Citroen BasaltX vs Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Citroen BasaltX if you want the most power (108 bhp), the best crash-test score (4 stars), the biggest boot (470 L).
- Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl).
Three-Way Specification 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 →Maruti Suzuki Fronx in short
The Fronx is a Baleno-based crossover coupe sold through Nexa, notable for reviving Maruti's 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine. It straddles the premium hatchback and compact SUV spaces, rivalling the Tata Punch, Hyundai Exter and even the Nissan Magnite. Sharp pricing and a wide powertrain spread — NA petrol, turbo and CNG — have made it a strong seller.
Full Fronx prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
BasaltX vs Exter vs Fronx — which should I buy?
Pick the Citroen BasaltX if you want the most power (108 bhp), the best crash-test score (4 stars), the biggest boot (470 L). Pick the Hyundai Exter if you want the lowest starting price (₹5.81 Lakh). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Fronx if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 28.51 kmpl). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among BasaltX, Exter, Fronx?
The Hyundai Exter starts lowest at ₹5.81 Lakh, against ₹6.85 Lakh for the Fronx and ₹8.55 Lakh for the BasaltX (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Citroen BasaltX: 4 stars; Hyundai Exter: not yet NCAP-tested; Maruti Suzuki Fronx: not yet NCAP-tested.