Citroën C3 Aircross: new engine in development for greater accessibility

While the Citroën C3 Aircross currently sold in Brazil is exclusively offered with the capable 130-hp Turbo 200 engine, the French brand is actively working to broaden its appeal. Recent intelligence from South America indicates the development of a new version equipped with a less powerful engine. The objective is clear: to establish a more affordable entry point for the family SUV, thereby strengthening its position in the highly competitive South American market. This strategy aims to provide a wider range of choices for consumers by tailoring the vehicle's offerings to diverse needs and budgets.

A Nnew 1.3 Firefly engine to replace the aging 1.6 EC5

Several Citroën C3 Aircross prototypes have recently been spotted undergoing testing in the Belo Horizonte region of Brazil, confirming rumors of mechanical diversification. The engine being tested is none other than the well-known 1.3 Firefly of Fiat origin, a powertrain already proven in numerous Stellantis group models such as the Fiat Argo, Cronos, and Pulse. Observations of the test vehicles were telling; beyond the characteristic acceleration sound, the absence of the front-mounted air-to-air intercooler, which is essential for the Turbo 200 engine, confirmed the presence of a naturally aspirated powertrain.

This 1.3 Firefly engine produces 98 hp when running on gasoline and reaches 107 hp with ethanol, a common fuel in Brazil. Torque figures are 13.1 kgfm (approx. 128 Nm) and 13.6 kgfm (approx. 133 Nm), respectively. According to initial reports, this engine will be exclusively paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The adoption of this engine is part of a broader strategic move for Citroën, which aims to phase out the older 1.6 EC5 engine from its South American markets. Although reliable, the latter no longer meets the increasingly stringent emissions standards, making its replacement a necessity.

A 2026 launch planned to boost sales performance

The introduction of this new powertrain is slated for the medium term. The Citroën C3 Aircross equipped with the 1.3 Firefly engine is expected to be a key feature of the 2027 model year, scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026. This new offering will expand the SUV's lineup from the bottom, complementing the single, more powerful Turbo 200 engine currently available. By offering a less powerful version, Citroën will logically be able to feature a more accessible price point, a significant advantage for attracting a wider customer base.

This initiative is crucial for the C3 Aircross, which has faced some challenges in establishing a strong foothold in the Brazilian market. A more aggressive pricing strategy could significantly boost its sales volumes. It is also important to note that this engine will not be exclusive to the C3 Aircross. The other models in the C-Cubed family, namely the C3 hatchback and the Basalt SUV-coupe, are also expected to receive this 1.3 Firefly unit, creating a coherent and competitive offering across the brand's compact range. The Argentinian-produced Peugeot 208 is also slated to receive this engine.

A coherent strategy for the future

The planned arrival of the 1.3 Firefly engine is a logical next step in a series of enhancements for the C3 Aircross in Brazil. The model has already recently benefited from an equipment refresh to make it more modern and competitive, as well as the introduction of an adventure-themed XTR trim level. The addition of an entry-level powertrain, which is more economical to purchase and to run, represents the next major phase of this product offensive. By making its family SUV more accessible, Citroën is not just aiming to increase sales figures; it is also working to bring new visibility and strengthen the C3 Aircross's appeal in a market where every detail counts.