Tata Curvv Vs Citroen Basalt - Same, Same, But Different

SUV or Sports Utility Vehicle is a segment that comes in various shapes and sizes, the latest being a coupe type. Rewind to 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic, Mercedes brought its GLC Coupé and set the tone for the decade. Come 2024, when the auto industry has all its cylinders firing, enter Citroen Basalt and Tata Curvv EV (ICE coming on September 2).

Given the onslaught of new body types, it is safe to say that carmakers cannot risk to not bet on the Indian market. It is interesting how both four-wheelers have similar silhouettes but target different customers. Keep reading to find out which side you are on.

What Exactly Qaulifies For A Coupe SUV?

Yes, sporty looks, high ground clearance and enhanced cabin space are all there but it is the sloping roofline which is specific to coupe SUVs. Look at it like a tall sedan that has gone to the gym and bulked up. That may also translate to better driving dynamics compared to traditional offroaders.

The French Connection 

Citroen claims ‘Basalt’ shares with this volcanic rock, born of the energy of the earth, packing a promise of robustness. With the Basalt, the French carmaker aims to rewrite its India story and be more than practical. Notably, C3 and C3 Aircross recently received crucial feature updates alongside the latest entrant. But who is the coupe SUV for? Priced at Rs. 7.99 lakh (Rs. 9.04 lakh, on-road), aggressive for sure, Basalt has entirely disrupted the already struggling hatchback faction and become the most affordable vehicle measuring over 4 metres.

At that price point, the only thing going its way is cabin size and great suspension. Citroen will sell the top-end turbo petrol automatic Basalt for north of Rs. 13.5 lakhs (as per a leak on its official website) excluding taxes and other duties. We cannot comment on the variant-wise equipment list yet as it is still under wraps.

The India Story

Let’s start with the new kid on the block - the Curvv EV. Different from its Citroen counterpart in every aspect, Tata's intention with the e-SUV is of a premium offering with a long list of features. Simply put, this could possibly be the homegrown brand’s best EV yet. But all that comes at a starting price of Rs. 17.49 lakh for the Creative 45 persona which is decently equipped. The fully loaded Empowered+ A 55 variant, which also gets ADAS, will cost you Rs. 21.99 lakh. For reference, its closest rival the ZS EV starts at Rs. 18.98 lakh and ends at Rs. 25.43 lakh. 

In terms of looks and equipment on offer, the Curvv will resemble its EV sibling. Differences become more apparent in terms of powertrains that the Curvv ICE will boast on arrival. Two 1.2-litre turbo petrol mills and a 1.5-litre diesel engine to be precise. Considering all the bells and whistles on board, Curvv comes forward as a luxury mid-size SUV and a lot depends on how Tata will price it.

Also read - New Kia Carnival, EV9 India Launch On October 3