylines and the brawny SUVs that dominate our highway dreams. But then Citroen decided to tear up the rulebook and give us a “Coupe-SUV.” It’s long, it’s curvy, and it has a stance that makes even some luxury cars look generic.
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: the Citroen Basalt X Plus review: More affordable than a Dzire isn’t just a marketing gimmick. We are talking about a car that offers a massive 470-litre boot and a 4-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for a price that undercuts the top-spec variants of India’s favorite sedan, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Having tested over 100 vehicles in the last 12 years, I’ve rarely seen a brand pivot so aggressively toward value-for-money.
But here’s the catch—to get to that jaw-dropping price, Citroen had to make some hard choices. Does the lack of a sunroof or the omission of ventilated seats in this specific trim mean you’re missing out on the 2026 experience? This is where things get interesting. Let’s dive into the details.
The Coupe-SUV Disruptor: Quick Overview
The Citroen Basalt X Plus is the “sweet spot” variant in the Basalt lineup. While the base “You” trim is stripped out to keep the starting price low, the X Plus (or Plus) variant is where the value truly shines for the average Indian reader.
Launched as part of Citroen’s “C-Cubed” program, the Basalt is India’s first mainstream internal combustion engine (ICE) Coupe-SUV. It stands at 4,352 mm in length—significantly longer than a Dzire—yet its aggressive pricing places it squarely in the crosshairs of those looking for a premium upgrade without the premium EMI. It promises the comfort of a sedan with the “road presence” of an SUV, and on paper, it looks like a landslide victory.
Exterior Design: The French “Aero-Silhouette”
Citroen has always been about “Avant-Garde” design, and the Basalt is arguably their most handsome car yet. It doesn’t just sit in traffic; it poses.
The Face of the Basalt
The front is familiar yet distinct. You get the signature split-headlamp setup with the “double chevron” grille that flows into the LED DRLs. The Plus variant features sharp LED projector headlamps that provide a crisp, white throw, a major upgrade over the halogen units found in basic hatchbacks.
The Coupe Silhouette
This is the talking point. The roofline slopes dramatically toward the rear, creating a silhouette that mimics the likes of the BMW X4.
- 16-inch Wheels: The X Plus gets 205/60 R16 tires. While the top-end gets alloys, the Plus variant features cleverly designed wheel covers that look like alloys from a distance.
- Ground Clearance: At 180 mm, it towers over the Dzire (163 mm), allowing you to ignore those mountain-like speed breakers in Jodhpur or the monsoon-ruined streets of Mumbai.
The Rear Aesthetic
The “ducktail” spoiler integrated into the boot lid is a masterstroke. It gives the car a sporty, aerodynamic finish. The 3D LED taillamps have a depth to them that makes the car look wider and more expensive at night.
Interior Design & Comfort: The “Advanced Comfort” Promise
Step inside, and you’ll realize that “French luxury” is about how you feel, not just what you can touch.
The Dashboard and Tech
The X Plus features a dual-tone dashboard that is significantly better built than Citroen’s earlier attempts.
- 10.25-inch Touchscreen: It is one of the best in the segment—crisp, lag-free, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- 7-inch Digital Cluster: The driver gets a fully digital, customizable display that looks far more modern than the analog dials of its rivals.
Seating: The “Cushion” Effect
Citroen’s “Advanced Comfort” seats use high-density foam that feels like a sofa.
- Rear Space: Despite the sloping roofline, headroom is surprisingly good for anyone under six feet.
- Boot Space: At 470 litres, it swallows luggage that would leave a Dzire owner scratching their head. It’s deep, wide, and practical for those long-distance family road trips.
Engine Specifications & Performance: The 1.2L Dilemma
This is where the Citroen Basalt X Plus review: More affordable than a Dzire gets technical. You have to choose your “pace” carefully.
The Naturally Aspirated (NA) vs. Turbo
The X Plus variant typically comes with the 1.2-litre PureTech 82 engine. It produces 80 bhp and 115 Nm of torque.
