On Saturday, 28th March, the Citroën C3 Aircross won the AutoBest award in the “best users’ car” category, which recognises the most user-friendly model. Citroën warmly thanks the AUTOBEST jury and, for the first time in the history of the award, the European public, whose votes contributed equally to this distinction. This dual recognition makes the award particularly meaningful, reflecting both expert evaluation and real customer preference across the continent.
Founded in 2001, AUTOBEST pioneered the concept of identifying Europe’s “Best Buy Car” — the model offering the best balance between price and performance for the majority of customers. For its 25th edition, AUTOBEST introduces a major evolution with the launch of AUTOBEST Conquest, a new format that brings the industry closer to consumers.
The AUTOBEST jury, composed of independent automotive journalists from 32 European countries, is the largest of its kind by number of represented nations. Vehicles are evaluated through a transparent voting system based on 13 key criteria, including affordability, service network, spare parts availability, design, versatility, and new technologies.
The jury also closely examines the automotive industry’s broader commitments, such as investments, job creation, support for regional development, and progress in green technologies and connectivity.
This year the organization inaugurated the AutoBest Conquest, comprising several awards, Best Design, Best Users’ car, Best Technology, and the prestigious global title “Best Buy Car”. And for the first time, the public played a decisive role in the final outcome, with online voting open across Europe from January to March 2026.
Public votes accounted for 50% of the final score, alongside the jury’s assessment, with the winner announced live during the AUTOBEST Conquest Show. The Citroën C3 Aircross stood out among a highly competitive shortlist of six finalists, confirming its relevance and appeal in today’s European market.
This award recognizes Citroën’s bold reinvention of the compact SUV. Built on the Smart Car platform shared with the latest C3, the C3 Aircross has been designed to offer maximum value at an accessible price point. Its assertive SUV character combines robustness, protection, and a strong, modern design with a welcoming and practical approach to everyday mobility.
At 4.39 metres in length, the C3 Aircross offers best-in-class interior space in the second row for the 5-seater version. In a first for the segment, it is also available in a 7-seater configuration, delivering exceptional flexibility while remaining compact and easy to manoeuvre.
Faithful to Citroën’s DNA, comfort is at the heart of the experience. The model features the innovative C-Zen-Lounge® concept with Head-Up Display and compact steering wheel, alongside new Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats and suspension with dual progressive hydraulic bump stops across all versions. Together, these elements ensure a uniquely smooth and serene driving experience both in urban environments and on longer journeys.
The all-new C3 Aircross also integrates the latest-generation infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, as well as a full suite of driver assistance technologies, meeting the expectations of modern customers in terms of safety and connectivity.
In line with Citroën’s ambition to make electrification accessible, the model offers a wide range of powertrains: an efficient petrol engine, a 145 hp Hybrid version, and a fully electric variant with a range of over 400 km with a 54 kWh battery. With competitive pricing, the C3 Aircross makes electrified mobility more accessible than ever.
Produced in Europe at the Trnava plant, the Citroën C3 Aircross embodies a new vision of the family SUV: modern, versatile, comfortable, and accessible. This distinction reinforces Citroën’s commitment to delivering mobility solutions that are aligned with the real needs of European customers — combining design, comfort, innovation, and outstanding value available from €27,790.
