A fresh take on the SUV formula
Citroën recently introduced the Basaltin South Africa, bringing something a little different to the ever-growing SUV space. With its coupé-inspired styling, focus on comfort and practical everyday usability, the newcomer adds a distinctive flavour to the local line-up from Citroën South Africa.
The Basalt also completes Citroën’s local C-Cubed range, joining the C3 and Aircross as part of the brand’s India-sourced programme aimed squarely at emerging markets like ours.
SUV stance meets coupé flair
Let’s be honest – it’s not every day that something genuinely different arrives in this segment. The Basalt blends the upright stance of an SUV with the sleeker proportions of a coupé, thanks largely to its fastback-style roofline.
Up front, a strong bonnet line and elevated ground clearance give it the visual presence expected of an SUV, while the sloping rear profile adds a touch of flair without going overboard. It’s a balancing act that works surprisingly well – bold enough to stand out, but not so radical that it feels out of place in everyday traffic.
Space and comfort where it counts
Inside, Citroën sticks to what it does best – prioritising comfort. The Basalt offers generous cabin space with a practical five-seat layout, making it well suited to family duties.
There’s plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers, while the 470-litre boot should easily handle luggage for a weekend away or the inevitable school run overload. It’s the kind of space that quietly makes life easier without shouting about it.
The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered, centred around a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the package, keeping connectivity simple and fuss-free.
Comfort features include automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, front and rear armrests and height-adjustable front headrests. It all feeds into Citroën’s long-standing focus on ride comfort and ease of use – something that should resonate well on our often less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Tech that keeps things simple
Rather than overwhelming the driver with layers of complexity, the Basalt takes a more user-friendly approach to technology. Features such as cruise control with a speed limiter, keyless entry with push-button start, and electrically adjustable mirrors are all geared towards making everyday driving just that little bit easier.
Storage solutions are also thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, reinforcing the Basalt’s practical nature.
Safety covered
On the safety front, the Basalt ticks the expected boxes. A high-strength body structure is supported by six airbags as standard, along with electronic stability control and hill hold assist.
Rear parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system and ISOFIX child-seat anchor points add further peace of mind, while ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution ensures predictable braking performance.
Turbocharged efficiency
Power comes from a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Outputs are rated at 81kW and 205Nm, with torque available from as low as 1 750r/min.
That low-down torque should make the Basalt feel responsive in everyday driving, particularly in urban conditions where flexibility matters more than outright performance. It’s a setup that leans towards efficiency and ease of use rather than outright speed which, in this segment, makes perfect sense.
A different kind of contender
The Basalt doesn’t arrive trying to outmuscle the competition. Instead, it offers a slightly different perspective; one that blends distinctive design with comfort and practicality in a way that feels refreshingly honest.
For buyers looking for something that stands out without sacrificing everyday usability, it could well hit the sweet spot.
Model line-up and pricing
- Citroën Basalt PLUS 1.2 Turbo 6AT – R354 900
- Citroën Basalt MAX 1.2 Turbo 6AT – R369 900
*All models include a 4-year/60 000km service plan and a 5-year/100 000km warranty.
