Citroen BasaltX vs Mahindra Bolero vs Skoda Kylaq (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Citroen BasaltX if you want the biggest boot (470 L).
- Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.59 Lakh), the most power (114 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 19.7 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
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 →Mahindra Bolero in short
The Bolero is Mahindra's evergreen workhorse, a ladder-frame 7-seater that has ruled rural and semi-urban India for over two decades. It sells on toughness, cheap maintenance and a vast service network rather than features or refinement. There is no direct rival at its price; buyers cross-shop it with the Bolero Neo and used Scorpios.
Full Bolero prices & variants →Skoda Kylaq in short
The Kylaq is Skoda's first sub-4-metre SUV and its most affordable car in India, aimed squarely at the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. Every variant gets the willing 115 PS 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol, giving it the strongest driving manners in its class. A five-star Bharat NCAP result seals its family-car credentials.
Full Kylaq prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
BasaltX vs Bolero vs Kylaq — which should I buy?
Pick the Citroen BasaltX if you want the biggest boot (470 L). Pick the Mahindra Bolero if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Skoda Kylaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.59 Lakh), the most power (114 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 19.7 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among BasaltX, Bolero, Kylaq?
The Skoda Kylaq starts lowest at ₹7.59 Lakh, against ₹8.49 Lakh for the Bolero and ₹8.55 Lakh for the BasaltX (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Citroen BasaltX: 4 stars; Mahindra Bolero: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kylaq: 5 stars.