[ashutoshb]

For some reason, the white Basalt has been giving me 'sarkari' vibes, ever since I have seen it. And I kid you not, thanks to its bulbous shape, it does resemble the sarkari Ambassadors and Dzires in the power corridors of Delhi.

[varunswnt]

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

For some reason, the white Basalt has been giving me 'sarkari' vibes, ever since I have seen it. And I kid you not, thanks to its bulbous shape, it does resemble the sarkari Ambassadors and Dzires in the power corridors of Delhi.

Oh no, now that you have bought it to notice, I can't unsee it. It very much reminds me of Swift Dzire 1st gen, especially with that black A-pillar and sloping C-pillar.

[ads11]

Originally Posted by sapien

[*]Also, they could have banked on some nostalgia if it’d have been named Ambassador, definitely looks the part.

I forgot to mention this at the time but this is a great shout! As borne out by the comments below.

Originally Posted by ashutoshb

For some reason, the white Basalt has been giving me 'sarkari' vibes, ever since I have seen it. And I kid you not, thanks to its bulbous shape, it does resemble the sarkari Ambassadors and Dzires in the power corridors of Delhi.

I think naming it the Ambassador could've been an interesting proposition. There'd certainly be a lot of sudden brand recognition that Citroen itself still hasn't achieved (doubt it will either compared to the erstwhile HM). But considering Tavares and other execs have made rumblings about there being too many brands, reintroducing the Ambassador would mean reviving the Hindustan Motors name right? (Unless they only hold the rights to the Ambassador name plate). PS: Love the little edit you did there on the photo!

Originally Posted by varunswnt

It very much reminds me of Swift Dzire 1st gen, especially with that black A-pillar and sloping C-pillar.

I can see where folks are getting this analogy - hard to escape it with most notchback designs like this is.
I don't think the visual association with erstwhile sarkari babu cars isn't a bad thing as such - I know plenty of uncles who pretty much make that their entire persona (think white safari suit, black Oxfords for all occasions, and the like, regardless of having nothing to do with the 'gormint'). They could capture that demographic with that white two tone Basalt.

Citroen Basalt price announcement on August 7th.

The company is, however, only likely to announce the starting price; full price list is expected to be revealed at a later date.

Sounds like Citroen are playing it cautious. They're probably waiting to see the Curvv price announcement too surely? When is the Curvv having it's pricing announced? I don't mind them dithering a bit, you'd just hope Citroen get their maths right and price it competitively because they won't get another chance at a fresh start like this with a distinct product.

[shortbread]

Originally Posted by varunswnt

Oh no, now that you have bought it to notice, I can't unsee it. It very much reminds me of Swift Dzire 1st gen, especially with that black A-pillar and sloping C-pillar.

Yes, the curves look akin to the old Dzire. That's not a bad thing, is it? The first gen Dzire is India's most popular sedan.

[GauRanVid]

Originally Posted by volkman10

Citroen Basalt price announcement on August 7th.

The company is, however, only likely to announce the starting price; full price list is expected to be revealed at a later date.


Link:

I think Citroen is playing safe with Basalt. Firstly, they revealed it and waited for the excitement to be gauged. Also, they added some missing features in its line-up to up the game. Secondly, with Curvv launching on 7th Aug, they will announce the price after checking what price Curvv launches at and then they will reveal the full price list. Good marketing strategy by Citroen.

[shortbread]

Originally Posted by GauRanVid

Good marketing strategy by Citroen.

How? The Curvv will be launched as an EV first, the ICE variants is much later. Rather than steal the early start advantage, keep waiting for Tata makes no sense?

[G13BB]

The Basalt is looking better and better day by day. Citroen clearly has an initial advantage of being one of the firsts in a non existent segment. Now with the added features, it has all the features one would ever need. Citroen sales has been on a decline with 300-400 units per month with 4 model line up which is quite poor and saddening considering the turbo engine, dynamics and the overall driving feel of the vehicles. Hope Basalt helps Citroen in uplifting their existence in the market.

The "SUV Coupe" could go down in 2 ways, it can either become a hit in the Indian market just like FWD pseudo SUVs or they may soon become enraged just like the Estates, only time can answer this question.

[dipen]

If Citroen is planning to launch it at prices above the C3 aircross (variant to variant); its a pricing disaster.

C3 Aircross has more functionality in terms of space (headroom and wheelbase) and boot. India won't pay more just for fancy design. Plus the aircross is available at super discounts and yet no takers. Yes they added the missing basic features but yes just "basic" features.

