Main Takeaway: The Citroën Basalt X, Citroën’s new sub-4-metre compact crossover, will debut in India in January 2026 with an expected ex-showroom price of ₹7.5–9 lakh. Based on the CMP+ EV platform, it offers petrol and CNG powertrains, a premium-styled cabin, and Citroën’s signature focus on comfort and SUV-inspired design.
Introduction
Citroën’s Basalt X, previewed at Auto Expo 2025, brings SUV-flair to the compact segment with its bold wheels-arch cladding, high-mounted LED DRLs, and distinctive grille. Scheduled for January 2026, the Basalt X aims to attract urban buyers seeking Citroën’s signature “floating” roof design, premium cabin ambience, and dual fuel options. Pricing is expected between ₹7.5 lakh and ₹9 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it against the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon in the hotly contested sub-4-metre SUV space.
Launch Details and Market Positioning
Bookings for the Basalt X will open in December 2025, with deliveries starting January 2026. Built at Stellantis’s Ranjangaon plant, it leverages the CMP+ platform to offer both a 1.2 L turbo-petrol engine and a factory-fitted CNG option. Citroën India will highlight its dual-tone roof, unique “Basalt” copper-accent trims, and superior ride comfort courtesy of Global Modular Platform’s tuned suspension. Direct competitors include the Maruti Brezza (₹7–12 lakh), Hyundai Venue (₹7.5–12.5 lakh), and Tata Nexon (₹8–13 lakh).
Expected Pricing and Variants
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (₹) | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|
| Basalt X Turbo-Petrol | 7.5–8.5 lakh | 1.2 L Turbo-Petrol (110 PS/190 Nm), 5AT/6MT |
| Basalt X Turbo-Petrol CNG | 8.5–9 lakh | 1.2 L Turbo-Petrol + CNG (89 PS/160 Nm), 5MT |
The petrol-only MT and AT cater to buyers seeking convenience, while the CNG variant addresses running-cost conscious customers.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2 L Turbo-Petrol |
| Power | 110 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 1,750–3,500 rpm |
| CNG Power | 89 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| CNG Torque | 160 Nm @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT / 5-speed AT |
| Length × Width × Height | 3,995 × 1,750 × 1,585 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm |
| Fuel Tank/CNG Capacity | 36 L / 60 L equivalent |
| Suspension | MacPherson strut (front), torsion beam (rear) |
| Brakes | Disc (front), drum (rear) |
Citroën tunes the ride for plush comfort over Indian roads, with isolating bushes and progressive dampers.
Exterior Design and Features
The Basalt X sports Citroën’s bold SUV cues: protective side-cladding, skid-plate styling elements, and signature two-tone roof in Basalt Copper. LED DRLs flank the floating bonnet, while split headlamp clusters and stripe-pattern decals amplify its SUV-inspired stance. 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, roof rails, and shark-fin antenna complete its crossover appeal. Colour options include Canyon Silver, Volcano Red, and Glacier White.
Interior Features and Technology
Inside, the Basalt X delivers a premium cabin with dual-tone dashboard, Soft-Touch panels, and ambient lighting. A 10-inch floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Citroën Connect app sits above a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Comfort amenities include:
- Automatic climate control
- Wireless phone charger
- Cooled glovebox
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- Six-speaker sound system
Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-start assist, rear-parking camera, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.
Competition Analysis
| Model | Price (₹) | Engine Options | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën Basalt X | 7.5–9 lakh | Petrol / CNG | Dual-tone styling; ride comfort |
| Maruti Brezza | 7–12 lakh | Petrol / CNG | Proven reliability |
| Hyundai Venue | 7.5–12.5 lakh | Turbo-Petrol / Diesel | Feature-rich cabin |
| Tata Nexon | 8–13 lakh | Petrol / Diesel / EV | Safety ratings; EV option |
The Basalt X stands out with its distinctive SUV styling and Citroën’s focus on ride quality.
Expected Timeline and Availability
- Bookings Open: December 2025
- Launch: January 2026
- Deliveries: February 2026
- Dealerships: Expanded Citroën stores across metros and Tier-1 cities with dedicated Basalt X test-drive units.
Verdict
The Citroën Basalt X injects fresh SUV character into the compact segment with its unique styling, dual fuel flexibility, and comfort-focused ride. Priced competitively and backed by Citroën’s premium positioning, it offers a compelling alternative for buyers seeking differentiation in India’s sub-4-metre SUV market.
