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The Pinetown Joy Ride: Unexpected French Flair

By Grant Adlam

Every now and then, you jump into a car that completely resets your expectations. I took the new Citroën Basalt for a spin through Pinetown recently, with Dylan riding shotgun as the official second opinion. Honestly? We were both floored.

As I was heading back, pushing "this little baby" over the hills, I could actually feel the power underfoot. It has a 1.2-litre turbo engine that doesn't just talk the talk; it delivers 205 Nm of torque, which is plenty of muscle for our KZN inclines.

Why Dylan (and I) were impressed: Dylan has been in the passenger seat for some of the best cars I’ve driven, and his verdict was immediate: "This is the best one yet." That’s a big statement, but it makes sense when you’re in it. It has that Citroën "Advanced Comfort" suspension that makes the road feel like silk, and a 6-speed automatic gearbox that just stays out of your way. It doesn't feel like a "budget" car—it feels like a premium drive that just happens to have a very friendly price tag.

The "Head-Turn" Factor: We definitely noticed people stopping to look. It has that sleek coupé-style roofline that you usually only see on high-end European SUVs. It looks modern, it looks different, and in a sea of standard-looking crossovers, it actually has some personality. It definitely has a bit of that French flair that makes it stand out in the car park.

The Quick Specs (for the talk-shop moments):

  • The Engine: A punchy 1.2L Turbo Petrol (81 kW).

  • The Comfort: Progressive Hydraulic Cushions (that "gliding" feeling).

  • The Tech: 10-inch screen with wireless phone syncing.

  • The Price: Starting at roughly R354,900, which is incredible value for this much car.

The Verdict: If you’re looking for something that stands out in the car park but handles the daily commute with some real spirit, the Basalt is a serious contender. Citroën, well done—you’ve built a little cracker here.


Grant Adlam Citroën Basalt for a spin through Pinetown recently, with Dylan riding shotgun as the official second opinion. Honestly? We were both floored.
Citroën Basalt for a spin through Pinetown recently, with Dylan riding shotgun as the official second opinion. Honestly? We were both floored.

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