Tata Curvv vs. Citroen Basalt: A Comparative Review in 2024

The Coupe SUV segment has been around for a decade but is still in the nascent stages. In India, inspiration from the likes of the BMW X6 has perhaps laid the bricks for such models, but now manufacturers like Tata Motors and Citroen are finally moving into this segment. Let’s compare the Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt.

Tata Curvv vs. Citroen Basalt: A Comparative Review of India’s Latest Coupe SUVs

Just a few months ago, the compact SUV market featured nine models; now it includes eleven, with the Citroen Basalt and Tata Curvv as the latest entrants. Both have a Coupe SUV design, signaling a potential trend among other brands.

These Coupe SUVs are relatively fine to compare, given how close their size is albeit with wildly different build, provenance, and pricing. The Tata Curvv competes with standard compact SUVs, while the Citroen Basalt targets the sub-4m SUV price range. The Basalt starts at ₹7.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹13.83 lakh, while the Curvv ranges from ₹9.99 lakh to ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom). Then the features are almost world apart side by side except that they are all the same size.

That’s because the Basalt is longer, but the Curvv is wider and taller. The Basalt’s wheelbase is 2,651 mm and the Curvv gets 500L of boot space with a ground clearance measuring in at 208 mm. The Basalt comes with 16-inch wheels and 205-section tires, compared to Curvv’s 18-inch alloys and 215-section tires.

Both the SUVs get a 1.2L 3-cylinder engine but in different configurations. While lower variants of the Tata Curvv do offer a turbo option making up to 118 bhp and 170 Nm, the new engine peaks out at 123 bhp and 225Nm. The Basalt provides NA and turbo petrol options, reaching up to 109 bhp and 205 Nm. Gearbox choices differ too, with the Curvv offering either a 6MT or 7DCA, while the Basalt provides options starting from a 5MT.

There’s a stark contrast in features between the two. The Tata Curvv stands out with advanced features like LED projector headlights, auto climate control, and rear AC vents, significantly outpacing the Basalt. Citroen offers unique elements like winged headrests and enhanced under-thigh support for rear passengers, but overall, the Curvv excels in comfort and technology.

In terms of safety, both models offer six airbags as standard. The Curvv includes Level-2 ADAS and is likely to achieve a five-star rating in crash tests, while the Citroen Basalt may perform poorly, reflecting the low scores of the India-spec eC3 in Global NCAP assessments.

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