New Launch 2024: Tata Curvv vs. Citroën Basalt – Which Should You Buy?

Tata Curvv vs. Citroën Basalt: A Comprehensive Comparison

The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and performance. In the competitive SUV-coupé segment, two vehicles have garnered significant attention: the Tata Curvv and the Citroën Basalt. Both models bring their unique strengths to the table, offering a blend of style, comfort, and advanced features. This article provides a detailed comparison of these two vehicles across several key aspects, helping you make an informed decision.

Feature	Tata Curvv	Citroën Basalt
Design and Aesthetics	SUV-coupé with a futuristic, sporty design. Sharp LED headlights, bold front grille, and sloping roofline.	Sleek and modern design with LED projector headlamps, glossy grille, and sloping roofline. Blocky motifs add a robust look.
Interior and Comfort	Modern, minimalist interior with premium materials, digital instrument cluster, large touchscreen, and ambient lighting.	Comfort-oriented interior with grey and beige theme, light silver and chrome accents, 10.25-inch screen, and adjustable thigh support for rear seats.
Powertrain Options	Multiple options: Hyperion GDI, 1.5L KryoJet Diesel, 1.2L Revotron Petrol, and Electric variant.	Two petrol engine options: 1.2L naturally aspirated (80 bhp) and 1.2L turbo-petrol (109 bhp).
Transmission	Multiple drive modes (Eco, City, Sport) for different driving conditions.	Six-speed manual and torque converter automatic transmission options.
Fuel Efficiency	Varies depending on powertrain; electric option available for zero emissions.	Up to 19.5 kmpl for the turbo version.
Infotainment System	12.3-inch HD touchscreen by HARMAN™, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, premium nine-speaker sound system, connected car technology.	10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch digital driver’s display, wireless phone charger.
Safety Features	Six airbags, ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection.	Six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, tire pressure monitoring.
Technology and Connectivity	Connected car technology (iRA), voice commands, touch-based FATC controls, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.	Keyless entry with push-button start/stop, automatic climate control, cruise control.
Comfort and Convenience	Ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, wireless phone charger.	Rear AC vents, spacious 470-litre boot, adjustable thigh support for rear seats.
Price	Expected to be competitively priced for the mid-range SUV market. Expected Price 9.10 to 17.30 (ex-showroom)	Starts at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
Target Buyer	Buyers seeking advanced technology, multiple powertrain options, and a premium driving experience.	Buyers looking for a stylish, comfortable, and fuel-efficient SUV-coupé at a competitive price.

This table provides a clear side-by-side comparison of the Tata Curvv and Citroën Basalt, helping you quickly assess which model might be the better fit for your needs.

Detailed Comparison 

1. Design and Aesthetics

Tata Curvv:
The Tata Curvv sets itself apart with a distinctive SUV-coupé design, skillfully combining the rugged appeal of an SUV with the sleek elegance of a coupé. The vehicle features a sloping roofline, sharp LED headlights, and a bold front grille, contributing to its futuristic and sporty appearance. The overall design is modern and dynamic, making it a head-turner on the road.

Citroën Basalt:
The Citroën Basalt, a recent entrant in the coupe SUV segment, also emphasizes a sleek and contemporary design. Its profile is characterized by a sloping roofline and a well-defined boot, which adds to its stylish appeal. The Basalt’s exterior is further enhanced by LED projector headlamps, a glossy grille finish, and distinctive blocky motifs, giving it a robust yet refined look.

Verdict:
Both vehicles excel in the design department, but the Tata Curvv leans more towards a futuristic and sporty aesthetic, while the Citroën Basalt offers a balance between modernity and robustness. Your preference for design will likely depend on whether you favor the Curvv’s avant-garde styling or the Basalt’s refined and sturdy look.

2. Interior and Comfort

Tata Curvv:
Inside, the Tata Curvv impresses with a modern and minimalist interior design. The cabin is spacious and outfitted with premium materials, creating a luxurious atmosphere. Key features include a digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and multi-color ambient lighting, all of which enhance the overall driving experience.

Citroën Basalt:
The Citroën Basalt focuses on comfort and practicality. Its interior is designed with a grey and beige theme, complemented by light silver and chrome accents. The Basalt offers a range of comfort-oriented features, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, automatic climate control, and six airbags. Additionally, the Basalt provides adjustable thigh support for the second row and rear AC vents, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers.

