[Retrospective] Citroën XTR: the comeback of the adventurous trim on the global stage

The second half of this year marks an interesting step in the product strategy of the "Double Chevron" brand. Quietly but surely, Citroën seems to be bringing one of its most iconic designations from the early 2000s back to the forefront. Indeed, we are observing the deployment of the XTR trim across several key markets: in Latin America, in Japan, but also, surprisingly, in Europe with the launch of a new Berlingo Van XTR. This resurgence of models with a rugged look is not insignificant. As the demand for vehicles with a strong character shows no signs of waning, could these simultaneous launches signal the return of this legendary label across the rest of the range? Let’s analyze a phenomenon that revives the spirit of escape cherished by the brand.

Origins of success: the XTR legacy

To understand the significance of this return, we must look back at the history of this label. The XTR finish first appeared on the Citroën C3 in 2005. At a time when the term "SUV" was still niche, Citroën had the intuition to offer a city car with a more robust look. Equipped with black wheel arch extensions, specific bumpers, and slightly raised ground clearance, the C3 XTR represented the precursors of the urban crossovers that would explode in sales a few years later. It wasn't just about style: some versions even benefited from a limited-slip differential, offering real traction on loose terrain.

The success was such that the XTR finish was quickly applied to the Citroën Berlingo, transforming the leisure activity vehicle into a true companion for hobbies. Although today, on the current generation of the Berlingo in Europe, the XTR designation remains mainly as an optional aesthetic pack (colored inserts, door styling protections), it has lost some of its technical prowess. We must not forget Latin America, a favored land for these reinforced vehicles, where the C3 Picasso adopted this philosophy under the name Aircross, foreshadowing the current naming of the brand's SUVs. Logically, it is through this region that the XTR finish began its great return this year, reconnecting with its stylistic roots.

A global deployment: the XTR offensive in 2025

Recent news demonstrates that Citroën is once again capitalizing on this image of adventure. The movement gained momentum in Latin America first. The brand unveiled derivative versions on the C3 and C3 Aircross, adopting stylistic codes dear to outdoor enthusiasts. These modifications are not merely cosmetic; they anchor the vehicles in a more robust universe, adapted to the sometimes demanding roads of that continent, while offering a distinct visual personality that appeals to a young and dynamic clientele.

However, the phenomenon is not limited to South America. In Japan, a market fond of French identity and the practicality of leisure vehicles, Citroën orchestrated the grand return of the Berlingo XTR. This model stands out with the integration of the famous Grip Control, an intelligent traction control system that gives credibility to the vehicle's "all-road" claims, recalling the glory days of the first XTR models.

Closer to home, in Europe, the utility sector is benefiting from this aura with the launch of the Berlingo Van XTR. It is a bold move: offering a professional vehicle a "scent of adventure." This version is adorned with specific protections, under-engine skid plates, and style elements that enhance the image of the artisan or company using it. By declining this finish on a utility vehicle, Citroën proves that design and robustness are universal selling points, transcending the simple category of passenger cars.

Towards a generalized XTR trim?

Faced with this multiplication of XTR versions around the globe, a legitimate question arises: could the current European range benefit from a wider deployment of this finish? The reflection is all the more pertinent as the design of the brand's latest creations lends itself admirably to it. The new Citroën C3, with its cubic allure and codes borrowed from the SUV universe, is the ideal candidate. Making it a bit more "rugged" via an XTR version would not be amiss; it would strengthen its intrepid character without falling into excess.

This principle could apply just as relevantly to the C3 Aircross, but also to higher segments like the C4 or C5 Aircross. Imagining a new transversal adventure-type finish, integrating reinforced protections, specific colors, and perhaps mixed-use tires, would allow for a strong link with Citroën's heritage in rallying and rally-raid. At a time when customers are looking for expressive vehicles, a structured XTR range would offer an attractive alternative to sporty or purely urban finishes, embodying the values of comfort and freedom of movement dear to André Citroën.

In short, the XTR finish has indeed made its comeback since September, crossing borders from Brazil to Japan to land in France on a Berlingo Van. This coordinated deployment looks unmistakably like a trial run. From there to thinking that such a finish could see the light of day permanently on the entire catalog, there is only one step. It is a step that we all, enthusiasts of the brand, take happily, as this proposition would prove faithful to Citroën's DNA: popular, robust, and ready to hit the road.