Citroen Basalt Vision Gets A Sporty Makeover In Brazil

Citroën showed up at the São Paulo Motor Show with a little surprise for the budget-friendly Basalt/C3 X. The standard model is already aimed at people who want something practical but not boring, and this concept takes that idea and adds a bit more attitude.

It keeps the Basalt Vision name, but the vibe is different now. To start with, the car sits lower, the 18-inch wheels fill the arches properly, and the stance finally looks like it means business.

The rear is probably the most dramatic part—a shiny black diffuser that looks almost oversized, an F1-style brake light in the middle, and two big chrome tailpipes that give it a tougher edge. Nothing changes underneath, though. It’s still built off the Basalt Dark Edition you can buy in Brazil, so the upgrades are pretty much for looks.

Still, Citroën added enough small touches to make the car feel like its own thing. Thin red accents outline parts of the body, decals run across the sides and the hood, and a couple of “Vision” badges remind you it’s not just a regular trim.

As already mentioned, power stays the same: a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder that makes up to 128 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque on ethanol. Not a rocket by any means, but it’s still the most powerful setup Citroën offers in the region. The car remains front-wheel drive with a CVT that pretends to have seven gears.

We actually like it. It doesn’t pretend to be a real performance model—it’s just Citroën playing around with the design, and it works. The Basalt is normally pretty plain, so these small touches give it a bit more character.