Tata Curvv vs Citroen Basalt: Comparing Features, Specs, Price, and Other Differences

The compact SUV segment continues to heat up in India with the launch of two highly anticipated models: the 2024 Tata Curvv and the 2024 Citroen Basalt. Both vehicles bring a blend of innovative design, advanced technology, and powerful performance, aiming to attract buyers looking for premium yet practical SUVs. While Tata’s Curvv showcases an electric-first philosophy with an emphasis on futuristic design, Citroen’s Basalt focuses on providing a plush, comfort-oriented ride experience. In this comparison, we’ll delve into the features, specifications, pricing, and other key differences that set these two models apart in the competitive Indian SUV market.

Design and Styling

Tata Curvv 2024: Tata Motors has made a bold statement with the Curvv’s design, blending SUV toughness with coupé-like elegance. The exterior boasts sharp lines, a sloping roofline, and signature split LED DRLs, giving the vehicle a futuristic appeal. The Curvv also features Tata’s new ‘Digital’ design language, with smooth surfacing and prominent body cladding, making it appear both sleek and robust.

Citroen Basalt 2024: Citroen has brought its distinct French flair to the Basalt’s design. The Basalt follows Citroen’s traditional curvy and quirky design language but with a more refined and upscale feel. The rounded edges, broad grille, and unique ‘Airbump’ side panels provide a sense of ruggedness while still maintaining Citroen’s signature playful design elements. The Citroen Basalt’s slightly boxier profile emphasizes spaciousness and practicality, but it retains an elegant look with premium accents.

Dimensions and Space

The Tata Curvv 2024, with its coupé-like silhouette, is expected to have a marginally lower roofline, giving it a sportier stance compared to the more traditional SUV proportions of the Citroen Basalt.

While the exact dimensions of both vehicles are yet to be confirmed, it’s anticipated that the Curvv will offer slightly less headroom due to its sloping roofline, whereas the Basalt may offer better interior spaciousness, especially for rear-seat passengers. Both cars, however, are likely to come with a roomy cabin layout and substantial boot space, providing enough practicality for families and long trips.

Engine and Performance

Tata Curvv: The Tata Curvv is being positioned as an electric-first SUV, although a petrol and diesel version is expected to follow soon. The electric variant is expected to be powered by Tata’s Gen 2 EV platform, offering a range of around 400-500 km on a single charge, making it a strong contender in the electric SUV space. The electric motor is likely to deliver a robust torque figure for a quick and responsive drive, making it suitable for both city commutes and highway cruising.

Citroen Basalt: Citroen’s Basalt, on the other hand, is more likely to be launched with traditional internal combustion engines first, offering petrol and diesel engine options. Citroen might also introduce a hybrid or electric variant later in the model cycle. The petrol engine is expected to offer a smooth and refined driving experience, with an emphasis on comfort over outright performance. Citroen’s strong focus on ride quality, combined with its suspension setup tuned for Indian roads, should give the Basalt an edge in terms of ride comfort.

Features and Technology

Tata Curvv: The 2024 Tata Curvv is expected to be packed with cutting-edge technology. A large, floating infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic sunroof are some of the key highlights. Tata’s next-gen connected car technology will also likely be part of the Curvv package, allowing users to control various aspects of the car through their smartphones. Other tech features might include voice commands, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and wireless charging.

Citroen Basalt: The Citroen Basalt will focus on offering a plush and tech-laden cabin experience. A touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, digital climate controls, and advanced driver assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are expected. Citroen’s famous “Advanced Comfort” suspension system is likely to be present in the Basalt, ensuring a smooth and bump-free ride, making it a standout choice for customers prioritizing comfort. Additionally, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and rear AC vents could come as standard.

Pricing and Variants

Tata Curvv: The price of the 2024 Tata Curvv is expected to start around ₹15-20 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and whether the model is electric or internal combustion engine-powered. The EV variant will likely sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, making it one of the more affordable electric SUVs in the Indian market.

Citroen Basalt: The Citroen Basalt is anticipated to have a starting price of ₹12-18 lakh (ex-showroom), making it slightly more affordable than the Curvv in its base petrol and diesel variants. If Citroen introduces an electric or hybrid model, its price might align with the top-end Curvv EV variant, but for now, Citroen appears to be targeting a more budget-conscious segment.

Key Differences

1. Powertrain: The Tata Curvv is electric-first with potential petrol and diesel variants, while the Citroen Basalt focuses on traditional internal combustion engines, with electric options expected later.
2. Design Philosophy: The Tata Curvv offers a futuristic, coupé-style design, while the Citroen Basalt sticks to Citroen’s quirky yet elegant design language, emphasizing comfort and practicality.
3. Technology: Both models are expected to offer advanced infotainment and connectivity features, but Tata’s Curvv might edge out with more cutting-edge tech like ADAS.
4. Comfort: Citroen’s emphasis on ride comfort through its unique suspension system could give the Basalt a significant advantage for customers looking for a smoother driving experience.

Conclusion

The 2024 Tata Curvv and Citroen Basalt cater to slightly different customer preferences. While the Tata Curvv is likely to attract those looking for an electric vehicle with futuristic design and advanced tech, the Citroen Basalt may appeal more to buyers seeking a traditional, comfort-oriented SUV at a competitive price. Depending on your priority—be it eco-friendly driving, futuristic styling, or sheer comfort—either of these two SUVs could be a perfect fit.