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Of late, Citroën has been updating its line-up with “X” trims. The Citroën Basalt, too, gets the X treatment and now comes with a revamped cabin and CARA, an all-new AI-based in-car voice assistant. But is it enough to make it a compelling package?

- Story: Salman Bargir Photography: Sanjay Raikar

THE INDIAN CUSTOMER IS A TOUGH NUT TO crack, and automakers know it well. To crack it open, Renault, the French carmaker, this time is using a Basalt that's been hardened with chemical X. We experienced the top-of-the-line Max Turbo AT variant.

Personally, I've always liked the way the Citroën Basalt looks. The X retains its distinctive coupé-styled sport utility vehicle (SUV) silhouette, the only visible change at the front being a pair of new LED fog-lamps. Though nearly indistinguishable from the standard Basalt's halogen units, they complete the all-LED lighting package. At the rear, the “X” suffix on the tailgate is the sole exterior cue distinguishing the Basalt X from the regular model. The real transformation, however, lies inside, where Citroën has made extensive and noticeable updates to the place where you'll spend most of your time: the cabin.

Approach the Basalt X with the newly designed key fob in your pocket, and its passive entry and exit system automatically unlocks all ingress, egress, and access points as you come within proximity. Step away, and the system secures them again. Citroën calls it “Proxi-Sense”.

Enter inside, and you're greeted by a far more premium cabin, something the Basalt has long deserved. The dashboard is completely new and features a layered design with a slanted-line texture, gold accents, soft-touch leatherette surfaces, ambient lighting, chrome inserts, and redesigned air-vents. The new tri-tone leatherette upholstery with chevron-pattern stitching and debossed Citroën lettering looks particularly upmarket. The automatic variant’s gear lever, too, has been redesigned.