Who says you can't ball on a budget? The Citroën Basalt makes this case with flair, and it comes in at a modest price. The question stands, however, on whether this glitter is gold. The Basalt is one of the new vehicles from Citroën's Indian manufacturing efforts and trickled in alongside the C3 and C3 Aircross.
Related: Citroen Basalt (2026) First Drive Review
We recently had the Basalt on test, so what are a few of the pros and cons we could pick out?
1. Pro - A peppy powertrain
Propelling the Basalt range is the 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech 3-cylinder powerplant, which you'll find in plenty of the PSA (Peugeot Société Anonyme) lineup of vehicles in the Stellantis portfolio. It makes 81 kW and 205 Nm. With a kerb weight of 1214 kg, the PureTech powerplant feels peppy in the Basalt. Pair that with the 6-speed automatic gearbox, and it's smooth sailing.
2. Con - Some engine refinement would help.
While the powertrain is peppy, the 3-cylinder could do with some NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) refinement, as there is noticeable vibration.
3. Pro - It's pretty fly inside and out
There's a nice use of materials in the cabin of the Basalt, and a good colour swatch to boot. The ambient lighting on offer is also different to the usual rainbow colours you'd typically find with this feature. Comfort is good too.
4. Con - Rear visibility and headroom
Due to the fastback styling, rear visibility and headroom are compromised in favour of the style.
5. Pro - A modest offering
This car is, in a word, innocuous. It does what it says on the tin, and it's something you'll step back and look at in the driveway.
6. Con - It's maybe too normal
As mentioned above, it's innocuous rather than daring or different, as French cars typically are. Though for the asking price, should we really be complaining?
Shop for the latest Citroen Basalt offerings here.
