Earlier this year Citroën began the official sale of its Basalt model, the third member of the low range of the French brand in the local market, which is located just in the middle of the C3 and the C3 Aircross.
This is the last representative of what the company called C-Cubo Project, and that aimed since its inception to position themselves as one of the most economical alternatives in the entire market.
It is no accident that this Basalt has its range of range of range as one of the 10 cheapest 0 km models that can be achieved in Argentina.
The version tested by Clarion It was the top of the range, that is, the so -called Shine and which includes the modern engine 1.0 Turbo of 120 horsepower and a CVT automatic box. Even so, this variant is just above 28 million pesos.
This model will surprise for many reasons, starting with its style, beyond whether or not. But also for the efficiency of its mechanical set and for its inner space. And it is very likely that disappointment for those who demand quality in their terminations and driving assistance systems.
How is the new Citroën Basalt
The Stellantis group, to which the Citroën brand belongs, has decided that in our region the French company is the most economical option of its entire offer. While this also happens in other markets, such as the European, for example, here the distance is more noticeable.
That is why the characteristics of the C-Cubo project, where the three exponents, C3, Basalt and C3 Aircross are typical of economic models. That is, the effort to reduce production costs is appreciated.
For example, the vain motor and part of the internal side of the hood are not painted with the color of the body, but only has the protection process. Savings in the absence of anti -Red panels are also noted or in the choice of tapes and bells instead of discs for rear brakes, but we will get into detail.
The Citroën Basalt shares many elements with the C3 and the C3 Aircross.This is how Citroën can locate two of those three models among the 10 cheapest in the market, because both the C3 and the basalt are in that top ten.
The range of this new model starts in the $ 23.520.000 And it reaches the $ 28.980.000 of the Shine variant that was the one that proved Clarín. Actually, there is another special edition a little higher (1st Edition, at $ 29,890,000) but it is a launch variant. Everything indicates that it has a prompt expiration date.
The figure of this basalt generates controversies and does not go unnoticed. The tube is very similar to what C3 and C3 Aircross carry, but from half to the back the change is total.
The 210 mm of the Citroën Basalt soil allow you to pass without problems in dirt streets.It uses an option that is now a little fashionable, Volkswagen has with the Nivus, Fiat with the Fastback and Renault with the Arkana, to mention some, but it was born more than 15 years ago with the BMW X6.
This idea of merging styles, in this case between a sedan, a SUV and a coupe, generates a striking figure, well achieved in terms of architecture, but somewhat recharged with so many folds and replicues in its body. In addition, the rear headlights play to be deflectors, which further recharges the area.
In short, it is a matter of taste, but we receive numerous thumbs up during the week we tried this new model.
The interior of the Citroën Basalt tries a game of styles and textures but fails with the quality of materials.What nobody expects is the space that is capable of offering. It can fool the roof fall to the rear sector, but the reality is that there are a lot of place inside. You could handle someone 1.85 meters high and back comfortably another person of equal contexture.
The handling position is decidedly high. While the height of the driver’s seat can be regulated, the lowest position ends very top. The steering wheel cannot be adjusted in depth, only in height.
And the trunk offers a capacity of 490 DM3, almost like that of a large car and more than many medium SUVs. That is why despite its forms, Basalt could be considered a family car without any problem.
The Citroën Basalt instrument board is digital and delivers fair but sufficient information.How is the new Citroën Basalt
This Shine version carries a 1.0 -liter tricylinder engine, 120 horsepower and 200 nm of torque (the other range alternative is a 1.6 of 115 horses). It is linked to a CVT automatic box with a 7 -speed program for manual use.
It is a mechanical set of Fiat origin (also within the Stellantis group) that surprises with its performance and the thrust it delivers.
In Ciudad it responds immediately and energetically. The box does not have that feeling of skating that usually shows this type transmissions. Even when a constant acceleration is maintained, the gear change occurs without “cyclomotor effect”, almost like a conventional automatic box.
A series of controls to the left of the Citroën Basalt steering wheel are uncomfortable to act while driving.Its dynamic behavior is another high point. Oriented more towards comfort, the suspension filters very well almost all irregularities of the soil. Cobbled or broken roads are canceled with their passage.
En route is a model that will show body inclination when folding. It is more than logical, it has a clearance of the ground of 210 mm, which generates a high center of gravity. Anyway, it maintains the march indicated. The address is very soft, even on route.
What is improvable is the soundproofing of the cabin. A lot of aerodynamic and bearing noise is filtered. Until the blow of the turbo discharge is heard when the accelerator is released after a pronounced accelerated. And a strong vibration occurs when the motor electrventillator begins to work with the detainee vehicle.
Citroën Basalt air conditioning is very powerful.The brakes offer a rare effect. The first thing to say is that it slows well, with a reasonable power for a model of this category. But it slows down more, something that can be seen very marked at low speed; The car “feels”, almost as if you stop with the handbrake.
The perception of the interior generates controversies. As well as in C3 and C3 Aircross, in the Basalt there is also an intention to give it an elaborate style, with shapes, with surfaces with different reliefs and colors. But that idea would give a better result if the materials and terminations were better.
In terms of equipment, this Shine version has practically everything that can be asked for a model of this value. Although it falls short in driving assistance systems, which does offer some rival with a similar price, such as Hyundai HB20.
Citroën Basalt, one of the most economical alternatives in the market.In short, the Citroën Basalt appears as a model with a different figure, an excellent mechanics and a sufficient space to fulfill the role of a family car. The missing equipment and quality improvements, even if they have the mitigating of being an economic model, would enrich the equation in case they evolve.
Technical file
- Largo: 4.343 mm
- Ancho: 1.741 mm
- Alto: 1.585 mm
- Rexine distance: 2,645 mm
- Trunk capacity: 490 dm3
- Fuel tank: 47 liters
- Tires: 205/60 R16
- Motor: Naftero, 1.0l Turbo
- Potence: 120 cv and 5.750 RPM
- Torque: 200 Nm a 1.750 rpm
- Traction: front
- Transmission: Automatic, CVT
- Maximum speed: 185 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.8 sec.
- Average consumption: 8l/100 km
Outstanding equipment
- Front front airbags
- Front side airbags
- Stability and traction control
- Slope Starter Assistant
- Limiter and speed regulator
- Rear parking sensors
- Backward camera
- Children’s chairs in the rear square
- Front fog lights
- Pneumatic pressure control
- Automatic air conditioning
- Height adjustable multifunction steering wheel
- Digital instrument board (7 “)
- Multimedia system with 10 “touch screen
- Apple Carplay and Android Auto with wireless connection
- Ecological leather upholstery
- Electrical lifts and mirrors
- Bi-tono body (optional $ 250,000)