Performance Statistics Table
| Specification | 1.2L NA (X Plus) | Maruti Dzire (Z12E) |
| Engine | 1199 cc, 3-Cylinder | 1197 cc, 3-Cylinder |
| Max Power | 80 bhp @ 5750 rpm | 80 bhp @ 5700 rpm |
| Max Torque | 115 Nm @ 3750 rpm | 111.7 Nm @ 4300 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual / AMT |
| Weight | ~1100 kg | ~920 kg |
In city traffic, the 1.2 NA engine is smooth and refined. It has a “silent” cabin experience that beats any Maruti in its class. But here’s the catch—if you’re planning to head into the hills with a full load, the NA engine will feel its weight. For those who want more punch, the 1.2 Turbo variant (109 bhp) is available, but that pushes the price closer to the mid-size SUV territory.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency: The Real-World Test
In India, we don’t just buy cars; we buy “kitna deti hai.”
- ARAI Mileage: 18 kmpl.
- Real-World City: Expect around 12-14 kmpl in the dense traffic of Bangalore or Delhi.
- Real-World Highway: You can comfortably achieve 16-17 kmpl if you cruise at 90 km/h.
While it isn’t as fuel-efficient as the Dzire (which can easily hit 24 kmpl), you are trading those extra kilometers for a much larger, safer, and more comfortable vehicle.
Safety Features: The 4-Star Fortress
In Part 1, we established that the Basalt looks like a million bucks while costing significantly less. But in 2026, Indian buyers have stopped falling for just pretty faces; we want to know if our families are safe. This is where the Citroen Basalt X Plus review: More affordable than a Dzire turns into a serious discussion about engineering.
- 4-Star Bharat NCAP Rating: The Basalt has officially earned a solid 4-star rating from Bharat NCAP. While some rivals chase the 5-star crown, a 4-star score at this price point is a massive victory. It scored 26.19 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection and 35.90 out of 49 for Child Safety.
- 6 Airbags as Standard: Citroen hasn’t played the “base-model compromise” game. Every Basalt, including the X Plus, comes with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and ISOFIX child seat mounts from the factory.
- Structural Integrity: The car uses High-Strength Steel (HSS) and Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) to manage frontal and side impacts. In fact, it’s the first in its segment to score full points in the Side Crash Protection test for adults.
But here’s the catch—while the structure is tough, the child safety score was slightly pulled down by the performance of the three-year-old dummy in frontal impacts. It’s a safe car, arguably safer than the older generation sedans, but it reminds you that absolute perfection usually costs more.
Ride Quality & Real-World Driving: The Flying Carpet
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: Citroen doesn’t do “stiff.” They do “plush.”
The Basalt features the Advanced Comfort Suspension with a “Flying Carpet” effect. On the broken backroads of Rajasthan or the monsoon-ruined streets of Mumbai, the Basalt simply glides. It absorbs sharp edges and deep ruts with a level of sophistication that makes a Maruti Dzire feel “bouncy” in comparison.
However, this comfort comes with a trade-off. Because the suspension is so soft, there is a bit of “nose-dive” under heavy braking and some body roll if you try to take a corner like a racing driver. It’s a car built for relaxed, comfortable cruising, not for carving canyons.
Price and Variants: Decoding the Bargain
Citroen has been incredibly aggressive with the pricing. As of early 2026, the Basalt undercuts almost every sub-compact sedan when you compare “size-per-rupee.”
Citroen Basalt Price Table (Ex-Showroom Estimates, April 2026)
| Variant | Engine | Key Features | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| You (Base) | 1.2 NA | 6 Airbags, ESP, Power Windows (Front) | ₹ 7.99 Lakh |
| Plus (X Plus) | 1.2 NA | 10.25″ Touchscreen, LED DRLs, Rear AC | ₹ 9.99 Lakh |
| Plus Turbo | 1.2 Turbo | 109 bhp, Alloy Wheels, Fog Lamps | ₹ 10.99 Lakh |
| Max Turbo AT | 1.2 Turbo | Automatic, Wireless Charging, 360 Cam | ₹ 13.96 Lakh |
Note: For comparison, the top-spec Maruti Dzire ZXI+ now touches nearly ₹ 10.15 Lakh (ex-showroom), making the larger Basalt Plus a very tempting alternative.
