Citroën is hoping to win over South African motorists with the launch of its all-new 2026 Basalt, a stylish SUV-coupé that combines French design, comfort and practicality in one affordable package.
The Basalt enters one of the country’s fastest-growing vehicle segments, where it will compete against popular models such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Jetour Dashing.
With prices starting at around R354,900, Citroën believes the Basalt offers buyers excellent value for money while delivering the comfort and driving experience for which the French manufacturer has become known.
The new Basalt features a distinctive coupé-inspired roofline that sets it apart from many conventional compact SUVs. The front end is dominated by Citroën’s signature double-chevron grille, complemented by LED projector headlamps, daytime running lights and stylish alloy wheels that give the vehicle a premium appearance.
Under the bonnet is a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 81kW of power and 205Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth acceleration while maintaining an average fuel consumption of approximately 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
Inside, the Basalt offers a spacious cabin with seating for five adults. The interior has been designed with comfort in mind, featuring supportive seats, rear air-conditioning vents, automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity on selected models, keyless entry, push-button start and a reverse camera.
One of the Basalt’s biggest selling points is its practicality. The luggage compartment provides 470 litres of boot space, making it suitable for family holidays, business travel and everyday shopping.
Safety has also received considerable attention. Standard features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Programme, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Hill Hold Assist, ISOFIX child-seat anchor points, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a reverse parking camera.
The Basalt represents a major step forward from Citroën’s earlier models sold in South Africa. Compared with the C3 hatchback, the new model is larger, more refined and offers significantly more interior and luggage space. It also introduces improved technology and a more premium cabin than the C3 Aircross while retaining Citroën’s trademark emphasis on ride comfort.
Competition in the compact SUV market remains fierce. The Toyota Urban Cruiser continues to attract buyers with its reliability and strong resale value, while the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet are recognised for their quality interiors and advanced technology. The Mahindra XUV 3XO delivers strong performance and a generous list of features, whereas the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has become one of the best-value offerings in the segment.
Despite the stiff competition, the Basalt distinguishes itself through its unique styling and exceptionally comfortable suspension, which is designed to absorb rough road surfaces with ease. This makes it well suited to South African driving conditions, where road quality often varies between urban centres and rural areas.
Citroën’s latest offering is expected to appeal to motorists looking for a family vehicle that combines modern styling, everyday practicality, good fuel economy and competitive pricing.
As the compact SUV segment continues to grow in popularity, the arrival of the Basalt gives South African consumers another attractive option from a manufacturer renowned for producing some of the most comfortable cars on the road.
Pricing
Basalt Plus 1.2 Turbo 6MT R349,900
Basalt Max 1.2 Turbo 6AT R379,900
The Basalt is sold with a competitive after-sales package that includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty; a
4-year/60,000km service plan and a 5-year roadside assistance.
