India’s automotive market is no stranger to innovation, and the compact SUV segment has been particularly dynamic. With the introduction of coupe SUVs, automakers are pushing boundaries, blending sleek designs with practical utility. Two recent additions to this niche are the Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt, both of which bring unique propositions to the table. While they match each other in terms of size, they are fundamentally different when it comes to features, pricing, and market positioning. Here’s an in-depth comparison to help buyers navigate their choices.
Design and Dimensions: Tata Curvv vs Citroen Basalt
The Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt both embrace the coupe SUV design, a trend that has been gradually gaining traction in India. Despite their similar silhouettes, the two vehicles differ significantly in dimensions and proportions.
Tata Curvv is the wider and taller of the two, giving it a more imposing road presence. The Curvv’s ground clearance stands at 208 mm, which is higher than Basalt, offering better off-road capability. It also boasts a generous 500-liter boot space, making it ideal for long road trips and family outings.
Citroen Basalt , on the other hand, is slightly longer and comes with a 2,651 mm wheelbase, which could offer a bit more cabin room, particularly for rear passengers. However, the smaller 16-inch wheels (compared to Curvv’s 18-inch alloys) and lower tyre width (205-section vs 215-section) give it a more modest stance. Despite this, Basalt does have an edge with its under-thigh support and winged headrests for second-row passengers, which add a bit of extra comfort.
Engine and Performance: Turbo vs Naturally Aspirated
Both vehicles come equipped with 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder engines, but Tata Curvv’s engine tuning and turbocharged variants offer a noticeable performance boost.
Tata Curvv features two variations of its turbocharged engine – one producing 118 bhp and 170 Nm, and the other, a GDi variant, offering 123 bhp and 225 Nm of torque. This makes the Curvv a more powerful choice for those who value performance and responsiveness in their driving experience. It also provides buyers with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCA) gearbox for added convenience.
Citroen Basalt , in comparison, provides naturally aspirated (NA) and turbocharged petrol options, with its most powerful turbo variant delivering 109 bhp and 205 Nm of torque. While the power figures are decent, they don’t quite match the Curvv’s output. Basalt offers 5-speed and 6-speed manual options along with a 6-speed torque converter automatic (TC), but it lacks the diesel option that many Indian buyers still prefer.
Pricing: Affordable vs Premium
The pricing of these two coupe SUVs reflects their stark differences in features and market positioning.
Citroen Basalt starts at a very competitive price of Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 13.83 lakh for the top-spec variant. This pricing is aimed squarely at the budget-conscious buyers in the sub-4-meter segment, positioning Basalt as an entry-level coupe SUV.
Tata Curvv , on the other hand, is priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom). While it is significantly more expensive, the premium pricing is justified by the host of advanced features and better performance options that come with the Curvv. For buyers looking for a more upscale SUV experience, the Curvv is likely to hold greater appeal.
Features and Technology: Curvv’s Advantage
When it comes to features, the Tata Curvv is far ahead of the Citroen Basalt. It comes packed with LED projector headlights, electrically-folding ORVMs, auto climate control, rear AC vents, and a whole host of other modern amenities. In addition, Curvv offers advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as Level-2 autonomous features, which significantly enhance safety and convenience.
The Citroen Basalt , though well-equipped for its price range, can’t match the feature set of the Curvv. While it does come with LED projector headlights and auto climate control, it lacks the advanced tech and safety features seen in Curvv. However, Citroen has added some thoughtful elements, like winged headrests and better under-thigh support for rear passengers, which provide extra comfort during long journeys.
Safety: A Clear Winner
On the safety front, Tata Curvv is likely to score well in crash tests and already boasts six airbags as standard across variants, along with Level-2 ADAS. This puts the Curvv in a higher safety bracket, making it a safer choice for families and long-distance drivers.
Citroen Basalt , on the other hand, is not expected to perform as well in safety ratings, based on the poor showing of the India-spec Citroen eC3 in Global NCAP tests. While Basalt also comes with six airbags, its lower safety credentials and lack of advanced safety technologies make it less appealing from a security standpoint.
Conclusion: Tata Curvv for the Premium, Citroen Basalt for the Budget
In conclusion, Tata Curvv clearly dominates in terms of features, safety, and performance, making it an attractive option for those willing to spend more for premium features and advanced technology. On the other hand, Citroen Basalt offers an affordable entry into the coupe SUV segment, with decent features at a lower price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
Both vehicles serve different customer bases, and choosing between them ultimately depends on what you value more—affordability or premium features.
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