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Citroen BasaltX vs Hyundai Exter (2026)

Citroen BasaltX (₹8.55 Lakh – ₹14.11 Lakh) and Hyundai Exter (₹5.81 Lakh – ₹9.65 Lakh) go head-to-head in the compact suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).

  • The Hyundai Exter is more affordable — it starts ₹2.74 Lakh lower than the Citroen BasaltX.
  • The Citroen BasaltX is the more powerful car, with 108 bhp against 82 bhp.
  • The Hyundai Exter is more efficient on paper — up to 27 kmpl vs 19.5 kmpl.
  • Only the Citroen BasaltX has a published NCAP crash-test rating (4 stars).
  • The Citroen BasaltX has the bigger boot: 470 litres vs 391 litres.

Specification Comparison

SpecCitroen BasaltXHyundai Exter
Ex-showroom price₹8.55 Lakh – ₹14.11 Lakh₹5.81 Lakh – ₹9.65 Lakh
Engine / Motor1.2L NA petrol (82 PS) / 1.2L turbo-petrol (110 PS, 190 Nm MT / 205 Nm AT)1.2L Kappa petrol / 1.2L bi-fuel CNG
Max power108 bhp82 bhp
Fuel optionsPetrolPetrol, CNG
TransmissionsManual, Torque Converter ATManual, AMT
Mileage (claimed)18.0-19.5 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox)19–27 kmpl
Seating55
Safety rating4 starsNot tested
Airbags (max)66
Boot space470 L391 L

Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →

Citroen BasaltX in short

The BasaltX is India's most affordable coupe-SUV — the sloping-roof Basalt launched in August 2024, refreshed as the X in September 2025 with six airbags standard, a new dashboard and more equipment. Power comes from an 82 PS 1.2 NA petrol or a 110 PS 1.2 turbo-petrol (190 Nm with the 6-speed manual, 205 Nm with the 6-speed torque-converter automatic), and its 470-litre boot is the biggest in the compact-SUV class. A 4-star Bharat NCAP rating and famously supple ride quality back its fight against the Tata Curvv, the only other coupe-SUV at this price.

Full BasaltX prices & variants →

Hyundai Exter in short

The Exter is Hyundai's entry SUV and the direct answer to the Tata Punch, blending hatchback running costs with a high-riding stance. It packs segment-first kit such as a dashcam with dual cameras, a sunroof and six airbags as standard. The dual-cylinder CNG option keeps boot space usable, a clever touch rivals lack.

Full Exter prices & variants →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper: BasaltX or Exter?

The Hyundai Exter is more affordable — it starts ₹2.74 Lakh lower than the Citroen BasaltX. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)

BasaltX vs Exter — which is safer?

NCAP ratings: Citroen BasaltX — 4 stars; Hyundai Exter — not yet tested.

Should I buy the BasaltX or the Exter?

The Hyundai Exter is more affordable — it starts ₹2.74 Lakh lower than the Citroen BasaltX. The Citroen BasaltX is the more powerful car, with 108 bhp against 82 bhp. The Hyundai Exter is more efficient on paper — up to 27 kmpl vs 19.5 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.