Citroën Basalt wins 2026 Best Resale Value award in Brazil

Citroën Basalt and C-Cubed range: a triumph in residual value in Brazil

Following the strategic improvements implemented across the C3 range in Brazil, Citroën has reached a significant milestone in strengthening its brand image in South America. The brand is proud to announce that the new Citroën Basalt has just won the prestigious Best Residual Value award in its category. This success is not an isolated incident, as the entire Citroën model lineup recorded impressive results, confirming a renewed sense of confidence among Brazilian consumers and used-car market experts alike.

The Citroën Basalt: crowned resale value champion

The 2026 Best Resale Value Award, presented by the leading automotive magazine Quatro Rodas in partnership with the specialized platform Mobiauto, placed the Citroën Basalt at the top of the Compact SUV category. To establish these rankings, experts meticulously analyzed vehicle depreciation over a twelve-month period, from February 2025 to February 2026. The methodology relies on a rigorous calculation comparing the initial list price of the new vehicle with its actual market price in the used sector after one year of ownership.

This distinction directly reflects Citroën's strategy of offering a product that is not only attractive at the time of purchase but also financially sound for the owner. The Basalt achieved the lowest depreciation in its segment over the last twelve months. The lineup, featuring the Feel MT, Feel Turbo 200 AT, Shine Turbo 200 AT, and the exclusive Dark Edition Turbo 200 AT, covers a wide variety of needs. By maintaining its status as the most affordable vehicle in Brazil in its entry-level version, the Basalt proves that competitive pricing can perfectly coexist with excellent value retention. This success is further highlighted by the notable performance of the Citroën C3 Aircross, which also secured a spot on the podium.

The C3 Aircross confirms Citroën's dominance in the SUV segment

In the highly competitive Compact SUV category, the Citroën C3 Aircross complemented the brand's performance by taking third place. With the Basalt in first and the Aircross in third, Citroën achieved the remarkable feat of placing two models in the Top 3 for best residual value in its segment in Brazil. This result is particularly significant as the C3 Aircross is recognized as the most affordable 7-seater SUV in the Brazilian market, demonstrating that affordability does not imply high depreciation.

Pedro Silva, Citroën Director for South America, analyzed this success with optimism: "Since its launch, the Citroën Basalt has enjoyed great commercial success in Brazil, confirming that the model meets consumer expectations. The result is a product acclaimed by the market, combining bold design, complete equipment, and a competitive position – all assets that reinforce its perceived value and explain its low depreciation after 12 months".

In 2026, the C3 Aircross benefited from strategic updates that enhanced its appeal. The introduction of the XTR adventure version, featuring light green details and all-terrain ATR tires, expanded its customer base. Ergonomics were also improved, notably with the relocation of the rear window controls to the doors. Inside, perceived quality has risen with premium upholstery and gloss black inserts, while the 10.25-inch Citroën Connect multimedia system, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, remains a key technological selling point.

Global performance: Citroën C3 and Jumpy also recognized

Citroën's excellence at the Quatro Rodas awards did not stop with SUVs. The Citroën C3 was also honored, taking third place in the competitive Compact Hatchback category. The C3 continues to attract buyers with its record-breaking interior space and 315-liter trunk, the largest in its segment. Available in five versions (Live, Live Pack, Feel, You, and XTR), it offers rare versatility with engines ranging from the 1.0 Firefly to the powerful 130 hp Turbo 200 on the You version.

Finally, the light commercial vehicle sector also saw success. The Citroën Jumpy Cargo distinguished itself by taking second place in the Compact Cargo Van category. Equipped with a 150 hp 2.2 turbodiesel engine producing 37.7 kgfm of torque, the Jumpy Cargo has established itself as a formidable tool for urban logistics. Its maximum payload of 1,500 kg and cargo volume of 6.1 m³ make it one of the most agile and cost-effective vehicles for professionals, naturally resulting in a very high resale value.

A statement of strength for Citroën’s future in Brazil

Citroën has delivered an exceptional performance at the Quatro Rodas award ceremony. With four major accolades, including the top title of best residual value for the Basalt, the brand demonstrates the consistency of its current catalog. The presence of the range on nearly every podium highlights an essential fact: Citroën vehicles retain their value well.

This public recognition should serve as a powerful catalyst for the brand's visibility. In an ultra-competitive market where Chinese brands are ramping up their offensive, the guarantee of low depreciation is a massive selling point. By reassuring buyers about the future value of their purchase, Citroën is positioning itself to transform its recent critical acclaim into sustainable sales growth. The momentum is building, and it appears firmly rooted in the economic reality of the Brazilian market.