The Citroen Basalt, the brand's stylish coupe-SUV, recently underwent crash tests by Bharat NCAP, a safety rating organization. It received a commendable 4-star rating for both adult and child passenger protection, making it a reliable option for safety-conscious buyers in India. While it didn’t achieve a 5-star rating, the results still highlight the solid performance of the Basalt in key safety areas.
Citroen Basalt’s Bharat NCAP Test Performance
Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) tested the Citroen Basalt in two critical areas—adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP). The results were promising. In the adult safety test, the Basalt scored 26.19 out of a possible 32 points, earning a 4-star rating. This test involved a frontal crash test where the SUV performed moderately well but had a few shortcomings, such as providing marginal protection to the driver’s chest and pelvis.
In the side crash test, however, the Basalt performed flawlessly, earning a full 16 out of 16 points. This means in real-world side impacts, passengers are highly likely to be well-protected. For child passenger safety, the SUV did quite well too, scoring 19.90 out of 24 points. The installation of child restraint systems also received perfect scores, demonstrating that the Basalt is family-friendly and safe for little ones.
What Contributed to Citroen Basalt's 4-Star Rating?
One of the key factors that helped Citroen Basalt secure a solid rating is its standard safety features. Across all variants, Citroen equips the Basalt with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Isofix child seat anchors, and seatbelt reminders. Other notable safety features include hill-start assist, which helps in driving on steep inclines, and three-point seat belts for all passengers.
Citroen has ensured that all versions of the Basalt offer the same level of safety, whether it’s the Turbo variant or the naturally aspirated (NA) version. This uniformity across variants guarantees that no matter which version you opt for, safety remains top-notch.
A Closer Look at the Basalt’s Variants and Pricing
The Citroen Basalt is available in several trims, ranging from the base model “You” to the more premium “Max Turbo AT” variant. It also comes with a choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines, and the top-spec variants feature stylish dual-tone color options. Prices range between ₹7.99 lakh and ₹13.83 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a competitive option in the mid-range SUV market.
Whether you’re going for the base variant or the top-spec Max Turbo AT, you can expect the same safety features. This means even budget-conscious buyers don’t have to compromise on protection.
How the Citroen Basalt Stacks Up Against Rivals
The Citroen Basalt is the first model tested by Bharat NCAP outside of Tata’s popular SUVs like the Harrier, Safari, Nexon EV, and Punch EV. While those models earned a perfect 5-star rating, Basalt’s 4-star rating is still impressive given the rigorous testing standards of BNCAP. Compared to its rivals in the same segment, like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, the Basalt holds its own, particularly in terms of its robust safety features.
Although it didn’t clinch the coveted 5-star rating, the Basalt offers solid protection and proves to be a safe choice for Indian roads. The slightly lower rating was due to minor shortcomings in frontal impact tests, where protection for the driver’s chest and legs was deemed “marginal.” However, with flawless side impact test scores and excellent child safety ratings, the Basalt is certainly not one to overlook if safety is a priority for you.
If you’re in the market for a coupe SUV that combines style with safety, the Citroen Basalt is a solid contender. Its 4-star rating from Bharat NCAP is a strong endorsement of its reliability in protecting both adults and children. Although it doesn’t offer the absolute best protection in all areas, it stands out with strong side impact performance and excellent child safety features. With its range of variants and reasonable pricing, the Basalt is a safe, stylish, and smart choice for families and individuals alike.
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