Please compare a Creta 1.5 NA S(O) MT at ~ 17L on road in most cities to get a perspective of the competition and what it offers. Wide bench, decent power, and multi gizmos to get a "new car feel" for people (and their families) who are upgrading. Gets that "wow" thumbs up for most families even in middle variants.

The only key usp so far is the comfort seats (yes, I feel its a super value feature. Love it ); but please note that the Curvv also has something called "Advance Comfort seats" in the presentation slides. Not sure what it will finally turn out to be.

Super glad to see the 16" alloys and not 17" making the ride even more better. And the design is also beautiful unlike the odd 4 spoke 17" on the Aircross.

Basic Misses and continuing mistakes by Citroen even on the updated models.

C3
- No 60:40 split
- No adjustable headrests (front and rear)
- No arm-rests anywhere (front and rear).
- Rear power windows switches still at the wrong place
- why not add comfort seats by calling it "Luxury" pack. You already have it; Just fit it.

C3 Aircross
- 5 seater still gets no 60:40 split.
- why not add comfort seats/headrests by calling "Luxury" pack. You already have it; Just fit it.

All above would have hardly costed anything to the company and required minimal effort.

Citroen hardly has any dealerships even in the Metros. Their plan of consolidating with Jeep which is another non mover brand and surviving on exports only needs to happen fast and soon with a revamp, renewed positioning and value factor. Peace of mind is too critical these days and After Sales Service centers do provide that.

Start with a killer introductory price (not just value but cheap) and slowly move it upwards when you start seeing acceptance else all the Taj Exotica bills will start biting you sooner than you could post it on your social world.

[Comrade]

Originally Posted by dipen

C3
- Rear power windowsswitches still at the wrong place

C3 hatchback also gets power window switches on doors now.

I think the specs & features are good now to atleast consider the cars. I won’t mind buying Citroen cars now if pricing is on par with competition. Earlier too, pricing was not their issue but not offering variant spread was definitely an issue. I guess if they covered 20% buyers earlier, now they would be covering 70% buyers with these new features.

Yes, there is always scope to also offer top of the line variants with more and more features but seems like Citroen has always been cautious with their spending as well as learning and improvising while on the job. So maybe if they see enough volumes and get confidence that Indians have accepted the brand, they will invest more and bring more options.

[ron178]

I think the comparisons to the old Dzire are because the panel gap between the doors *appears to* go all the way up to the beading.

It's not really necessary here because the sheet metal above the window is not part of the door, unlike the Dzire.





Interestingly the Brazilian C-Cubed products don't have it — I wonder why it exists and how hard it will be for Citroën to change in India.



(images: Team-BHP, carandbike, Motor1 Argentina)

[anu21v]

Originally Posted by sagsaw

How can we expect it to be priced at par with a sub4 meter vehicle?

I mean there are salaries and taxes to pay profits to be earned by the company. Its a bigger car higher taxes.

Additional 20% Taxes for above and Below 4m itself is sufficient reason not to compare with Nexon.

Nexon with 3.98m Length and Basalt with ~4.35m length, it seems there is no comparison in terms of inside space / volumes.

Originally Posted by ron178

I think the comparisons to the old Dzire are because the panel gap between the doors *appears to* go all the way up to the beading.

Interestingly the Brazilian C-Cubed products don't have it — I wonder why it exists and how hard it will be for Citroën to change in India.

I personally do not like the design of those thin window Channels and always prefer the broad panels like the one in D'zire. The channel window design in Brazil always seems too flimsy and looks like might give away anytime kids have a go at it.

[ashutoshb]

I am expecting:
1.2 NA to start at 9.49-9.99.
1.2 Turbo Petrol from 10.49-10.99.
1.2 Turbo Petrol with Torque Converter from 13.49-13.99.

Logic being:
- Base has a naturally aspirated engine, instead of Turbo Petrol.
- Coupe pricing is expected to be more premium than C3 Aircross.
- Has now six airbags standard.
- It comes with more goodies, such as automatic climate control, floor-mounted aircon vents, etc.

[ron178]

Originally Posted by anu21v

I personally do not like the design of those thin window Channels and always prefer the broad panels like the one in D'zire. The channel window design in Brazil always seems too flimsy and looks like might give away anytime kids have a go at it.

To be clear, unlike the Dzire, the thick orange sheet metal strip above the C3/Basalt’s window is not part of the door — the line across the strip just gives that illusion. The actual window frame is just as thin as it is in Brazil.

[bronco]

Quick Walk around video of Citroen Basalt.

https://youtu.be/uIh1UqD4COs?si=zBBxmH3z-l28mJ7G

[ottocycle]

Adjustable thigh support on rear seats. Now that is one interesting feature which is out of the expectation and perhaps first in segment?