Citroën C3 in Brazil: 100,000 units produced

While recent news from the brand has focused on the production of 40,000 units of the new ë-C3 in Serbia to meet high European demand, another major industrial milestone has just been reached across the Atlantic. Citroën has announced the production of the 100,000th Citroën C3 in Brazil, a symbolic figure that demonstrates the enduring interest in this versatile city car in Latin America.

A legacy spanning over 20 years at Porto Real

This milestone of 100,000 units relates not only to the current generation but represents an industrial narrative that began more than two decades ago. This event, celebrated at the Stellantis Porto Real plant in Rio de Janeiro state, offers a retrospective of the brand's presence in the country. The relationship between the C3 and Brazil dates back to May 2003 with the launch of the first local generation. Derived from the Lumière concept car presented in Paris in 1998 and designed under the direction of Donato Coco, this first iteration stood out for its rounded lines and generous glass surface, introducing variable electric power steering to Citroën for the first time.

Success continued with the second generation launched in August 2012, consolidating Citroën's position in the South American market. However, it was in August 2022 that the C3 took on a new strategic dimension. As the first model of the C-Cubed program and the spearhead of the brand's renewal in Latin America, the current third generation has reinvented the codes of the city car. It traded the curves of its predecessors for an attitude inspired by SUVs, perfectly meeting the expectations of local customers who prioritize robustness and interior space.

2026 range: the arrival of the XTR version and upmarket moves

To accompany this industrial celebration, Citroën is immediately introducing the 2026 Model Year of the C3 in Brazil. This new range capitalizes on the recognized strengths of the current model: class-leading interior space, the largest trunk in its segment, and advanced connectivity. The major news this year is the return of a nameplate well known to enthusiasts: the XTR version. Positioned at the top of the range, this trim level enhances the vehicle's adventurous character.

The new 2026 Citroën C3 XTR is designed to tackle varied terrains. Under the hood, it houses the 1.0 Firefly engine delivering 75 hp, paired with a manual gearbox—a combination proven for its reliability. The "XTR" spirit is technically translated by the adoption of mixed ATR tires mounted on 15-inch wheels, offering increased versatility off the beaten path. The style is equally distinctive with exclusive finishes and a modernized interior that adopts a darker, higher-quality ambiance, including new upholstery for the seats and dashboard.

The 2026 range is now structured around five trim levels: Live, Live Pack, Feel, YOU!, and XTR. Beyond style, ergonomics have been revised following customer feedback. From the Feel trim onwards, the electric window controls have moved from the central console to a more natural position on the driver's door. regarding technology, the 10.25-inch Citroën Connect Touchscreen evolves aesthetically with a new ultra-thin gloss black surround, while retaining wireless screen mirroring via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Felipe Daemon, Vice President of the Citroën brand for South America, perfectly summarizes the importance of this model:

"The Citroën C3 has largely contributed to Citroën's notoriety in South America and established a new benchmark in the compact segment at the time. Even today, this model occupies a fundamental place in our range, as it attracts a new clientele looking for a compact hatch offering the advantages of an SUV, thanks to its spacious cabin."

A key step in Citroën's growth

This announcement comes in a particularly dynamic context for Citroën in Brazil. While the C3 remains a central pillar of the offer, it is now part of an expanded range where the new Citroën Basalt SUV Coupe has established itself as the brand's current best-seller. Nevertheless, celebrating these 100,000 units produced over some twenty years puts the difference in scale between markets into perspective.

Indeed, while this figure is significant for the local history of the Porto Real factory and the model's longevity, it highlights the different weight of Citroën in Latin America compared to Europe. On the Old Continent, the C3 represents much higher volumes, with forecasts approaching 200,000 units in a single full year. However, the brand's constant progress in Brazil and the continuous adaptation of products, as evidenced by this 2026 XTR version, confirm Stellantis' determination to sustain and accelerate Citroën's growth outside Europe.roën hors d'Europe.