Coupé-SUVs are in every single place nowadays. In South Africa, producers are throwing every part on the compact and mid-size crossover section, from boxy designs to tech-loaded choices.
However whereas many chase daring specs and hybrid powertrains, Citroën has taken a special route with the Basalt. It’s not making an attempt to be the quickest or essentially the most gadget-heavy. As an alternative, it leans onerous into distinctive French styling, distinctive experience consolation and trustworthy on a regular basis practicality.
After spending time with fashions just like the C3 Aircross and different Stellantis choices, it was clear Citroën wanted one thing contemporary that stands out with out chasing each development. With the Basalt, they’ve largely hit the mark.
It appears boxy SUVs with aggressive entrance ends are nonetheless in style, however Citroën went for one thing extra flowing. The Basalt embraces a smooth coupé roofline that provides it a sportier, extra elegant silhouette whereas protecting correct SUV stance and 180 mm floor clearance. The entrance is daring and recognisably Citroën, with good presence on the highway. Alongside the edges, it seems to be tidy and trendy.
My solely actual criticism of the Citroën Basalt is that, from some angles, the rear design feels extra restrained than the daring and distinctive entrance finish. Whereas the coupe-SUV silhouette provides a contact of character, it would not fairly carry by means of the identical visible drama discovered up entrance. Nonetheless, it is a minor quibble, particularly contemplating you are unlikely to spend a lot time admiring the again of your individual automobile.
One other downside is using onerous plastics in some areas of the cabin, which is to be anticipated at this value level. The upside is that every part feels effectively assembled, with panels becoming collectively neatly and only a few rattles or undesirable noise, giving the inside a stable, sturdy really feel.
However on the within, it’s a special story. In true Citroën style, the hassle on consolation is superb. You get a clear 10-inch touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a 7-inch digital driver show.
The cabin feels ethereal and spacious for a automobile on this class. Rear legroom and headroom are surprisingly beneficiant regardless of the sloping roof, and the 470-litre boot is likely one of the greater ones within the section, genuinely helpful for household life or weekend escapes.
The seats are well-judged for lengthy journeys, and the general format makes it really feel like a correct household SUV that may deal with day by day duties with out fuss.
