New XTR trim: Citroën gives its brazilian C3 and Aircross an adventurous spirit

Just as I had shared with you a few weeks ago, a persistent rumor suggested the return of an iconic name to the Citroën lineup. Today, that has become a reality: the brand has officially unveiled the new XTR trims for its C3 and Aircross models in Brazil. Twenty years after its debut, this name, synonymous with escape and robustness, finds its place once again on the hoods of these South American models, breathing a fresh sense of modernity and adventure into a rapidly evolving range. Far from being a simple nod to the past, this new offering is part of a promising strategy to move upmarket and differentiate the brand.

Top-tier positioning and a modernized range

With the arrival of the XTR trim, Citroën is crowning the lineups of its two flagship models in Brazil. The C3 XTR and the Aircross XTR (which, incidentally, drops its "C3" prefix to fully assert its identity) are positioned as the new top-of-the-range versions, offering the best in design and equipment. This launch is not an isolated event; it coincides with a general improvement across the entire Citroën range for the 2026 model year in the Brazilian market. This enhancement, which I will cover in more detail in a future article, demonstrates the brand's commitment to strengthening its competitiveness and appeal. Felipe Daemon, Vice President of Citroën for South America, emphasized this commitment: "With the arrival of the XTR version, the brand reinforces its commitment to offering vehicles that combine accessibility, robustness, and comfort, providing a complete package for those looking for a versatile, well-equipped, and affordable car."

The Citroën C3 XTR: The Urban Hatchback with an SUV Attitude

The Citroën C3, the SUV-styled hatchback that has won hearts with its originality, gains even more character in its XTR iteration. Aesthetically, it stands out with a series of details that underscore its adventurous side. You'll immediately notice the gloss black grille and mirror caps, the darkened front double chevron, and a distinctive "XTR" decal on the hood. Specific side protectors, highlighted with a "Light Green" detail, run along the lower body, while the XTR emblem is proudly displayed on the left side of the tailgate. The vehicle sits on 15-inch dark alloy wheels, fitted with Pirelli Scorpion ATR mixed-use tires, perfect for off-the-beaten-path excursions. Inside, the atmosphere is more refined with exclusive premium upholstery, "Pistachio Green" stitching on the seats, steering wheel, and armrests, as well as a soft-touch finish on the dashboard. A major new feature for the 2026 range, integrated here, is the introduction of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and automatic digital climate control. The central 10.25-inch Citroën Connect touchscreen is now framed by a slimmer gloss black surround, adding a touch of elegance. Under the hood, the C3 XTR is offered with the 1.0 Firefly engine, producing up to 75 hp, paired with a manual gearbox. Its launch price is R$ 88,990, which is approximately €15,150 or 15 150€ at current exchange rates.

The Citroën Aircross XTR: family adventure for seven, uncompromised

The Citroën Aircross, the only compact SUV on the Brazilian market capable of seating up to seven passengers, also adopts the XTR treatment to top its range. It shares the styling cues of its smaller sibling, with the XTR emblem this time positioned on the right side of the tailgate, the same "Light Green" touches on the side protectors, and 17-inch dark alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli Scorpion HT mixed-use tires. The cabin receives the same level of attention, featuring the premium upholstery with green stitching and high-quality dashboard materials. Crucially, it also incorporates the new 7-inch digital cluster and automatic climate control, significantly modernizing the onboard experience. Connectivity is designed for the whole family, with USB-C ports available all the way to the third row. The powertrain here is more powerful to move this family vehicle: the 1.0 Turbo 200 engine, delivering up to 130 hp, mated to a seven-speed simulated CVT automatic transmission. The Citroën Aircross XTR 7 is priced at R$ 129,990, which corresponds to roughly €22,100.

Citroën is thus reviving the XTR lineage, preserving the promise of adventure and escape that made it a success. Interestingly, the signature color has evolved with the times. While preliminary information I had shared suggested a return of the historic orange, the brand ultimately chose a "Light Green" hue. It's a more subtle choice, more in tune with an image of nature and environmental consciousness. This new trim is more than just a styling exercise; it is equipped with mixed-use tires that give it real versatility, inviting drivers to leave the asphalt for more rugged paths, true to the spirit of this iconic series. This launch perfectly coincides with the overall modernization of the range, making it more desirable and competitive than ever in the strategic South American market. It's a return to its roots that is, in fact, a great leap into the future.