• The new coupe-SUV is aimed at budget-conscious buyers in South America and India.
  • Debuting on March 27th, the Basalt is expected to share its platform and possibly its 1.2-liter turbo engine with the Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross.
  • Rumors suggest the possibility of a fully electric version in the near future, expanding Citroen’s EV lineup

Citroen is gearing up to shake things up in the South American and Indian markets with a fresh addition to its lineup, jumping into the coupe-SUV frenzy with a twist of affordability. Enter the Citroën Basalt Vision, teased in an official sneak peek ahead of its debut on March 27, possibly in near-production form.

The new model – previously known as the Citroen C3X – has been caught by spy photographers on several occasions throughout the past year. While some called it a fastback and others likened it to a sedan with crossover flair, Citroen has settled on the term “coupe-SUV,” because, well, marketing genius at work.

The teaser zooms in on the rear, showcasing hints of the sloping roofline, an integrated spoiler atop the tailgate, and sleek LED taillights. Anticipate a body akin to the existing New C3 and C3 Aircross in South America and India, possibly sharing some body panels.

The crossover stance will be accentuated by generous ground clearance and plastic cladding, but the platform’s budget-friendly nature may still peek through the proportions.

More: Stellantis’ New Budget Platform To Underpin 7 Models, Including Citroen C3 And Fiat Panda

New Citroen Basalt Coupe-SUV Targets Emerging Markets

The Citroen Basalt will share its CMP and eCMP underpinnings with the New C3 and New C3 Aircross. The same applies to the turbocharged 1.2-liter gasoline engine that is good for 108 hp (81 kW / 110 PS). Additionally, rumors suggest a fully electric version is in the pipeline, expanding Citroen’s EV lineup in the regions where it will be offered.

The interior will most likely be largely shared with its more traditional siblings, although Citroen could add more features after the criticism for the poor equipment of the New C3 Aircross in India. Note that this model is different from the upcoming European-spec Citroen C3 Aircross three-row subcompact SUV that will debut later this year.

The Basalt moniker signifies a departure from Citroen’s current naming strategy, which typically involves a “C” followed by a number, along with the “X” letter for fastbacks or the “Aircross” designation for SUVs . The Vision part of the name implies that this will be a concept, although we don’t expect it to look much different from the upcoming production model. Chances are that Citroen designers will dress the concept with larger-diameter wheels and a fancy color combination, making it easier on the eyes.

We’ll get a closer look at the Citroen Basalt Vision on March 27, with the production version anticipated to follow in the coming months. Rivaling models include the Tata Curvv coupe-SUV in India, and the Fiat Fastback in South America.