The Citroen Basalt becomes the first mass-market coupe SUV on sale in India as it takes on the popular Maruti Suzuki Fronx in this comparison.
This comparison between the Citroen Basalt Plus and Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo is going to be exciting. These compete against each other in terms of pricing. Hence, people could naturally be confused about choosing the right option for them. The French carmaker launched the Basalt a few weeks ago. In fact, it holds the title of being the first coupe SUV in our market for the masses. This body type was reserved for high-end premium cars until now. Citroen aims at changing that trend. On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx is a crossover SUV which has its own set of audience. I shall compare the two in terms of prices, specs, features and dimensions to figure out which vehicle makes more sense.
Citroen Basalt Plus vs Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo – Price Comparison
Since India is a price-conscious market, most decisions are based on the cost of a car. Since we are considering similarly-priced trims of both these cars, the Citroen Basalt Plus costs Rs 9.99 lakh, while the Maruti Fronx Plus Turbo retails for Rs 9.73 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Fronx has a slight advantage of Rs 26,000.
| Price | Citroen Basalt Plus | Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo | Difference |
| Ex-showroom | Rs 9.99 lakh | Rs 9.73 lakh | Rs 26,000 |
Citroen Basalt Plus vs Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo – Specs and Mileage
The Citroen Basalt Plus trim comes in two powertrain options. There is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol PureTech 110 engine which generates a healthy 110 PS and 190 Nm (205 Nm with automatic transmission) of peak power and torque, or a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated mill which churns out 82 PS and 115 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties are either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Basalt Plus that we are discussing is available with a naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox. Through our driving experience, we can confirm that it definitely offers a better ride quality than the Maruti Fronx. The mileage for this model is 18 km/l.
On the other hand, the Marti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo variant draws power from a 1.0-litre K-Series turbo petrol engine which is good for 100 PS and 147 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine can pair with either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission. In addition to this, it even gets a 1.2-litre K-Series naturally aspirated petrol engine which generates 90 PS and 113 Nm and a CNG version with 77 PS and 98 Nm of peak power and torque. The NA petrol mill is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. The Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo mill comes with the turbo petrol engine in manual guise. The mileage figure for the turbo manual trim is an impressive 21.5 km/l. Hence, the Fronx has a distinct advantage in this regard as well.
| Specs | Citroen Basalt Plus | Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo |
| Engine | 1.2L (P) / 1.2L (Turbo P) | 1.2L (P) / 1.0L (Turbo P) / (CNG) |
| Power | 82 PS / 110 PS | 90 PS / 100 PS / 78 PS |
| Torque | 115 Nm / 190 Nm (205 Nm w/ AT) | 113 Nm / 147 PS / 99 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT / 6MT / 6AT | 5MT / AMT / AT |
| Mileage | 18 km/l | 21.5 km/l |
Citroen Basalt Plus vs Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo – Dimensions and Boot Space
Now, both these vehicles bear individual body silhouettes. On the one hand, the Citroen Basalt is a proper coupe SUV with a sloping roofline. In all honesty, I believe it certainly has a unique road presence which a lot of people would love. Apart from that, it is based on the C3 Aircross. Hence, it is much bigger than the Fronx. This becomes evident from the dimensions and storage figures. On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx has a crossover body type since it is based on the Baleno hatchback. Nevertheless, even it carries the latest design language from Maruti which makes it attractive.
| Dimensions (in mm) | Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo | Citroen Basalt Plus |
| Length | 3,995 | 4,352 |
| Width | 1,765 | 1,765 |
| Height | 1,550 | 1,593 |
| Wheelbase | 2,520 | 2,651 |
| Boot Capacity | 308 L | 470 L |
Citroen Basalt Plus vs Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo – Features
The biggest reason why potential customers would want to opt for either of these two will be the features. Once you are clear about the price and affordability, you need to ascertain the kinds of features these cars offer. In this regard, I must mention that both these are pretty well-equipped. Let us commence with the Citroen Basalt. Its top highlights include:
- 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, the Maruti Fronx is also a feature-rich vehicle. In the Delta Plus Turbo variant, the main attractions are:
- Onboard Voice Assistant with “Hi Suzuki” Command
- 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4-Speaker Audio System
- Tilt Adjustment for Steering Wheel
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
- USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
- Steering-Mounted Controls
- 60:40 Split Rear Seats
- Front and Rear Adjustable Headrest
- Automatic Climate Control
- Electrically Foldable ORVMs
- Keyless Entry
- LED Multi-Reflector Headlamp
- 2 Airbags
- Electronic Stability Program
- Hill Hold Assist
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- All 3-Point ELR Seat Belts
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
- Manual IRVM (Day/Night)
Our View
Both these are incredibly well-equipped machines. In addition, these are capable products in terms of various amenities. That is what makes choosing between the two quite a task. To start with, the Citroen Basalt is a coupe SUV. Its design and road presence are its biggest strengths and differentiating factors. In this particular case, it is also a much bigger car in comparison to the Maruti Fronx. That translates into a significantly more practicality and cabin space which is always appreciated. I believe that will be a huge appeal for a whole lot of buyers. Also, its ride quality is impressive. However, at this price point, you get the less powerful engine. Still, the car offers a decent performance.
On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx Delta Plus Turbo has a turbo petrol engine which is much more powerful than the Basalt. Also, the Fronx gets the Maruti Suzuki name which is legendary in itself. Furthermore, it offers a much higher mileage which is crucial to ensure low running costs over years of ownership. Therefore, if you wish to stay associated with the brand value of Maruti Suzuki and want a more powerful car, the Fronx is the one to get. However, if you wish to experiment with a brand-new body style which will definitely attract a huge audience on the road, going for the Citroen Basalt will be prudent.
Also Read: Citroen Basalt vs C3 Aircross – What All’s Different?
