New Citroën Basalt X (2025) : Moving upmarket with C-Zen Lounge in India

Just a few weeks after initiating a major upgrade of its lineup with the C3 X, Citroën is continuing its momentum in India with the introduction of the Basalt X. Far from being a mere cosmetic adjustment, this new version of the Coupé SUV marks a strategic turning point for the brand in this highly demanding market. While the equipment improvements were expected, the real surprise lies inside, where the Basalt X not only evolves but undergoes a profound metamorphosis, adopting stylistic and technological cues directly inspired by the brand's latest European models. It is a bold move that signals a new level of ambition.

An expected and necessary upmarket shift

It must be acknowledged that Citroën has listened to feedback. Aware that its C-Cubed range models, although praised for their comfort and design, lacked sufficient features to compete with the aggressive local competition, the brand has responded decisively. Following the lead of the C3 X, the Basalt X addresses these shortcomings by offering a much richer set of standard and optional equipment. Safety takes a significant leap forward with the inclusion of six standard airbags, while user comfort is greatly enhanced by the addition of automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, power-folding mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and even ventilated front seats on higher trims.

This upmarket strategy is clearly aimed at making Citroën models more desirable and competitive. In India, the brand has understood that design and comfort are no longer enough; customers also expect a comprehensive technological experience and premium features. This realignment is accompanied by a revised pricing policy. The Citroën Basalt X is now available starting at 795,000 Indian Rupees (approximately €8,950) for the base version, and goes up to 1,289,500 Indian Rupees (approximately €14,500) for the fully equipped top-end model. These prices have been carefully calculated to position the Basalt X as a credible and attractive alternative in the B-segment SUV category.

The C-Zen Lounge: a powerful new feature arrives in India

Where the Basalt X truly surprises and impresses is undoubtedly its dashboard. Citroën has carried out a genuine revolution, abandoning the previous design to integrate a concept very similar to the C-Zen Lounge we are familiar with on the new C3 and C3 Aircross in Europe. This radical change transforms the onboard experience and elevates the Basalt to another level. The dashboard structure is entirely new, organized on two levels. The upper part, very horizontal and technical, incorporates a new 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a clear and modern display of information.

The lower section, which is softer and more enveloping and which Citroën calls the "Sofa Design," is covered in some versions with an elegant leather-effect material that extends harmoniously into the door panels. This choice of materials and design creates a warmer, almost "home-like" atmosphere and significantly enhances the perception of quality. It represents a spectacular move upmarket that brings the Indian offering closer to European standards. To top it all off, this modern interior houses the new personal assistant CARA, an artificial intelligence designed to interact intuitively with the driver and passengers, managing everything from navigation to vehicle functions.

With this "X" version, the Citroën Basalt's offering is profoundly transformed. Beyond renewed competitiveness thanks to enhanced equipment, it is above all its completely redesigned interior that gives it an unprecedented appeal in the Indian market. More modern, more technological, and significantly higher in perceived quality, it now places the brand's Coupé SUV among the leaders in its class for interior design. This major evolution demonstrates Citroën's ability to adapt and respond quickly to consumer expectations.

Logically, this offensive is unlikely to stop here. The next model in line to receive this rejuvenation treatment is expected to be the C3 Aircross. The 7-seater SUV, which shares its platform and many components with the Basalt, will almost certainly adopt an "X" version in the coming months, incorporating this new C-Zen Lounge interior and enriched technological features. Citroën seems to have found the right formula to accelerate its development in India, and this new, more ambitious approach could well be a game-changer for the brand in the region.