Citroën Basalt: B-SUV With Bold Flair

Citroën has officially launched the Basalt SUV‑Coupé in South Africa, turning the B‑segment spotlight onto design, comfort and everyday usability. Where the pre‑launch campaign focused on individual details – wheels, lights and interior textures – the full reveal now shows a cohesive, confident SUV‑coupé built to stand out without shouting. Watch the launch highlight reel here.

The Basalt’s coupé‑inspired roofline, sculpted bodywork and elevated profile give it a presence that cuts through the sea of boxy compact SUVs. In the metal, the fastback silhouette feels deliberate rather than decorative, blending attitude with practicality. Inside, key touchpoints are carefully considered, the cabin seats five comfortably, and a 470‑litre boot keeps family‑friendly utility intact. Ride comfort is front and centre: Citroën’s suspension smooths out rough city streets and longer drives, prioritising composure over faux‑sporty firmness.

Tech is smart, not showy. A 10‑inch Citroën Connect touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sits alongside a 7‑inch digital instrument cluster, keeping key driving info and smartphone integration clearly visible. Daily usability is reinforced through Proxi‑Sense™ keyless entry, climate control with rear vents and clever storage solutions throughout the cabin.

On the powertrain side, the Basalt packs a 1.2‑litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 81 kW and 205 Nm, paired with a six‑speed automatic transmission tuned for smooth, relaxed progress. It does not chase hot‑hatch theatrics, but delivers enough shove for confident overtakes while staying efficient, with local testing showing fuel consumption close to Citroën’s 6.3 l/100 km claim. Safety is comprehensive, with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill‑hold assist, ISOFIX anchors and a high‑strength body structure all standard.

“The Basalt is about making a statement without shouting,” says Mmathapelo Khumalo, Head of Citroën South Africa. “We focused on design, comfort and practical usability from the outset, delivering a B‑SUV that is expressive, functional and unmistakably Citroën.”

Pricing starts at R354 900 for the Basalt Plus and R369 900 for the Basalt Max, each supported by a 4‑year/60 000 km service plan and 5‑year/100 000 km warranty. In a segment often dominated by spec sheets, the teaser line – “You’ll want a piece of it” – now carries new meaning: the Basalt offers drivers a B-SUV that is as much about style and comfort as numbers, showing that personality and practicality can coexist in one package.

For more information, visit Citroën.co.za