Competitor Comparison: The Segment Blur
| Feature | Citroen Basalt X Plus | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Tata Curvv (Mid-Trim) |
| Body Style | Coupe-SUV | Compact Sedan | Coupe-SUV |
| Length | 4,352 mm | 3,995 mm | 4,308 mm |
| Boot Space | 470 Litres | 382 Litres | 500 Litres |
| Safety | 4-Star BNCAP | 5-Star BNCAP | 5-Star BNCAP |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm | 163 mm | 190 mm |
Pros and Cons: The Unfiltered Truth
Pros:
- Stunning Design: It looks like a car worth ₹ 25 Lakh.
- Exceptional Ride: The “Flying Carpet” suspension is the best in class.
- Massive Boot: 470 litres is enough for a week-long family road trip.
- Safety Net: 6 airbags and ESP as standard across all variants.
- Value: More metal, more presence, and more comfort for less money than a top-spec sedan.
Cons:
- Missing Features: No sunroof, no cruise control, and no auto-dimming IRVM in the X Plus trim.
- NA Engine Pace: The 80 bhp engine is strictly for city use; it struggles on steep highway climbs.
- Service Network: While growing, Citroen’s reach is still smaller than Maruti or Hyundai.
- Refinement: The 3-cylinder thrum is audible when you push the engine hard.
Who should buy this vehicle?
You should buy the Citroen Basalt X Plus if you are a style-conscious buyer who wants to stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank. If you primarily drive in the city, value ride comfort above all else, and need a massive boot for family luggage, the Basalt is a no-brainer. It is the perfect upgrade for someone moving up from a hatchback who finds traditional sedans too “boring.”
Who should avoid it?
Avoid the Basalt X Plus (NA) if you are a highway enthusiast or if you live in hilly terrain. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine simply doesn’t have the lungs for high-speed overtaking with five people on board. In that case, you must spend the extra lakh for the Turbo variant. Also, if you are a “feature-junky” who needs a sunroof to feel happy, the Basalt’s minimalist cabin might disappoint you.
Expert Verdict: More Affordable than a Dzire?
The Citroen Basalt X Plus review: More affordable than a Dzire leads us to a fascinating conclusion: Citroen has successfully weaponized “style.”
By stripping away the “fluff” (like sunroofs and fancy ADAS) and focusing on the “bones” (suspension, safety, and space), they have created a car that offers a “segment-up” experience at a “segment-down” price. It isn’t perfect, and the service network is still a work in progress, but as a product, it offers a level of panache that no compact sedan can match. If you want to feel like a winner every time you look at your driveway, the Basalt is your best bet.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Is the Basalt’s rear seat comfortable for three adults?
Yes, the 2,651 mm wheelbase is one of the best in class. While the sloping roof eats into some headroom for very tall passengers, the shoulder room is better than most sub-four-meter cars.
Q2: Does the Basalt X Plus come with an automatic transmission?
In the Plus (X Plus) trim, the automatic is usually reserved for the Turbo engine. The 1.2 NA engine is strictly a 5-speed manual affair.
Q3: How is the spare part availability for Citroen in India?
Citroen has achieved over 90% localization for the Basalt, meaning parts are becoming more affordable and easier to find than their earlier C5 models.
Q4: Does the Basalt have a CNG option?
As of early 2026, Citroen has not launched an official CNG variant. However, the 1.2 NA engine is known to be compatible with aftermarket kits, though we recommend staying with petrol to protect your warranty.
Q5: Is the 180 mm ground clearance enough for off-roading?
It’s great for bad roads, tall speed breakers, and minor flooding. However, the Basalt is a front-wheel-drive car and is not designed for serious off-roading or slushy trails.