Citroën has just dropped a pricing bombshell with the Basalt sedan starting at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), undercutting rivals like the Honda Amaze (₹11.2L) and Tata Tigor (₹10.4L) while offering French design flair and segment-first features. This isn’t just another budget sedan—it’s a strategic play to disrupt India’s value-conscious market with European engineering at Maruti Suzuki prices. Here’s why the Basalt could become 2025’s most talked-about entry-level car.
The Price Breakdown: How Citroën Beats the Competition
The Basalt’s aggressive pricing comes from localized production (60% parts sourced in India) and clever feature allocation:
💰 Variant-Wise Pricing (Ex-Showroom)
| Variant | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Live | ₹9.99L | 10″ touchscreen, dual airbags, LED DRLs |
| Feel | ₹11.49L | 16″ alloys, wireless charging, rear camera |
| Feel+ | ₹12.99L | ADAS, leatherette seats, 6 airbags |
Killer Move: ₹50,000 corporate discount for first responders and government employees.
Segment Price/Range Comparison
| Model | Starting Price | Top-Spec Price |
|---|---|---|
| Citroën Basalt | ₹9.99L | ₹12.99L |
| Honda Amaze | ₹11.2L | ₹14.2L |
| Tata Tigor EV | ₹10.4L | ₹13.0L |
Why it matters: The Basalt undercuts rivals by ₹1.2L–₹2L while offering larger dimensions (4.3m length vs Amaze’s 4.0m).
French Flair Meets Indian Practicality: 5 Standout Features
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- Modular Boot (510L Capacity)
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- Split-folding rear seats (unlike fixed benches in Amaze)
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- Hidden storage underfloor compartment for tools
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- Modular Boot (510L Capacity)
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- Segment-First ADAS
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- Lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking (standard in Feel+)
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- Adaptive cruise control for highway drives
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- Segment-First ADAS
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- Turbocharged Efficiency
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- 1.2L PureTech turbo petrol (110PS/205Nm)
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- 18.5kmpl claimed mileage – tested 16.2kmpl in city traffic
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- Turbocharged Efficiency
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- Citroën’s Magic Ride Suspension
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- Progressive hydraulic cushions absorb potholes better than torsion beams
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- Rear seat comfort benchmarked against Ciaz in internal tests
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- Citroën’s Magic Ride Suspension
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- Hyper-Connected Cabin
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- 10″ touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
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- Alexa integration for remote AC pre-cooling
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- Hyper-Connected Cabin
Who Should Buy It? Three Target Audiences
1. Young Professionals
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- Instagram-worthy design with Y-shaped LED taillights
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- ₹12,999 EMI (5-year loan at 8.5% interest)
2. Fleet Operators
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- ₹3.2/km running cost (vs ₹4.5/km for diesel sedans)
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- 5-star Euro NCAP safety (projected rating)
3. Upgrade Seekers
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- From WagonR to Basalt – similar pricing but 4x the prestige
The Trade-Offs: What You Compromise
⚠️ No diesel option (unlike Amaze)
⚠️ Service network gaps – only 178 outlets vs Maruti’s 4,000+
⚠️ No sunroof even in top variant
Why This Launch Timing Is Genius
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- Pre-Diwali delivery promise (book by 15 Sept 2025 for guaranteed delivery)
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- BS6 Phase 2 compliance avoids 2026 regulation risks
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- Rural focus with high ground clearance (185mm) for bad roads
Pro Tip: Opt for the ₹19,999 Essential Care Pack (3 years of free servicing + roadside assistance).