Citroen Basalt vs Mahindra XUV 3XO: Specifications Compared

The Citroen Basalt is the fifth offering from the French automaker in India. It’s an SUV-coupe based on the C3 Aircross, and if we go by its size, it competes in the compact SUV segment. However thanks to its aggressive pricing, the Basalt also falls in the range of many subcompact SUVs, one of which is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. 

In this story we take a look at how the Basalt compares to the XUV 3XO in terms of specs and features.Before getting into the more details, first let’s have a look at their prices:

Prices

All prices are ex-showroom

The entry level price of the Mahindra’s subcompact SUV is Rs 50,000 less than that of the Basalt. However the Basalt in its top-spec variant undercuts the top-spec XUV 3XO by Rs nearly Rs 2 lakh.

Design & Dimensions

In terms of design, the Citroen Basalt undoubtedly looks eye-catching thanks to its coupe roofline. However, it doesn't align with the traditional modern-day SUV styling as well as the XUV 3XO does. While both the Basalt and the XUV 3XO feature LED projector headlights, the Basalt's old-school flap-style door handles make it appear a little old school. In contrast, the XUV 3XO boasts a connected LED tail light at the rear and LED turn indicators at both the front and rear, which makes it look more modern. That being said, the Basalt does look unique with its sloping roofline, while the 3XO looks like a conventional modern-day sub-4m SUV.

Now, let’s talk about the dimensions:

Since Basalt sits in the compact SUV space, it’s longer than the XUV 3XO. Surprisingly, the XUV 3XO is slightly wider and taller than the Citroen’s SUV coupe. The Basalt however has a longer wheelbase, and owing to its length advantage, it also offers extra luggage loading capacity over the XUV 3XO.

Also Check Out: Citroen Basalt vs Kia Sonet: Which SUV Should You Pick?

Features

Although the Citroën Basalt includes all the fundamental features, it still lacks the comprehensive range of features that modern SUVs offer today. The Basalt gets amenities like a 10.2-inch screen and a 7-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless phone charger, and automatic AC. However, it misses out on creature comforts like cruise control, push button engine start/stop, a 360-degree camera setup, a sunroof, and a branded audio system. 

The XUV 3XO on other hand not only packs all these missing features, but it also gets feel-good features like dual-zone AC, a panoramic sunroof, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and auto emergency braking. However, there’s one important feature which the XUV 3XO also misses out, and that’s ventilated front seats. 

Powertrains

Citroen only offers the Basalt with two petrol engine options, whereas the XUV 3XO additionally also comes with a choice of a diesel engine. Talking about the petrol engines, both turbo-petrol engines of the XUV 3XO are more powerful than that of the Basalt.  In diesel, the XUV 3XO not only has more power output, but also produces more torque.

The turbo-petrol engines in both XUV 3XO and Basalt also get an optional 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The XUV 3XO diesel on the other hand comes with a choice of a 6-speed AMT.

Verdict

The above comparison clearly shows the Mahindra XUV 3XO as a better-packaged offering compared to the Basalt. However, it is important to note that the Basalt comes with all the necessary features and is priced almost Rs 2 lakh less than the top-spec XUV 3XO. Also, the Basalt has an advantage in terms of design due to its SUV-coupe shape, which liberates more boot space.

If you’re looking for a premium experience and are willing to pay for it, the XUV 3XO is the choice for you. It’ll also be your choice between the two if you want a diesel engine. However, if you want something that stands out in the crowded SUV market at a lower price point, and doesn’t skip on any basics, then the Basalt is worth considering.