Verdict:
The Tata Curvv offers a more high-tech and minimalist interior, while the Citroën Basalt emphasizes comfort and practicality. If you prioritize a high-tech and premium cabin experience, the Curvv might be more appealing. However, if comfort, especially for rear passengers, is your primary concern, the Basalt stands out.

3. Performance and Powertrain

Tata Curvv:
The Tata Curvv offers a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different driving preferences. It is available in petrol, diesel, and electric variants, featuring the latest Hyperion GDI engine, a 1.5L KryoJet Diesel engine, and a 1.2L Revotron Petrol engine. The Curvv also offers multiple drive modes (Eco, City, and Sport) to adapt to various driving conditions.

Citroën Basalt:
The Citroën Basalt is powered by two petrol engine options: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 80 bhp and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 109 bhp. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a torque converter automatic. The Basalt is designed for efficiency, with the turbo version offering up to 19.5 kmpl.

Verdict:
The Tata Curvv’s multiple powertrain options, including an electric variant, give it a significant edge in terms of versatility and adaptability to different driving conditions. The Citroën Basalt, while offering solid performance, is more focused on efficiency and practicality, making it a great choice for those prioritizing fuel economy.

4. Safety and Technology

Tata Curvv:
Safety is a key focus for the Tata Curvv, which is equipped with advanced safety features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a 360-degree camera. It also boasts Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and rain-sensing wipers. Additionally, the Curvv features modern technology like connected car features, voice commands, and over-the-air updates.

Citroën Basalt:
The Citroën Basalt offers a comprehensive safety package that includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. It also comes with features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In terms of technology, the Basalt is equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car technology, and a 7-inch digital driver’s display.

Verdict:
Both vehicles are well-equipped in terms of safety and technology. However, the Tata Curvv’s inclusion of Level 2 ADAS and advanced connected car features gives it a slight edge, especially for those who prioritize cutting-edge safety technologies.

5. Infotainment Systems

Tata Curvv:
The Tata Curvv features a state-of-the-art infotainment system designed to elevate the driving experience. It boasts a large 12.3-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system by HARMAN™, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is complemented by a premium nine-speaker sound system, including a subwoofer, and additional features like voice commands, connected car technology (iRA), and touch-based Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC) controls.

Citroën Basalt:
The Citroën Basalt is also equipped with a robust infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The Basalt’s infotainment package includes a 7-inch digital driver’s display, keyless entry with push-button start/stop, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger.

Verdict:
The Tata Curvv takes the lead in infotainment with a larger screen, a more premium audio setup, and additional features like connected car technology and voice commands. The Citroën Basalt, while offering a solid infotainment system, may appeal more to those who prefer a slightly simpler interface with essential features.

6. Price and Value

Tata Curvv:
The Tata Curvv is expected to be competitively priced, targeting the mid-range SUV market. Its pricing strategy aims to offer a blend of style, performance, and advanced features at a reasonable cost, making it an attractive option for buyers looking for value without compromising on features.

Citroën Basalt:
The Citroën Basalt is priced starting at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as an appealing option in the coupe SUV segment. It offers a balanced package of style, comfort, and performance at a competitive price point, making it accessible to a broader range of buyers.

Verdict:
The Citroën Basalt’s lower starting price makes it a more accessible option for budget-conscious buyers. However, if you’re looking for a vehicle with more powertrain options, advanced features, and a more premium experience, the Tata Curvv might justify the potential additional cost.

Conclusion

The Tata Curvv and Citroën Basalt both bring unique strengths to the SUV-coupé segment, catering to different aspects of the market. The Curvv impresses with its futuristic design, multiple powertrain options, advanced safety features, and high-tech infotainment system. It’s ideal for buyers who prioritize cutting-edge technology, safety, and a premium driving experience.

On the other hand, the Citroën Basalt offers a stylish design, a focus on passenger comfort, efficient performance, and a competitive price. It’s a great choice for those who value comfort, practicality, and efficiency without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the choice between the Tata Curvv and Citroën Basalt will depend on your specific preferences for design, performance, features, and budget. Both vehicles are strong contenders, and whichever you choose, you’ll be driving a well-crafted and thoughtfully designed SUV-coupé.

Also Read: Tata Curvv EV Launched In India Price Starts At Rs 17.49 Lakh