By Malusi Msomi

Citroën South Africa has expanded its local line-up with the introduction of the new Basalt, the third model from the brand’s C-Cubed programme. Positioned as an SUV-coupé, the Basalt enters a highly competitive segment with a design that stands apart from the more conventional offerings currently on sale.

We recently spent time behind the wheel of the range-topping Basalt Max AT, driving from Muldersdrift to Hartbeespoort to see what this latest Citroën has to offer.

The Basalt is certainly one of the more distinctive vehicles in its class. Its SUV-coupé body style won’t appeal to everyone, but it does give the Citroën a unique identity among a sea of similarly styled compact SUVs. The sloping roofline, raised ride height, and distinctive front-end design help it stand out from rivals. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that the Basalt brings something different to the segment.

Inside, the Basalt focuses on practicality and usability. The cabin is largely constructed from hard plastics, although a few soft-touch materials on the door panels help lift the overall presentation. While it doesn’t feel premium, it remains a pleasant enough place to spend time.

Technology includes a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, automatic climate control with rear air vents, and keyless entry.

Rear passenger space is one of the Basalt’s strongest attributes, offering plenty of room for taller occupants. The 470-litre boot is also generously sized and should comfortably handle family duties or weekend luggage. Our main criticism concerns the gear selector, which feels somewhat basic compared to the rest of the cabin.

Power comes from a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 81kW and 205Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

On the road, the little turbo engine feels eager and responsive, providing enough performance for everyday driving. It never felt underpowered during our launch route and is well suited to the Basalt’s character.

The biggest surprise, however, was the ride quality. The Basalt does an impressive job of absorbing road imperfections and remains comfortable across a variety of surfaces. It delivers the kind of ride comfort that Citroën has traditionally been known for.

Citroën claims fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km, and based on our initial drive impressions, that figure appears achievable in real-world driving conditions.

The Citroën Basalt may not be the most conventional choice in the compact SUV segment, but that is arguably part of its appeal. It offers generous interior space, a practical boot, a comfortable ride, and distinctive styling that sets it apart from its competitors. While some interior materials and the gear selector leave room for improvement, our first impressions suggest the Basalt has the fundamentals right.

For buyers looking for something a little different without sacrificing practicality, the Basalt is worth a closer look.

Pricing

Citroën Basalt PLUS 1.2T Auto – R354,900

Citroën Basalt MAX 1.2T Auto – R369,900

The Basalt comes with a 4 Years / 60 000 km Service Plan and a 5 Years / 100 000 km Warranty.