Citroën experiencing strong growth in Latin America by October 2025 thanks to Basalt

While Citroën continues to post strong sales performances on the European continent, the "chevron" brand is also confirming its renewed momentum in other strategic global markets. For October 2025, it is Latin America that delivers excellent news, with notable growth recorded in both Brazil and Argentina. These results are all the more encouraging as they have been achieved in complex national contexts, marked by increasingly fierce competition, particularly from new Chinese players. It is in this challenging climate that the new Citroën Basalt is emerging as the brand's true growth engine in the region.

In Brazil, Citroën withstands chinese pressure thanks to the Basalt

The Brazilian market, often a bellwether for future trends, proved particularly difficult in October 2025. With 192,752 units sold, it registered a slight decline of 1.24% compared to October 2024. In this sluggish environment, Citroën's performance is remarkable: the brand grew by +9.43% with 3,383 registrations, allowing it to secure 13th place in sales.

This growth is especially significant as it stands in stark contrast to the situation of other French brands within the Stellantis group and the Alliance. Peugeot, for example, suffered a heavy fall of -40.78%, while Renault declined by -11.51%. Citroën is therefore forging its own path and demonstrating impressive resilience.

This resilience is crucial, as the Brazilian market is experiencing a considerable intensification of competition. Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Chery (Caoa), and GWM (Great Wall Motors) are posting very strong gains. They are beginning to seriously complicate the landscape for established manufacturers, including the French brands, by offering vehicles that are often more accessible and technologically appealing. This serves as a clear warning sign of the competitiveness of these new brands, a phenomenon already highly visible in Brazil even before it fully impacts European markets.

The primary architect of this Brazilian success is undeniably the Citroën Basalt. The brand's new SUV Coupé, launched recently, continues its string of successes. With 1,562 units sold in October, it accounts for nearly half of the brand's sales and shows strong momentum with a +27.41% increase compared to September 2025. It holds a very respectable 17th place in the highly disputed SUV segment (all sizes combined), even affording itself the luxury of overtaking an established benchmark like the Renault Duster.

Behind this locomotive, the C3 shows mixed results. While it recorded strong growth compared to the previous month (+45%), its 1,383 units represent a 30.22% decrease compared to October 2024. However, the situation is very concerning for the C3 Aircross. The urban SUV, designed specifically for the region, experienced a sharp drop of -70.37% in October, with only 192 units sold.

Argentina also smiles on Citroën, with the Basalt leading

While the Brazilian market is contracting, the Argentine market is in a state of euphoria. In October 2025, it reached its highest level in eight years, with 49,111 registrations, marking a spectacular growth of +17.3%. In this highly dynamic market, Citroën performed even better: the brand grew by +22.6% to reach 1,985 units, securing a solid 8th place in sales.

This performance must also be viewed in the context of the rise of Chinese brands. Although their volumes are still modest, they are recording the highest growth rates, confirming the trend observed in Brazil: competition is intensifying on all fronts.

In Argentina, the model situation is more balanced, but the leader remains the same. The Citroën Basalt also establishes itself as the brand's top seller in October, with 597 units (26th in the market). It is followed very closely by the Citroën C3, which achieved an excellent performance with 589 units, a +56.6% increase (27th in the market).

As in Brazil, the C3 Aircross is struggling more. With 438 units, it suffered a -35% decline for the month (35th in the market). An interesting paradox emerges: while the C3 Aircross struggled in October, it remains Citroën's best-selling model in Argentina for the first 10 months of 2025 (6,898 units, +159.7%). It leads the Basalt (5,959 units) and the C3 (4,795 units) year-to-date. This career trajectory, which contrasts with that seen in Brazil, indicates a strong start to the year but a loss of momentum since the arrival of its SUV Coupé sibling, the Basalt.

New XTR and Dark Edition trims to revitalize C3 and C3 Aircross

Citroën can therefore breathe a sigh of relief: the launch of the Basalt is an undeniable success that is carrying the brand in Latin America. It helps to mask the more challenging careers of the C3 and C3 Aircross, with the latter appearing to be in particular difficulty on both sides of the border.

Aware of the need to restore appeal to its first two models from the "C-Cubed" program, the brand is deploying a new range strategy. The arrival of the XTR versions for the C3 and C3 Aircross, first launched in Brazil and recently in Argentina, should be a game-changer. This trim, reviving the "eXTReme" name used by the brand in the early 2000s, aims to instill a more adventurous spirit.

In practical terms, the XTR versions are distinguished by a more robust design. They feature exclusive "Light Green" details on the emblems and side protectors. The look is completed by a gloss black grille, darkened mirrors and chevrons, and specific alloy wheels (15-inch on C3, 17-inch on C3 Aircross). The C3 Aircross XTR even receives Pirelli Scorpion mixed-use tires, reinforcing its off-road character. Inside, the XTR ambiance is reflected in exclusive upholstery with "Light Green" stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and door panels.

But the most anticipated change concerns the equipment. The XTR trims introduce (depending on the market and model) the new Citroën Connect multimedia system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen with slim bezels, and crucially, wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. USB-C ports also make their appearance in the rear, correcting an omission often criticized in the initial versions.

In parallel, the best-selling Basalt strengthens its appeal with a new high-end Dark Edition version in Argentina. This edition focuses on a sporty, urban look with 16-inch black alloy wheels, sport pedals, and darkened emblems. A distinctive detail includes "André Red" accents on the rear spoiler. The interior is entirely darkened, enhanced with red stitching, and equipped with a 7-inch TFT digital cluster, in addition to the 10.25-inch screen and rear USB-C ports.

Citroën concludes October 2025 with very positive results in Latin America, showing significant progress in both Brazil and Argentina. This performance adds to what is also shaping up to be a record month in India, another pillar of the brand's international strategy (we will return to these detailed figures soon).

Undeniably, the Citroën Basalt is the great success the brand was waiting for. It has established itself as the flagship vehicle of the regional range and helps to offset the lackluster careers of the C3 and C3 Aircross. The hope now is that the recent equipment adjustments, particularly the arrival of the 10.25-inch screen and the XTR and Dark Edition trims, supplemented by expected future engine changes, will reverse the trend. These improvements are crucial to allow these models, especially the C3 Aircross, to grow and finally find their true performance level in these highly strategic markets.