Citroën C3 Aircross: a strategic engine update for Argentina's leading SUV

The year 2025 concluded with extremely positive results for Citroën in Argentina. The brand has successfully strengthened its position in the competitive South American market, driven by the rigorous implementation of its C-Cubed program. This strategy, designed to meet the specific needs of emerging markets, led to the launch of robust, versatile, and affordable models. Among them, the Citroën C3 Aircross emerged as the true spearhead of the lineup, finishing the year as the brand's best-selling model in Argentina.

Building on this success, Citroën is not resting on its laurels and begins 2026 with a significant technical update for its family SUV. For this new model year, the manufacturer is slightly modifying its mechanical offering to maximize synergies within the Stellantis Group. The major change lies in the introduction of a new entry-level engine, replacing the long-standing 1.6 VTi block. This evolution marks a turning point for the locally produced range, aiming to maintain the model's competitiveness while modernizing its internal components.

Switching to the 1.3 Firefly engine: a major mechanical transition

Since its commercial launch in Argentina, the Citroën C3 Aircross featured a mechanical lineup divided into two levels. The entry-level was powered by the 1.6 VTi PSA-origin block, while higher trims benefited from the 1.3 turbo Firefly engine (known as T200) of Fiat origin. At the beginning of 2026, Citroën is making a strategic shift by permanently discontinuing the old 1.6-liter engine. In its place, the Feel entry-level version now adopts the naturally aspirated 1.3 Firefly block.

This new engine develops 96 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. On paper, these figures are slightly lower than the previous 1.6 VTi engine, which delivered 115 hp and 150 Nm. However, this choice follows a logic of industrial rationalization and efficiency. The 1.3 Firefly engine is already well-proven within the Stellantis Group, successfully powering models like the Fiat Cronos and Strada. Paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, it offers a controlled average fuel consumption of 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers in urban environments and 6.5 liters in the combined cycle, which are crucial values for daily users.

The most remarkable aspect of this transition is that it occurs without any price increase. Citroën thus maintains its promise of accessibility, allowing the C3 Aircross to remain the most affordable SUV on the Argentine market. This positioning is essential for attracting families and young drivers looking for a spacious vehicle without compromising their budget.

A 2026 C3 Aircross range built for versatility

The Citroën C3 Aircross range in Argentina is not limited to its entry-level version. The manufacturer has structured its offer to meet a wide variety of needs, from high-riding city cars to family vehicles capable of carrying seven passengers. In addition to the Feel trim equipped with the 96 hp 1.3 engine, customers can choose versions equipped with the Turbo 200 engine (1.0-liter turbo with 120 hp and 200 Nm), offering better performance and driving comfort.

The strength of the C3 Aircross lies in its generous cabin space and suspension comfort, faithful to Citroën's DNA. Even in the entry-level version, the standard equipment remains very comprehensive for the segment. Buyers benefit from 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and the essential multimedia system with a 10-inch touchscreen compatible with smartphones. Safety is also prioritized with four airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a rearview camera, ensuring total peace of mind behind the wheel.

Here is the breakdown of current prices for the Argentine market, converted at today's rate :

Version	Price in Pesos (ARS)	Price in Euros
Feel 1.3 (Entry-level)	$36,900,000	€22,509
Feel Pk T200	$40,320,000	€24,595
Shine T200	$41,280,000	€25,181
XTR T200	$41,720,000	€25,449
Shine 7-seater T200 Bitone	$43,680,000	€26,645

This price structure shows that, despite the technical evolutions, Citroën manages to offer a seven-seater vehicle for approximately €26,600, a nearly unique offer in the market for a SUV of this size.

A 100% Stellantis powertrain strategy for lasting success

By adapting the C3 Aircross range in Argentina, Citroën is finalizing a major transformation of its mechanical catalog. Replacing the old ex-PSA engines with the FCA-origin Firefly family allows for better spare parts management and simplified maintenance across the South American network. While the move from 115 to 96 horsepower might seem like a technical step back, it is actually part of a drive to optimize the total cost of ownership for the end customer.

The C3 Aircross MY26.5 (Model Year 2026.5) retains its key assets: a robust design, high ground clearance, and a generous trunk volume. By remaining the most affordable SUV in Argentina while integrating modern connectivity and safety technologies, Citroën is positioning itself to extend its commercial success. This update is a strong signal to the market: Citroën listens to the economic realities of consumers while modernizing its products to ensure long-term reliability, backed by a 3-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty.