Citroën Basalt's entry ticket to South Africa approved for 2026
Basalt has been approved for South Africa in 2026. Image: Citroën India
Reported towards the end of last year as being under consideration for South Africa, Citroën parent company, Stellantis, formerly confirmed the arrival of the Basalt at its annual Media Connect event in Johannesburg earlier this year from next year.
Fastback flagship
Set to become the third Indian assembled and developed model to be sold locally after the C3 and C3 Aircross, the fastback coupe-styled Basalt will make its debut in the early part of the new year, and become the brand's de facto flagship.
NOW READ: Dramatic coupe-styled Citroën Basalt finally revealed
Based on the same Smart Car platform as its siblings, the Basalt measures 4 352 mm long, 1 756 mm wide and 1 593 mm tall with its wheelbase stretching 2 651 mm.
With or without pressure
Its boot able to accommodate 470-liters of luggage, the Basalt comes in a choice of three trim levels in India, You, Plus and Max, with propulsion being provided by the familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech engine with or without turbocharging.
Coupe-styled Basalt will become Citroën South Africa's flagship model. Image: Citroën India
In the case of the former, outputs are 60kW/115Nm, while the force-assisted unit develops 81kW/205Nm. Drive is routed to the front wheels only.
The standard transmission option is a five-speed manual for the former, with the latter offering either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
Spec sheet
In terms of specification, and depending on the trim grade, the Basalt can be had with 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, leatherette seats, a 10.2-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger and a six-speaker sound system.
Included further are folding electric mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, three USB ports, keyless entry, front and rear armrests, and remote engine start.
Interior mirrors that of the C3 Aircross. Image: Citroën India
On the safety and driver assistance side, and again depending on the trim level, the Basalt features six airbags, cruise control, a tyre pressure monitor, a reverse camera and rear parking sensors, Hill Hold Assist and Electronic Stability Control.
In total, five mono-tone colours are available in India; Polar White, Platinum Grey, Steel Grey, Cosmo Blue and Garnet Red. A dual-tone finish, involving the former and latter hues being contrasted by a black roof, can be had as an option.
Stay tuned
'We have a clear vision to grow our presence in South Africa and across the Sub-Saharan region,' Stellantis South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director, Mike Whitfield, said in a statement on Tuesday (22 July).
'This growth is anchored in three pillars: consolidating our brands, strengthening our dealer footprint, and rebuilding trust with customers through consistent delivery and innovation'.
Priced from Rs 832 000, which amounts to R169 329 when directly converted into rand, more details surrounding the Basalt will likely only emerge closer to year-end or shortly before its market arrival in 2026.
ALSO READ: Citroën C3's affordable price tag a sight for sore eyes
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
19 minutes ago
- IOL News
Stellantis to raise its compact SUV game in SA with Opel Frontera and Citroen Basalt
The Opel Frontera is due in early 2026. Image: Supplied Stellantis is planning to launch two new compact SUV products in South Africa in early 2026, bolstering its Opel and Citroen line-ups in a key segment. Speaking at the recent Stellantis Week 2025, Mike Whitfield, managing director of Stellantis Sub-Saharan Africa, said the company had a clear vision to grow its presence across the region by consolidating its brands, strengthening its dealer footprint, and rebuilding trust with consumers. He said that with more than 60% of South African vehicle buyers spending less than R400,000 on a new vehicle, Stellantis would focus on delivering the right products for the right customers. The Citroen Basalt is a sportier version of the C3 Aircross. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ To that end, the current Indian-built C3 and C3 Aircross models, which are more affordable than their European-built predecessors, will be joined in early 2026 by the sportier C3 Basalt crossover. Opel is also set to launch its new Frontera early next year, he said, although it's unclear whether the German product would compete in the same entry segment. What is a Citroen Basalt? Developed primarily for the Indian and South American markets, the newcomer is essentially a sportier version of the C3 Aircross, featuring coupe-inspired body styling and a lower roofline. The Basalt is due in early 2026. Image: Supplied Citroen says it combines the dynamism of a Coupe with the robustness of an SUV, although the performance is not altogether sporty. In India, which will inevitably supply SA's vehicles, the Basalt is offered with two powertrain choices. The manual version features a 1.2-litre normally aspirated petrol engine delivering 60kW and 115Nm. The six-speed automatic model has a turbocharged version of that engine, offering 81kW and 205Nm. Opel Frontera to target Duster? Built on the same Stellantis 'Smart Car' platform as the Citroen C3 Basalt and C3 Aircross SUV, and sharing its bodyshell with the latter, the Opel Frontera was designed to compete with affordable SUVs such as the Renault Duster. Built in Slovakia it does appear to be a touch more upmarket than the C3 Aircross, although South African pricing and specifications are not confirmed as yet. Opel Frontera mild hybrid in base form. Image: Supplied In European markets it is sold with a mild hybrid 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine, in 74kW and 100kW guises, and a fully electric version is offered to. Its exterior design follows a more rugged interpretation of Opel's 'Pure' design philosophy, and the cabin has a focus on practicality, with a luggage capacity of 460 litres. Inside it differs from its Citroen sibling, with a typically Opel 'Pure Panel' cockpit that combines two 10-inch screens. Future plans and local production These two models will give Stellantis a firmer footing in the compact SUV space, while the recently launched Opel Grandland and upcoming Alfa Romeo Junior will expand its presence in the premium SUV segment. The company recently consolidated its five core brands (Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep and Opel) into 32 'under one roof' dealer operations, while five standalone Alfa Romeo dealerships remain outside of this structure. Stellantis is pressing ahead with its plans to produce the Landtrek one-tonne bakkie at a new facility in Coega in the Eastern Cape, and this will now be joined by two additional models, including a 'new energy vehicle'. Speaking of the revised plan at Stellantis Week recently, Whitfield declined to provide further details on the new locally assembled models, but said an announcement would be made before the end of this quarter. ALSO READ: Stellantis revises South African Landtrek production plans IOL Motoring
TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Why China's neighbours are worried about its new mega-dam project
China has broken ground on what it says will be the world's largest hydropower project, a $170bn (R2.98-trillion) behemoth capable of generating enough electricity each year to power Britain. The scheme dwarfs the mighty Three Gorges Dam, now the world's largest, and Chinese construction and engineering stocks surged after Premier Li Qiang unveiled it at the weekend. For Beijing, the project promises clean power, jobs and a jolt of stimulus for a slowing economy. For neighbours downstream, it stirs old anxieties about water security: the Yarlung Zangbo becomes the Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh, a lifeline for millions. WHAT DID CHINA APPROVE? The plan involves five dams along a 50km stretch where the river plunges 2,000m off the Tibetan Plateau. First power is expected to be generated in the early to mid 2030s, but beyond that and the price tag, China has published little information about how it intends to build the project. WHY ARE NEIGHBOURS CONCERNED That lack of information is compounding fears about water security in India and Bangladesh, which rely on the Brahmaputra for irrigation, hydropower and drinking water. The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, said earlier this year the dam could dry out 80% of the river passing through the Indian state while potentially inundating downstream areas such as neighbouring Assam state. In addition to water, the dam will also mean less sediment flowing downstream, according to Michael Steckler, a professor at Columbia University. That sediment carries nutrients essential for agriculture on floodplains downstream. India and China fought a border war in this region in the 1960s and the lack of transparency from Beijing has helped fuel speculation it might use the dam to cut off water in another conflict, according to Sayanangshu Modak, an expert on the India-China water relationship at the University of Arizona. 'The construction of the Yarlung Zangbo hydropower project is a matter within the scope of China's sovereign affairs,' Beijing's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, adding the dam would provide clean energy and prevent flooding. 'China has also conducted necessary communication with downstream countries regarding hydrological information, flood control and disaster mitigation co-operation related to the Yarlung Zangbo project,' the ministry said. India's foreign and water ministries did not respond to requests for comment. WILL IT STARVE INDIA OF WATER? The impact of the dam on downstream flows has been overstated, in part because most of the water that enters the Brahmaputra is from monsoon rainfall south of the Himalayas and not from China, said Modak. He added China's plans are for a 'run of the river' hydropower project, which means the water will flow normally along the usual course of the Brahmaputra. India has proposed two dams on the Siang River, its name for the Yarlung Zangbo. One, an 11.5GW project in Arunachal Pradesh, will be India's largest if it goes ahead. Those have been proposed, in part, to assert India's claims on the river and bolster its case should China ever seek to divert the water, Modak added. 'If India can show it has been using the water, China cannot unilaterally divert,' he said. CONTROVERSY IS COMMON Quarrels over dams and water security are not new. Pakistan has accused India of weaponising shared water supplies in the disputed Kashmir region after New Delhi suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, which regulates water sharing between the neighbours. In Egypt, a senior politician was once caught on camera proposing to bomb a controversial Nile River dam planned by Ethiopia during a long-running dispute about the project. EARTHQUAKE AND EXTREME WEATHER RISKS The dam will be built in an earthquake zone also prone to landslides, glacial-lake floods and storms. A spree of dam building in the area sparked concerns from experts about safety after a devastating earthquake in Tibet earlier this year. A much smaller hydropower project on a nearby tributary has been limited to four-month construction windows because of engineering challenges in high altitudes and vicious winters.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
India's Viksat Bharat 2047: A Blueprint for Development and Job Creation
