[Puntoo]

Test Drove Citroën Basalt AT – My Experience & Deal Insights
I test-drove the Citroën Basalt AT in November 2024 at TRUE SAI Salem and loved its space and comfort. However, I did miss a few features like four parking sensors, paddle shifters, and cruise control—not a deal-breaker, but noticeable. The drive was smooth but didn’t give me the same confidence in curves as my Punto.
Fast forward to March 21, 2025, we test-drove the updated C3 AT and Basalt AT. While the C3 has improved, it still doesn’t match the comfort of the Punto, whereas Basalt felt more comfortable. The updated C3 AT has around ₹60K in discounts. Still, the 2024 Basalt AT has a much better deal—₹1.70L + ₹50K scratch card offer, bringing the price down to ₹15.25L (on-road Bengaluru) for the single-tone version. The C3 single-tone model comes to around ₹11.75L on-road.
That said, I still feel inclined towards the Kushaq 1.5 DSG if Skoda offers discounts of around ₹2.5L from the current retail price. The driving dynamics and power of the 1.5 DSG are tempting, but the pricing makes me think twice.
Still contemplating the final choice. Is anyone else test-driven both? Thoughts on handling and long-drive comfort?

[Bombastic]

Originally Posted by Puntoo

Test Drove Citroën Basalt AT – My
Still contemplating the final choice. Is anyone else test-driven both? Thoughts on handling and long-drive comfort?

I have test driven the Kushaq 1.0, so not a direct comparison. But the Basalt felt like the more comfortable vehicle in the city. Wasn't able to take both on highways, so couldn't test the high-speed dynamics. Why didn't you take the test drive of the AirCross as well? That feels even more involving to drive than the Basalt, and may even match the Kushaq on that front. You should definitely test it out if you haven't already.

I wouldn't club the C3 hatch with these two though, they are in 2 different segments.

[Puntoo]

Originally Posted by Bombastic

I have test driven the Kushaq 1.0, so not a direct comparison.
I wouldn't club the C3 hatch with these two though, they are in 2 different segments.

Thanks Bombastic, for your inputs. I thought of going in for a C3 so that my wife can also start driving in the city, but it felt less comfortable than my Punto. I have not test-driven the Aircross yet due to the non-availability of AT test drive cars.

[Puntoo]

Originally Posted by Puntoo

That said, I still feel inclined towards the Kushaq 1.5 DSG if Skoda offers discounts of around ₹2.5L from the current retail price. The driving dynamics and power of the 1.5 DSG are tempting, but the pricing makes me think twice.
Still contemplating the final choice. Is anyone else test-driven both? Thoughts on handling and long-drive comfort?

I have booked Citroen Basalt MAX AT single tone in Polar white color at Akira Automobilia, Electronic City, Bengaluru for September 2024 manufactured car for 15.10 L on-road. Will update post-delivery.

[Bombastic]

Originally Posted by Puntoo

I have booked Citroen Basalt MAX AT single tone in Polar white color at Akira Automobilia, Electronic City, Bengaluru for September 2024 manufactured car for 15.10 L on-road. Will update post-delivery.

Congratulations and wishing you a great experience for a long time! 15.1L on road is a great price for everything that the Basalt brings. Did you opt for additional packs or accessories/extended warranty? And what is the delivery period post booking in your case, if you don't mind my asking?

[Puntoo]

Originally Posted by Bombastic

Congratulations and wishing you a great experience for a long time! 15.1L on road is a great price for everything that the Basalt brings. Did you opt for additional packs or accessories/extended warranty? And what is the delivery period post booking in your case, if you don't mind my asking?

The offer is for the 2024 model, and the dual-tone variant costs an additional ₹20,000. They've included a few accessories such as mudflaps, 3D floor mats, a 3D boot mat, and a tyre puncture repair kit (without the tyre inflator). A seatbelt cushion is also part of the package, though it’s not needed. If I had booked the car in March, the price would have been ₹10,000 less with Strach card offer going on March. In addition to the base cost, I’ll need to pay another ₹18,000–₹19,000 for the extended warranty. I’ve also opted for a set of sunblinds, which cost ₹2,550, and underbody protection for the engine bay made of ABS material, which costs ₹3,200 extra. My car is already in the yard, so delivery can be done within four days after making the payment. If the car needs to be brought from the factory, it will take around 15 days. They currently have white dual-tone, grey, blue, and red dual-tone variants in stock, so delivery for those can happen within a week after RTO formalities. I'm planning to take delivery on either April 11th or 16th, though it hasn’t been finalized yet.

