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In the dispute between the Citroën Basalt and the Renault Kardian, the differences go beyond price. Check out the highlights of each model and choose your favorite.
The arrival of the Citroën Basalt on the Brazilian market brought with it the promise of competing with heavyweights such as the Renault Kardian and the Nissan Kicks. But what sets these two compact crossovers apart? We analyzed the top-of-the-line versions to help you decide.
Design and construction by Citroën and Renault
Right away, the Renault Kardian Premier Edition impresses with its robust appearance, with functional roof bars and 17-inch wheels. The Citroën Basalt Shine boasts a refined design, with details that enhance the interior space and offer greater comfort to occupants. Despite having smaller wheels (16 inches), the Basalt scores points with higher-profile tires, ideal for everyday use.
Internal comfort and space
If comfort and space are priorities, the Citroën Basalt has the advantage. It offers a 490-liter trunk, compared to the Kardian's 410 liters, as well as more space for rear-seat passengers. Both crossovers have USB connections for rear passengers, but the Basalt offers a higher driving position, which will please those who prefer a higher view of the traffic.
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Engine and performance
Both models are equipped with 1.0 turbo flex engines. The Renault Kardian delivers 125 horsepower and 22,4 kgfm of torque, while the Citroën Basalt offers 130 horsepower and 20,4 kgfm. In practice, the Kardian shows a slight advantage in torque, but overall performance depends on practical tests.
In terms of gearboxes, the models stand out in different ways: the Kardian uses an automated dual-clutch transmission, which is agile when changing gears, while the Basalt uses a CVT gearbox, which is more comfortable for urban use.
Technology and security
The Renault Kardian shines in technology, bringing features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, these items are absent in the Evolution version, which would be the Basalt's most direct rival in price.
The Citroën Basalt offers the basics, with a rear-view camera, parking sensors and conventional cruise control. Despite this, it loses out to the Kardian when it comes to lighting, as the Renault has full LED headlights in all versions, while the Basalt combines LEDs with halogen bulbs.
Economy and cost-benefit
In terms of average urban and highway consumption, the Renault Kardian stands out slightly, achieving up to 13,9 km/l on the highway compared to 12,8 km/l for the Citroën Basalt. However, maintenance and insurance costs favor the Basalt, which also offers slightly more economical servicing.
Direct Comparison: Citroën Basalt vs Renault Kardian
| Details of the product | Citroën Basalt (Shine Turbo) | Renault Kardian (Premier Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | R$118.990 | R$138.990 |
| Motorization | 1.0 Turbo Flex, 130 hp, 20,4 kgfm | 1.0 Turbo Flex, 125 hp, 22,4 kgfm |
| Exchange | CVT (Simulates 7 gears) | Automated dual clutch (6 gears) |
| Urban Consumption (Gasoline) | 11,9 km/l | 13,1 km/l |
| Road Consumption (Gasoline) | 13,7 km/l | 13,9 km/l |
| Trunk | 490 liters | 410 liters |
| Space in the back seat | Larger, ideal for families | Smaller, with a lower driving position |
| Suspension | Softer | Stiffer and more sporty-tuned |
| headlights | LED DRL and taillight; halogen headlights | 100% LED |
| Security Technologies | Rear view camera, rear sensors | Automatic braking, collision warning, adaptive cruise control |
| Multimedia center | Bigger screen, fewer features | Smaller screen, more features, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | High jump | Height and depth |
| Tires and Wheels | 205 / 60 R16 | 205 / 55 R17 |
| Insurance (approximate) | R$4.867 | R$3.900 |
| Revisions (60 thousand km) | R$5.335 | R$5.600 |
| Highlights | Greater interior space and cost-benefit | More technology and premium finish |
Pricing
- Renault Kardian Premier Edition: R$ 138.990
- Citroën Basalt Shine Turbo: R$ 118.990
If we consider the Evolution version of the Kardian, which is closer in price (R$ 118.900), the dispute becomes more balanced.
If you are looking for a crossover focusing on technology and performance, the Renault Kardian is an excellent choice. However, for those who value interior space, comfort and value for money, the Citroën Basalt is the most practical option. In both cases, the choice will depend on your day-to-day priorities.
In which country is the insurance value?
They are Crossover, not SUV.
I bought a Kardian Evolution for 108 thousand and I really like it. Although I have a bigger and more powerful car to go out and travel with the family. What I liked most about the Kardian was its economy and drivability, which impressed me a lot. And in this price range with 6 airbags.