Tata Curvv Vs Citroen Basalt: The New Era of SUV Coupe in India

The new era of SUVs in India is here! With new design language and innovative ideas, the brands are working towards revolutionising the latest and premium design into the budget segment with the best offerings. The Tata Curvv was the most awaited model from the brand as it created hype with its uniqueness and expected features under the 20 lakh bracket. However, the new surprise of the Citreon Basalt has hampered the hype and expectation of Tata’s Coupe SUV. 

Citroen has introduced great competition to the only expected coupe SUV i.e. the Tata Curvv. Its new model Basalt with an amazing introductory price of INR 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) has questioned the brands and customers to reconsider their decision. 

According to the sources, Mahindra is also testing its coupe SUV to be launched soon. To get a first-mover advantage, the brands are rigorously working to improve their brand design and differentiate from other brands. It would be interesting to check how would the audience react to the new-age designs of SUVs in the budget segment and which brand will outperform. 

With this blog, we will look at all the aspects that make the brand and its product ideal for the customers. After comparison, it would be clear that will Citroen Basalt be the best car under 10 lakh or the Tata Curvv will take the crown of the luxurious SUV coupe in India. 

The comparison of the only SUV Coupe in India: Basalt V/S Curvv

Looking at every aspect of the car, we will understand whether Basalt or Curvv would be a great option to choose at their price bracket or whether the conventional design of the SUV will rule the market. While Tata has only introduced its EV variant of the Curvv till now, so the details (Performance, pricing and features) in this blog are assumptions/ leaks based on the pricing of EVs, previously launched vehicles and the market gap. 

Exterior

The coupe design in India is introduced by the two manufacturers which can either make or break the market to follow. This design has been used in premium cars to elevate the overall experience and offer better aerodynamics of the vehicle. Now with the changes in the design, there are a lot of things that the cars offer from the outside and the inside. Here is the list of things to note in Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt: 

Tata Curvv:

Tata has been teasing the new coupe SUV for a long time and it has helped in getting the required hype for the car. With its new design and improved technology, it has built a strong trust and made sure that the cars are value for money. The new Tata Curvv however, from the front feels the same as all the new Tata cars as it has the same connected DRLs with a similar kind of grill. The only things that differentiate it is the size of the Curvv. 

From the side and the rear, the company has done a great job and offers a completely new look with a great finish. With flush door handles and minimal sensors, the car looks much premium. To add to the grace, the 18-inch tires make it look a lot bigger than the competition. 

The rear is a new design that looks like a Lamborghini Urus. The connected all-LED tail lamp setup sits well with the design and offers a premium-looking vehicle in the budget segment. 

Citroen Basalt: 

The Citroen Basalt is the best version of the European manufacturer for the Indian market. The car has hit the nail with its timing and pricing. The manufacturer is struggling to leave a mark on the consumer with their product. 

However, the Basalt is a coupe that is big in terms of design, and bold-looking. The car offers 16-inch tyres which is not ideal for the size of the car. The performance of the car with the 16-inch wheel is absolutely fine but could have been better with an upgrade.

The brand has stuck to offer the best product in the budget-friendly segment. However, they have missed out on some of the most important cosmetic features that Indian consumers love i.e., the sunroof. At the same time, the fit and finish are not up to the mark. 

Overall the car looks fine when looking for an option under 10 lakh rupees. The long-term review of the car is still pending, so there is a possibility of negatives about the car. 

Interior

Nowadays, every brand is aiming to offer the best set of features and comfort. This has resulted in a variety of variants with minor changes but a huge price difference. However, the majority of changes in the variants are seen in the interiors. It becomes essential to look at what the brand is offering and the things that make it value for money. Here is what both cars offer: 

Tata Curvv: 

Tata is among the best car manufacturers in India. In the past decade, the major changes in cars have helped the brand revive and make a stronger comeback. Now with the most-selling SUV (Tata Nexon), the brand is going strong to introduce a new segment in the market. This bold move of Tata can disrupt the market. 

Similar to all the facelifts cars recently launched by Tata Motors. The Tata Curvv has a similar infotainment system, steering and driver panel. The car offers ventilated seats at the front and great comfort in both rows. Though, the second row is a little congested due to the sloping design at the back. Also, it does not have a headrest for the middle passenger. 

The feeling from the inside is of a true luxury car. The dash uses a touch screen instead of old-fashioned buttons. Even for opening the boot, the company has introduced smart gestures along with the button. This makes the car practical as well as futuristic. The Tata Curvv also offers JBL speakers to offer an amazing experience. 

Citroen Basalt: 

Competing with the best manufacturers and customer favourites, Citroen has done a decent job in maintaining comfort as well as features that make the car value for money. With the comfortable seating position, seats and spacious interior, the Basalt is a great car for under 10 lakh rupees. While to offer greater comfort to the passengers, it comes with adjustable thigh support (first in class). Even at the biggest of the bumps, the passengers will not feel it as the car is packed with great suspension that minimises the discomfort. 

The brand has managed to enter the market and produce a great option for the customers. There are a few things that Citroen has missed that Indian customers love to have in their cars. Some of them are sunroofs, ventilated seats, powerful engines, and soft-finish interiors. 

Even though these are just the cosmetic parts of the car, there is still a chunk of the audience in India, who wish to have all these features when they are paying nearly 10 lakh rupees for the car. Personally, for me, these features are not the deal breaker until and unless the car performs as it promises. 

Tech Specs of Citroen Basalt and Tata Curvv

Pricing