[Bombastic]

Originally Posted by Puntoo

They currently have white dual-tone, grey, blue, and red dual-tone variants in stock, so delivery for those can happen within a week after RTO formalities. I'm planning to take delivery on either April 11th or 16th, though it hasn’t been finalized yet.

All that including extended warranty for under 16 lakhs is a fantastic deal. Congrats again and all the best! Are they allowing to outsource the PDI?

[Puntoo]

Originally Posted by Bombastic

All that including extended warranty for under 16 lakhs is a fantastic deal. Congrats again and all the best! Are they allowing to outsource the PDI?

Thanks, I have done PDI with my friend. I have to check with sales team.

[samdm]

Originally Posted by Puntoo

That said, I still feel inclined towards the Kushaq 1.5 DSG if Skoda offers discounts of around ₹2.5L from the current retail price. The driving dynamics and power of the 1.5 DSG are tempting, but the pricing makes me think twice.
Still contemplating the final choice. Is anyone else test-driven both? Thoughts on handling and long-drive comfort?

Have you taken a TD of Seltos GT Line? Sure it doesn't have the driving dynamics of a German King but it's not bad either. And comes loaded with features...yeah it may come pricier

Kushaq is a wise choice for 6-7 years before that dsg starts showing signs that's it's been few years of its existence. But I don't think it compares with Basalt at all...it's a segment above

Originally Posted by Puntoo

I have booked Citroen Basalt MAX AT single tone in Polar white color at Akira Automobilia, Electronic City, Bengaluru for September 2024 manufactured car for 15.10 L on-road. Will update post-delivery.

Congratulations man. I was feeling so lonely here
Welcome to the club

[Puntoo]

Originally Posted by samdm

Have you taken a TD of Seltos GT Line? Sure it doesn't have the driving dynamics of a German King but it's not bad either. And comes loaded with features...yeah it may come pricier

Kushaq is a wise choice for 6-7 years before that dsg starts showing signs that's it's been few years of its existence. But I don't think it compares with Basalt at all...it's a segment above

I have not considered Seltos and I had only Kushaq in mind before test drove Basalt, I have finalized Basalt due to its comfort in back seat and cost.

Originally Posted by samdm

Congratulations man. I was feeling so lonely here
Welcome to the club

Thanks, samdm. Basalt will be delivered on next week. Will keep updating in this thread

[Puntoo]

Why a New Car?
I bought my first car, a Fiat Punto Evo Sport (Pearl White), back in November 2015, around the time of my marriage. Despite Fiat's declining sales in India, I managed to get a great deal at True Sai Fiat, Salem, for an on-road price of ₹8.15 lakhs. At the time, I was also considering the Chevrolet Sail U-VA, Honda Jazz, and Ford Figo Aspire. After test-driving all except the Figo Aspire, the Punto clearly stood out for me. It wasn’t just a car—it was an emotional connect. The drive, the feel, the handling—everything felt right.

Over the years, I drove the Punto for more than 91,000 km. It gave me an incredible connection to the road, something I haven't felt with any other car.




But over time, a few factors started nudging me toward an upgrade:
• The urge for a more comfortable and modern drive.
• My wife's reluctance to drive a manual transmission car.
• The growing restrictions and RTO checks in Karnataka for out-of-state (TN) registered vehicles.

Initially, I explored used car options, but my wife and a close friend were quite clear: it was either a new car or no car at all. That pushed me to shift my search toward new vehicles—specifically within the VW and Stellantis groups. Had Fiat still been present in India, I wouldn’t have looked beyond them. That’s how strong my brand loyalty was.

Which Car?

For the last two years, I had been eyeing the Skoda Kushaq and Slavia. I personally leaned toward the Slavia for its sedan form, while my wife preferred a higher seating position and was firm on a sub-₹20 lakh budget. Meanwhile, I also explored the Jeep Compass AT and even took a test drive at KHT Domlur, where Mr. Sandeep from sales diligently followed up with me.

