The recently launched Citroen Basalt coupe-SUV has achieved a commendable four-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP. This marks a significant milestone for Citroen India as the Basalt becomes the first passenger vehicle from the brand to undergo crash testing under the program. The safety ratings indicate strong performance in various tests, highlighting Citroen’s commitment to delivering safer vehicles.
Impressive Crash Test Results
In the Bharat NCAP crash tests, the Citroen Basalt scored 26.19 points out of 32 for adult safety. And 35.90 out of 49 for child protection. These scores reflect the SUV’s ability to offer a good level of protection for both adults and children in different crash scenarios.
The Basalt demonstrated exceptional performance in Side Movable Deformable Barrier and Side Pole Impact tests for adult occupants. By earning a perfect 16/16 score rated as “Good.” However, the SUV’s performance in the front collision test showed mixed results. With scores ranging from ‘Marginal’ to ‘Adequate’, securing 10.19 out of 16 points. The overall results position the Basalt as a safe and reliable option within its segment.
Standard Safety Features Across All Variants
Citroen has equipped the Basalt with a robust list of safety features that come as standard across all variants. These include:
- Six airbags for comprehensive occupant protection
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for controlled braking
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for improved stability
- ISOFIX child seat anchors for secure child seat attachment
- Three-point seatbelts for all passengers to ensure optimal safety
Testing Covered All Variants and Powertrains
The crash tests, conducted in August 2024, covered all available variants of the Citroen Basalt. Including both manual and automatic transmission options. The tested models comprised:
- You and Plus variants with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 81 bhp and 115 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
- Plus and Max variants with a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, delivering 108 bhp and 195 Nm of torque in manual versions, and 205 Nm of torque in automatic versions. These models come with options for a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, offering a sportier driving experience.
Understanding Bharat NCAP and Its Impact on Vehicle Safety
The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), launched in October 2023, aims to improve vehicle safety in India. The program evaluates the safety of vehicles through crash tests and provides ratings based on the protection offered to adult and child occupants. So far, the Bharat NCAP has tested models such as the Tata Harrier, Safari, Punch EV, and Nexon EV. With the Citroen Basalt now part of the tested models. Many more vehicles are expected to undergo evaluations, including models from Maruti Suzuki like the Grand Vitara.
Displaying Safety Ratings: A Move Towards Transparency
Citroen Basalt will now carry a safety label displaying the date of the crash test along with the ratings for both adult and child occupant protection. While adding safety labels is not mandatory. It provides transparency for potential buyers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding vehicle safety.
Analyzing the Basalt’s Safety Performance
The four-star rating achieved by the Basalt indicates solid performance in real-world crash scenarios. The perfect score in side impact tests demonstrates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in lateral collisions, which are often severe. The mixed ratings in front collision tests, ranging from Marginal to Adequate, suggest room for improvement in frontal crash protection.
Overall, the combination of high safety ratings, standard safety features, and transparent safety labelling positions the Basalt as a competitive choice in the growing SUV market. The vehicle’s ability to deliver safety across different crash situations provides confidence to prospective buyers looking for a reliable family vehicle.
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Comparing Citroen Basalt’s AMT to Its Rivals
In the competitive landscape, the Citroen Basalt faces off against other SUVs with advanced safety features. Tata’s range, including the Harrier and Safari, achieved impressive scores in Bharat NCAP tests, while Maruti’s Grand Vitara awaits its official crash test results. However, the Basalt distinguishes itself through its balance of powerful performance options and a focus on occupant safety, setting a new benchmark in the coupe-SUV segment.
What’s Next for Citroen and Bharat NCAP?
As the Basalt earns its place among the safer vehicles in the Indian market, Citroen aims to build on this success by refining safety features further. The company’s future models are likely to undergo Bharat NCAP assessments to ensure continuous improvement. Bharat NCAP, in turn, continues expanding its list of tested vehicles, pushing automakers to prioritize safety in their designs.
Conclusion: Citroen Basalt Sets a New Standard for Safety
The Citroen Basalt’s four-star Bharat NCAP rating underscores the brand’s dedication to delivering safe vehicles in India. With high scores in side impact tests, standard safety features, and a mix of powertrain options, the Basalt offers a compelling blend of performance and protection. As safety becomes a primary concern for Indian car buyers, Citroen’s proactive approach in undergoing crash testing paves the way for future advancements.
