The interesting pricing of the Citroen Basalt coupe SUV warrants comparison with the slightly smaller compact SUVs.
I am comparing the Citroen Basalt Plus and Maruti Brezza Vxi in terms of specs, features, prices and dimensions to help our readers make an informed decision. To establish some ground rules, we are considering those variants which are the closest to the Rs 10-lakh-mark. This is generally a milestone a lot of buyers don’t want to exceed. We get mid-level trims of both these cars at this price point. Hence, it becomes intriguing to see what each of these offers at this range. The Basalt already holds the title of being the first mass-market coupe SUV. Hence, it has a unique road presence. On the other hand, Brezza is among the most successful compact SUVs in the country. Let us see which option makes sense for you.
Citroen Basalt Plus vs Maruti Brezza Vxi – Price Comparison
The Citroen Basalt retails between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 13.83 lakh, ex-showroom. However, its Plus trim has a price tag of Rs 9.99 lakh. That puts it almost exactly in the middle of its entire range. On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza ranges from Rs 8.34 lakh to Rs 14.14 lakh, ex-showroom. Therefore, the price overlap is evident. The Vxi trim sells for Rs 9.70 lakh. As a result, there is a price gap of Rs 29,000.
| Price | Citroen Basalt Plus | Maruti Brezza Vxi | Difference |
| Ex-showroom | Rs 9.99 lakh | Rs 9.70 lakh | Rs 29,000 |
Citroen Basalt Plus vs Maruti Brezza Vxi – Specs and Mileage
Let us commence this section with the new Citroen Basalt Plus. The coupe SUV is available in two trims – PureTech 110 with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine generating a massive 110 PS and 190 Nm (205 Nm with automatic transmission), or a PureTech 82 with the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine but in the naturally aspirated guise to churn out a decent 82 PS and 115 Nm of peak power and torque. One could choose between a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox depending on the variant. The model we are considering for this comparison carries the NA petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It has a good mileage of 18 km/l.
On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza offers two powertrains for customers to select from. These include a familiar 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine which generates a healthy 103 hp and 138 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission. In addition, this same mill can be had with a bi-fuel option (petrol + CNG). In this version, the total power and torque outputs stand at 89 PS and 121.5 Nm. However, this powertrain is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The model being discussed in today’s post has a petrol mill with a manual gearbox. It boasts an impressive mileage of 17.38 km/l. Hence, the Basalt has a slight edge in this regard, which is a bit uncommon for a Maruti Suzuki product.
| Specs | Citroen Basalt Plus | Maruti Brezza Vxi |
| Engine | 1.2L (P) / 1.2L (Turbo P) | 1.5L (P) / 1.5L (CNG) |
| Power | 82 PS / 110 PS | 105 PS / 88 PS |
| Torque | 115 Nm / 190 Nm (205 Nm w/ AT) | 137 Nm / 121.5 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT / 6MT / 6AT | 5MT / AT |
| Mileage | 18 km/l | 17.38 km/l |
Citroen Basalt Plus vs Maruti Brezza Vxi – Design and Dimension
The Citroen Basalt will definitely be a unique product due to its coupe SUV silhouette. Note that this is a premium body type which has been reserved for high-end luxury until now. However, the French carmaker has decided to democratize this body structure to bring it to the masses. The sloping roofline will be the trademark of the Basalt. The other design elements are sourced from C3 Aircross in general including the front fascia and the cube insignias all over. The side profile is adorned with stylish alloy wheels and the tail section gets wrap-around LED taillamps. On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza has been around in our market for a while now. It carries the latest design philosophy from the Indo-Japanese car marque with a striking front end, a sporty side section and a modern rear profile. While both SUVs are handsome, the Basalt definitely excites more due to its unique shape. The dimensions of these are as follows:
| Dimensions (in mm) | Maruti Brezza Vxi | Citroen Basalt Plus |
| Length | 3,995 | 4,352 |
| Width | 1,790 | 1,765 |
| Height | 1,685 | 1,593 |
| Wheelbase | 2,500 | 2,651 |
| Boot Capacity | 328 L | 470 L |
Features and Safety
Both these SUVs are well-kitted with the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and safety amenities. That is necessary in this digital era where customers are looking to experience all sorts of tech functionalities. Since these are the mid-level trims of both cars, the carmakers need to strike a perfect balance between the equipment list and affordability. To begin with, the top highlights of the Citroen Basalt Plus are:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
- 7-inch Colour Digital TFT Driver’s Instrument Cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless Smartphone Charger
- Automatic Climate Control
- Toggle Switches For HVAC
- Front Armrest with Storage Space
- Satin Chrome Accents of IP, AC Vents, Gear Lever and Steering Wheel
- Gloss Black Accents on Door Armrest
- Headrest Adjustment for All Seats
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 4-Speaker Audio System
- One-Touch Auto Up/Down for All Power Windows
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Rear Centre Armrest with Cup Holder
- 3 USB Charging Slots
- 6 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill Hold Function
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
On the other hand, even Maruti Suzuki has left no stone unturned to offer enticing features on the Brezza Vxi. These incorporate:
- 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Studio
- USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Steering-Mounted Audio Control with Tilt Adjustment
- MID with Segment Display
- 4-Speaker Audio System
- Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
- Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
- Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Automatic Climate Control
- Keyless Entry
- Rear AC Vents
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill Hold Assist
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- 2 Airbags
- Rear Defogger
Our View
Now it might seem a bit difficult to choose between these two compelling propositions. However, I believe that it all depends on your personal preference. Since we are only considering the variants closest to that Rs 10-lakh-mark, the price goes out of the question. If you are someone who is looking to experiment with a relatively newer car marque in India and wants to own an SUV which looks completely different from the rest of the cars on the Indian roads, opting for the Citroen Basalt Plus makes a lot of sense. Note that it is considerably larger of the two. Hence, it will offer better practicality and interior space.
On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki has been the largest carmaker in our market for decades now. There is a certain value attached to the brand which people love to be part of. The dense network of touchpoints – service centres and showrooms, easy availability of spare parts, great resale value, etc. are some of the top reasons why people love to buy Maruti cars. The Brezza offers all this and more. Therefore, if you want to stick to the biggest brand in the country, the Brezza should be your pick.
Also Read: Citroen Basalt vs C3 Aircross – What All’s Different?