Although I drove the Kushaq 1.0 TSI AT extensively—thanks to a close friend who owned one—my heart was set on the 1.5 DSG. I almost booked it during the 2024 year-end discounts but held back, factoring in finances and our daughter’s upcoming schooling in June 2025 (we’ve secured her admission to Bishop Cotton Girls’ School, LKG).

We also moved our base from Yelahanka to Cox Town, Bengaluru. My existing Fiat Punto, being TN-registered, was at risk of attracting RTO attention, even though most of my long-distance drives (Karur to Bengaluru) are within Tamil Nadu. However, with the shift to Cox Town and limited monthly driving within Bengaluru, it made sense to consider a KA-registered car now.

During one of our trips from Karur to Bengaluru in November 2024, we test-drove the Citroën Basalt AT at True Sai, Salem—the same dealership where I bought my Punto. That test drive made our return journey in the Punto feel increasingly tiring. This sense only intensified over the next three hometown trips. While I was more drawn toward the Aircross, my wife loved the Basalt.

On March 22, 2025, we test-drove both the Citroën C3 AT and the Basalt AT at KHT Prime, Yeshwanthpur. Surprisingly, the Punto’s rear seat comfort still felt superior to the C3. We decided to go ahead with the Basalt, which struck a great balance between comfort, looks, and features.

We were offered:
• A ₹1.7 lakh discount on 2024 models
• A scratch card discount ranging from ₹5K to ₹50K (I got ₹10K)
KHT offered the car at ₹15.5L on-road. I then contacted True Sai in Salem again, and they offered ₹15L with TN registration. However, I decided to stick with a KA registration. That led me to Akira Automobilia L'Atelier Citroën, located on Hosur Road, Electronic City, Bengaluru.

The Buying Process

Dealership Selection

At Akira, I interacted with Mr. Hithesh—a no-nonsense, professional sales rep who sealed the deal in just two phone calls. He agreed to ₹15L on-road for the Basalt Max AT (Single Tone) and quoted ₹20K extra for the dual-tone variant, valid until the end of March.
Since I was busy shifting houses on March 29, I couldn’t visit the dealership in time. I requested photos and the VIN number, which Hithesh promptly shared with full transparency. However, I didn’t want to book the car without seeing it in person.

Finalizing the Car

On April 6, 2025, the following weekend, I finally visited the dealership, inspected the car at their yard, and confirmed the booking the same day. Since the scratch card offer had expired in April, the final price came to ₹15.1L on-road.

Delivery

We took delivery of the Citroën Basalt Max AT on 16th April 2025 at Akira Automobilia L'Atelier Citroën, Bengaluru. It was a special moment, made even more memorable by the presence of my family—my wife, daughter, mother-in-law, co-brother’s daughter, and a close friend’s family.








As part of the on-road package, the dealership included the following accessories:
• 3D Floor Mats
• Seatbelt Cushions
• Mud Flaps
• Puncture Repair Kit

While these essentials were covered, I still plan to add a few more accessories to complete the setup:
• Engine Protection Cover
• Sunblinds for the windows
Unfortunately, these Citroën accessories weren’t available at the time of delivery, but I’m planning to purchase them separately once they’re back in stock.

[arjab]

Good choice you made!
Citroen's entire model range are the unsung heroes of the Indian automotive industry. Excellent and sorted mechanical packages with French stylistic flavour marred by tardy marketing and a miniscule dealer network! Much on the lines of your previous beau: the Fiat?

The engine is lovely, the ride cosseting with a feelsome steering & progressive brakes. Frankly speaking, and contrary to what most of what Citroen's critics say: you have most of the contents and fitments that you need to make your every day drives comfortable, except for the hole in the roof, (which in my opinion is debatable in its usage for our country with an ambient temperature of 40 deg C for 9 months in a year!)

Wish you many miles of happy motoring! Do try to create a separate ownership thread for us to to follow.

Take care & drive safe!
Best wishes,

[SJD@NewDelhi]

Originally Posted by Puntoo

Why a New Car?
I bought my first car, a Fiat Punto Evo Sport ...

Color is looking magnificent on the car. Beautiful! Many many congratulations and happy mile crunching. Do share with us the cockpit and interior pics as well as mileage figures you are getting pre and post 500 kms.

[rajaramgna]

Congrats on your new car. Wish you Happy Driving and smiles!

[srikanthrajan]

Hearty Congratulations and wishing you many miles with smiles! ��
Will wait for your detailed review!