More tech, Less "cheap": Citroën upgrades the C3 and C3 Aircross in Brazil

In Brazil, a strategic market for the brand, Citroën has just announced a significant evolution of its lineup. Far from resting on its laurels, the manufacturer has listened to feedback and thoroughly upgraded its C3 and C3 Aircross for the 2026 model year. The goal is clear: to make these models more competitive, better equipped, and to shed the image of being, at times, too bare-bones. Alongside this premium upgrade, Citroën is reintroducing a well-known name among enthusiasts, the XTR version, to give new momentum to the commercial careers of its two flagship models in Latin America. It's a bold strategy that I believe is a step in the right direction.

2026 Citroën C3: more comfort and technology

Let's get to the heart of the matter with the Citroën C3. The city car, which won hearts with its style and spaciousness, had some shortcomings in terms of equipment, especially against fierce local competition. For 2026, Citroën is brilliantly correcting this. The mid-range and top-tier versions, particularly the "You!" and the brand-new "XTR" trims, now benefit from equipment that transforms the onboard experience. I'm referring to the introduction of automatic climate control and, most importantly, the stunning 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster. The latter radically modernizes the dashboard and offers perfect readability of driving information.

But the changes don't stop there. The interior has been completely rethought for better-perceived quality. We find new seat upholstery, a more upscale dark-themed cabin, and, on certain versions, a central armrest for the driver. This may seem like a minor detail, but it makes a huge difference on long journeys. Citroën has also listened to one of the most frequent criticisms: the location of the power window controls. They are finally moving from the center console to the door panels, a much more ergonomic and intuitive position. This upgrade is reminiscent of the one carried out on the Indian versions of the C3 earlier this year, a sign that Citroën is standardizing and improving its global offering in emerging markets.

This move upmarket is accompanied by prices that, fortunately, remain very competitive:

• C3 Live: R$ 74,990 (approx. €11,790)

• C3 Live Pack: R$ 83,990 (approx. €13,200)

• C3 Feel: R$ 85,990 (approx. €13,520)

• C3 XTR: R$ 88,990 (approx. €13,990)

• C3 YOU!: R$ 103,990 (approx. €16,340)

2026 Citroën C3 Aircross: The SUV follows the same virtuous path

The big brother, the C3 Aircross, is of course not left behind. This SUV, notable for its ability to seat up to 7 passengers, logically follows the same improvement trajectory as the C3. It strengthens its identity and appeal by also adopting the new, more rugged-looking XTR version. This trim gives it a more assertive personality that I am sure will appeal to customers looking for differentiation. The interior receives the same attention as the city car, with a clear improvement in perceived quality, more premium materials, and a more elegant, darker environment.

Unsurprisingly, the higher-end versions of the C3 Aircross receive the 7-inch digital cluster and automatic climate control, features that are becoming the new standard in the segment. Comfort, therefore, takes a significant leap forward, making the SUV even more versatile and pleasant for families. Citroën also took advantage of this update to introduce a new exclusive body color, which will energize the existing color palette. By applying the same formula as on the C3, the brand ensures it offers a more mature, more complete, and infinitely more competitive C3 Aircross, without sacrificing its key asset of price, which should remain one of the most aggressive on the Brazilian market.

With this dual update, Citroën has fully recognized the initial weakness of its range offered in India and Brazil. While the brand had already reacted aptly in India at the beginning of the year, it has now done so in Latin America. We are looking at a C3 and C3 Aircross lineup that is better equipped, with a more refined finish, shedding its "cheap" image while maintaining its ultra-accessible price positioning. This is the very definition of a more competitive offer. The recent Basalt SUV-Coupé has proven that the brand knows how to offer desirable and successful products in these markets. There is no doubt that this new competitiveness, driven by modern equipment and higher-quality interiors, will help the C3 and C3 Aircross grow sustainably and regain the sales levels their potential deserves. This is an optimistic new chapter for Citroën in Brazil.