Citroën India has unveiled the Basalt Dark Edition, a limited-run coupe-SUV that blends sporty aesthetics with premium upgrades, launched on April 10, 2025. Adding star power to the event, cricket legend and brand ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni not only unveiled the vehicle but also became its first owner, driving home the inaugural unit. Priced at ₹12.80 lakh for the manual variant and ₹14.10 lakh for the automatic (ex-showroom), the Basalt Dark Edition offers a bold, blacked-out design and exclusive features, positioning it as a stylish contender in India’s competitive SUV market. This article explores the vehicle’s specifications, Dhoni’s influence, and its potential to elevate Citroën’s presence in India, based on official announcements and industry insights.
Striking Design and Exclusive Styling
The Citroën Basalt Dark Edition is based on the top-spec Max variant of the standard Basalt, a coupe-SUV that combines rugged SUV utility with a sleek, sloping roofline. The Dark Edition stands out with its exclusive Perla Nera Black exterior, a deep, glossy shade that enhances its aggressive road presence. Dark chrome accents adorn the Chevron badge, front grille, and side body moldings, while gloss black finishes on the bumpers and door handles amplify the stealthy aesthetic. Two red inserts near the fog lights and a Dark Edition badge below the ORVMs add subtle contrast, aligning with Citroën’s global design language.
Inside, the cabin embraces a Carbon Black theme with a white roof, creating a sporty yet premium ambiance. The Metropolitan Black leatherette seats feature exclusive Dark Edition embossing, Lava Red contrast stitching, and silver inserts, elevating the interior’s appeal. A leatherette-wrapped dashboard with silver accents and illuminated Citroën scuff plates (standard in this edition, optional in others) enhance the tactile experience. Multi-color ambient lighting, typically an accessory, adds vibrancy to the cabin, making it a standout for young buyers seeking exclusivity. The 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels remain unchanged, providing a balanced contrast to the blacked-out exterior.
The Basalt’s design retains the standard model’s 4,523mm length and 2,601mm wheelbase, offering a spacious cabin for five passengers and a 470-litre boot, ideal for luggage-heavy trips. However, the sloping roofline slightly restricts rear visibility, and the lack of a 60:40 split-folding rear seat limits cargo flexibility compared to rivals like the Tata Curvv.
Performance and Powertrain
The Basalt Dark Edition retains the standard model’s powertrain, with no mechanical upgrades. It is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 109 bhp and 190 Nm of torque with the six-speed manual transmission, or 205 Nm with the six-speed torque converter automatic. A naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine (80 bhp, 115 Nm) is available in lower variants but not for the Dark Edition, which is exclusively offered in the top-spec trim. The turbo engine delivers a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.5 kmpl, balancing performance and economy for urban and highway driving.
Citroën’s signature suspension tuning ensures a plush ride, often praised for outperforming competitors like the Volkswagen Taigun and Honda Elevate in comfort, even with five adults and luggage onboard. However, the 1.2-litre turbo engine may feel underpowered compared to the larger 1.5-litre units in rivals like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos, limiting its appeal for performance enthusiasts. The absence of a diesel or hybrid option, unlike the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Toyota Hyryder, may also deter buyers in fuel-conscious markets.
Features and Safety
As a top-spec variant, the Basalt Dark Edition is well-equipped. It features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, automatic climate control with rear vents, a wireless phone charger, and a six-speaker sound system. Additional conveniences include keyless entry, steering-mounted controls, and a rear defogger. The multi-color ambient lighting and illuminated scuff plates add a premium touch, exclusive to this edition.
Safety features are robust, with six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a rearview camera with parking sensors. The Basalt has earned a four-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, with Citroën reinforcing the chassis for improved crashworthiness, though it lacks advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) found in competitors like the Tata Curvv or Hyundai Creta.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The Basalt Dark Edition is priced at ₹12.80 lakh for the manual and ₹14.10 lakh for the automatic (ex-showroom), a ₹19,500–₹23,000 premium over the standard Max variant. This positions it competitively against rivals like the Tata Curvv Dark Edition (₹16.49 lakh), Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and Skoda Kushaq, many of which also offer dark-themed editions. The limited-run nature of the Dark Edition, available from April 10, 2025, through Citroën’s nationwide dealerships, adds exclusivity, though the exact production numbers remain undisclosed.
At this price, the Basalt Dark Edition offers strong value for buyers seeking style, comfort, and practicality. However, the lack of a sunroof, smaller 16-inch wheels, and flap-type door handles may detract from its premium appeal compared to rivals. Citroën’s 4th-anniversary offers, including cash benefits and low-EMI schemes, could further sweeten the deal for Indian buyers.
MS Dhoni’s Star Power
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain and a known car enthusiast, has been Citroën’s brand ambassador since May 2024. His involvement in the Basalt Dark Edition’s launch, unveiling the vehicle and taking delivery of the first unit, has significantly boosted its visibility. Dhoni, spotted driving the SUV in Ranchi, adds a layer of authenticity to the campaign, given his passion for SUVs and vintage vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, and Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. His endorsement, combined with Citroën’s strategic marketing, has sparked buzz on social media, with fans praising the SUV’s “sick” blacked-out look and Dhoni’s “cool” persona.
Citroën’s collaboration with Dhoni, including a previous “Dhoni Edition” Aircross, leverages his appeal to younger buyers and car enthusiasts. The company incorporated Dhoni’s feedback into the Dark Edition’s design, such as the dark chrome accents and red detailing, aligning with his preference for elegant yet bold vehicles. This move has elevated Citroën’s brand perception in India, where it has struggled against established players like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.
Critical Perspective
The Basalt Dark Edition’s all-black styling and premium interior make it a compelling choice in the sub-compact SUV-coupe segment, a niche pioneered by Citroën and Tata’s Curvv. Its ride quality, spacious cabin, and safety features are strong selling points, but the lack of mechanical upgrades, a sunroof, or ADAS may limit its appeal against feature-rich competitors. The 1.2-litre engine, while adequate, lags behind rivals in outright performance, and the limited-run strategy risks alienating buyers if supply is too restricted. Additionally, Citroën’s inconsistent quality, such as flap-type door handles, could detract from its premium aspirations.
Conclusion
The Citroën Basalt Dark Edition, launched at ₹12.80 lakh to ₹14.10 lakh, combines striking design, robust features, and MS Dhoni’s star power to make a bold statement in India’s SUV market. As the first unit’s owner, Dhoni has amplified its appeal, positioning it as a stylish, value-driven alternative to the Tata Curvv, Hyundai Creta, and others. While its exclusive styling and comfort-focused engineering shine, potential buyers should weigh its limitations against competitors. Available in limited numbers, the Basalt Dark Edition is a unique addition to Citroën’s lineup, and Dhoni’s endorsement ensures it turns heads. Visit Citroën India’s website or dealerships for bookings and test drives to experience this sporty coupe-SUV firsthand.
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