VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
88 kW
Torque
205 Nm
170 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Engine
1199 cc
1199 cc
Choosing between the Citroen Basalt and the Tata Curvv is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Citroen Basalt delivers 81 kW while the Tata Curvv produces 88 kW. On fuel, the Basalt returns 6.3 l/100km while the Curvv uses 5.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R369 900 for the Basalt and R349 900 for the Curvv. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
81 kW
88 kW
Torque
205 Nm
170 Nm
Top Speed
—
160 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1199 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
44 l
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
136 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4308 mm
Width
1765 mm
1810 mm
Height
1593 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2560 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
208 mm
Kerb Weight
1214 / 1240 Kg
1312 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470 l
500 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
125000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tata Curvv
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Curvv
Fuel Economy
Curvv
Value
Curvv
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Citroen Basalt
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (81 kW vs 88 kW)
Higher starting price
Tata Curvv
More powerful engine (88 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R349 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Basalt or Curvv?
The Basalt uses 6.3 l/100km and the Curvv uses 5.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Curvv is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Basalt or Curvv?
The Basalt produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the Curvv delivers 88 kW and 170 Nm of torque. The Curvv is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Basalt and Curvv?
The Basalt starts from R369 900 and the Curvv from R349 900. The Curvv is cheaper by R20 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Basalt or the Curvv?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.