Indians Love SUVs, and the Hyundai Creta Segment Dominates Sales Charts
SUVs are the current heartbeat of the Indian automotive market. From compact crossovers to full-size 7-seaters, India has seen an exponential rise in SUV sales in the last few years.
Among them, Hyundai Creta continues to reign as the undisputed king in the mid-size SUV segment.
However, two new competitors have officially joined the race—Citroen Basalt and Citroen C3 Aircross—hoping to make a mark in this hotly contested segment.
Why the Hyundai Creta Segment is the Most Competitive in India
- The Hyundai Creta segment consists of compact and mid-size SUVs priced between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh.
- Best-sellers like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Tata Harrier, and Toyota Hyryder are currently dominating.
- These models offer premium features, strong engine options, and modern styling.
- Most SUVs in this segment witness monthly sales above 15,000 units.
Despite new entries every year, few models succeed in breaking into this tightly packed segment. Now, Citroen, a relatively new entrant in India, is back with two refreshed models—the Basalt and C3 Aircross—to try their luck again.
Citroen Launches Basalt & C3 Aircross in India: A Bold Step Ahead
1. Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV Launched with Unique Styling
The newly launched Citroen Basalt is a compact coupe-style SUV, a first of its kind in the segment.
Key Features of Citroen Basalt:
- Sloping coupe roofline with muscular body styling
- 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine
- Manual and automatic transmission options
- High ground clearance and alloy wheels
- Expected price range: ₹11 lakh to ₹14 lakh (ex-showroom)
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The Citroen Basalt is targeted at younger buyers looking for a sporty alternative to the Creta. While the design is unique, it will need to back it up with performance and value.
2. Citroen C3 Aircross Updated for 2025
The Citroen C3 Aircross, already launched earlier, has been updated with new features to boost its appeal.
Key Highlights:
- New infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Improved interior finish and build quality
- 5-seater and 7-seater variants available
- Powered by a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine
- Expected price: ₹9.99 lakh to ₹13.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
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Citroen has focused on making the Aircross more premium and feature-rich this time, after the previous version failed to gain traction.
Do These Citroen SUVs Stand a Chance Against Hyundai Creta?
Points of Comparison:
| Features | Hyundai Creta | Citroen Basalt | Citroen C3 Aircross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | Petrol, Diesel, Turbo | Turbo Petrol | Turbo Petrol |
| Transmission | Manual, CVT, DCT | Manual, Automatic | Manual Only (earlier) |
| Touchscreen & Features | Segment-Leading | Decent | Improved |
| Brand Value | Strong | Weak in India | Still Building |
| After-Sales Network | Wide | Limited | Limited |
Hyundai Creta scores on brand trust, features, resale, and network. On the other hand, Citroen is still in the early phase of brand development in India and has limited service coverage.
Why Citroen Struggles in India
Despite offering unique and bold designs, Citroen SUVs are among the lowest-selling vehicles in the Creta segment. Here’s why:
Points to Consider:
- Limited dealership and service network
- Lack of diesel engine options
- Less awareness of the brand among Indian buyers
- Inconsistent feature list in earlier launches
- Poor initial marketing and positioning
Will the New Citroen SUVs Make a Difference in 2025?
Market Experts Say:
- “Citroen must aggressively price its new SUVs to make any dent in the segment.”
- “A proper automatic variant and a feature-rich top model could help improve sales.”
Even with these updates, it’s an uphill battle for Citroen. Unless the pricing is extremely competitive and the marketing is strong, Hyundai Creta and its segment rivals will continue to dominate.
Creta Segment in 2025: What’s Next?
Upcoming Rivals:
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara CNG and Strong Hybrid
- Kia Seltos EV in the pipeline
- Tata Curvv launching soon with EV and ICE versions
With the rise in demand for hybrid and electric SUVs, Citroen’s lack of alternative powertrains could limit their growth further. Meanwhile, Hyundai continues to expand its Creta range with updates, new variants, and strong service backing.
Conclusion: Can Citroen Basalt & Aircross Break the Mold?
The launch of the Citroen Basalt and the updated C3 Aircross adds fresh options for Indian SUV buyers. However, in a market where Hyundai Creta rules the charts month after month, Citroen needs to work harder to win trust and build a loyal base.
If they manage to price their vehicles attractively, improve the after-sales experience, and offer more features with reliability, Citroen could slowly become a contender in the mid-size SUV segment.
But for now, Hyundai Creta remains unshaken, and the new Citroen SUVs are unlikely to hurt any of the existing top players significantly.
