VS
At a Glance
Power
81 kW
80 kW
Torque
205 Nm
148 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
—
750 Kg
Engine
1199 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Citroen Basalt and the Lepas L4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Citroen Basalt delivers 81 kW while the Lepas L4 produces 80 kW. On fuel, the Basalt returns 6.3 l/100km while the L4 uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R354 900 for the Basalt and R299 900 for the L4. 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
80 kW
Torque
205 Nm
148 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1199 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
142 g/km
159 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4352 mm
4406 mm
Width
1765 mm
1820 mm
Height
1593 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2651 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
1207 / 1233 Kg
1262 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
470 l
458 / 1284 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
750 Kg
Load Capacity
—
470 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
75000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Basalt
Fuel Economy
Basalt
Value
L4
Practicality
L4
Pros & Cons
Citroen Basalt
More powerful engine (81 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Lepas L4
Lower starting price (R299 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (80 kW vs 81 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Basalt or L4?
The Basalt uses 6.3 l/100km and the L4 uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Basalt 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 L4?
The Basalt produces 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque while the L4 delivers 80 kW and 148 Nm of torque. The Basalt is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Basalt and L4?
The Basalt starts from R354 900 and the L4 from R299 900. The L4 is cheaper by R55 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Basalt or L4?
The Basalt has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the L4 can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Basalt or the L4?
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.