Dr Sheetal Bhoola is a lecturer and researcher at the University of Zululand, and the director at StellarMaths (Sunningdale). The quest for equality, socio-economic development has been a global phenomenon, and a vision that many developing nations aspire to. The journey to achieving overall development and improving the lives of all peoples residing in a country is a daunting and huge task. Kudos to India for implementing appropriate measures and strategically planning to meet these targets. Viksat Bharat 2047 is a motion based on the government's vision to move India into being recognised and fully developed by 2047. The Consul General of India, Durban, Dr. Thelma john Davids recently hosted an event that specifically aimed to publicise and inform South Africans of the progression of this strategy. Dr. Nageswaran, chief Economic Advisor Ministry of Finance, India was the guest of honour and informed the guests of the progression of the strategy. It was reported that over the last decade, India has created approximately 17 million jobs, and they have been focusing on labour that is skill intensive. In the previous decade, it was recorded that 4.5 million jobs were created. The numbers have more than tripled and Indian citizens can enjoy a better way of life because they have a livelihood. India's population has escalated to 1.4 billion people and amidst this they still manage to sustain an unemployment rate of under 6% in recent years. In comparison, South Africa has doubled their number of employed persons since 1994, and it has been recorded till date that approximately 16 million people are employed. Yet the unemployment rate in relevance to our population size is still almost 40% and it has been stagnating at that rate for a number of years. An analysis can further investigate as to how accurate these developmental statistics are, but despite their capacity to be marginally or partially inaccurate, they give a clear benchmark of how progressive countries are in meeting their developmental goals. The National Development Plan of 2030 is five years ahead of us, and we need to investigate avenues that will speed up the process of minimising unemployment to create a far more equal society which is less poverty-stricken than previously. Employment in the agricultural and construction sector has been punted and the Minister clearly indicated that we must sell these career trajectories to our youth, because this is where the need and viability lies for employment and economic development in the near future. The pace at which India has more than tripled their employment rates is admirable, and I do question what the methodology has been to achieve this. The minister at the event highlighted that many of the employment opportunities have been determined by needs and the need in India has been construction. In the last 10 years, the country has built 88 airports in and around the country. To be precise, this is one airport completed in 40 days. These governmental projects have continued to contribute towards long-term employment for individuals in the arena of construction. In comparison, since 1994, King Shaka International Airport was the only airport that was built in 2010 and other airports such as Oliver Tambo International Airport were refurbished. However, India's success today is also based on their economic workforce that has been integrated into the global economy through technological innovation and advancement. India has become a leading global player in the advancement of technological products and innovations. This required Indians to become highly skilled and educated within the realms of sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which they have achieved. Bengaluru, the South of India has been renowned to be similar to America's Silicon Valley in terms of technological innovation and the centralisation of these hubs that contribute effectively to employment. The demand has now shifted, and India aligns their employment typology demands with global trends and current requirements. The world is grappling with the use of artificial intelligence which threatens many jobs, portfolios, and tasks in the corporate workspace across sectors. India's stance has been to promote and encourage their youth to focus on labour intensive skill development in the arenas of construction and agriculture. There has been plenty of banter about employment opportunities that may become redundant with the increased utilisation of artificial intelligence and related technological programs and platforms. These platforms have been enhancing many portfolios and tasks in the corporate sector but ultimately lack human judgement, emotional intelligence, contextual understanding and relevance as well as defined and specific applicability to a context, place, time-frame and need. The question beckons as to what South Africans can learn from India in various ways. The onset of the G20 initiative is an avenue whereby countries can engage in interdependence and to foster global economic development and cooperation. The primary aim is to achieve development through policy development and valued modification as well as coordination of strategies, systems, and the implication processes of development strategies. The key players of the G20 Collaborative team include The African Union and European Union and 19 independent countries including South Africa namely; Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. One of the objects of the G20 platforms is measures to minimise the various forms of corruption in the above-mentioned countries. The development of strategy planning, frameworks and policies are merely not enough, but we need to investigate the various ways of applying these policies successfully. The challenge has always been within South Africa's capacity to implement a program of change or a developmental program successfully. An impactful example is the continued challenges that we experience with The National Schools Nutrition Program, which has been continually criticised for tender rigging processes and poor service delivery to learners. Yet this programme is fundamental to long-term effective development of society and addresses two of our main challenges, namely educational development and hunger and poverty. The onus lies on South Africans to ensure that every programme runs to its best capacity, and we need to look to our vision of 2030 and beyond. *The opinions expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper. DAILY NEWS
