The already-dizzying number of SUV-type vehicles available in South Africa has just increased. Meet the Citroën Basalt. This “SUV-coupé”, as the company calls it, is the third and final vehicle in Citroën’s C-Cubed programme.
It is aimed at folks looking for the cabin space that SUVs usually offer, while also sporting coupé-inspired proportions and design flares. That means that next to the standard C3 and Aircross, this is one of Citroën’s better-looking vehicles we’ve seen. The starting price of R355,000 also makes it Citroën’s most expensive.
A pinch of Basalt
On the inside, the cabin is supposed to reflect “Citroën’s people-focused approach to design”. That translates to “generous” leg room, a 10in Citroën Connect floating touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and another 7in digital instrument cluster. You’ll also find the usual bits scattered around, like automatic air-conditioning with rear air vents.
Whether you’re looking at the Plus or Max derivatives, the Citroën Basalt employs the same 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the Aircross, which develops 81kW and 205Nm sent to the front wheels only via the 6-speed automatic gearbox. Citroën reckons this results in an average fuel consumption of 6.3l/100km.
You’ll get a few more features, depending on the model. Both get that 10in infotainment and 7in instrument cluster, rear park distance sensors, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, electric side mirrors, and safety and assistance features like electronic stability control, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, and six airbags.
The Max spec has all that, plus faux leather on the steering wheel, an improved sound system, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, and a reverse camera.
Previously, Citroen confirmed that the Basalt would launch locally soon — by the end of the first quarter of 2026, to be exact. So it shouldn’t be too long now before it starts showing up in dealerships, probably by the end of this month. When it does, here’s what each will cost:
- Citroën Basalt 1.2T Plus – R354,900
- Citroën Basalt 1.2T Max – R369,900
“The Citroën Basalt introduces a distinctive attitude to the local SUV segment, combining confident design with the comfort, technology and everyday usability that define the Citroën brand,” says Mmathapelo Khumalo, Head of Citroën South Africa.
