Spanish car market: five models struggle to gain traction
Despite a robust 11.7% surge in new car registrations in Spain during March, totaling 130,340 units, a handful of models are proving to be Automotive underachievers, barely registering a blip on the sales charts. While the overall market enjoys a resurgence, these five vehicles are facing a decidedly uphill battle.
Alfa romeo giulia: a fading farewell
The Alfa Romeo Giulia, a stylish Italian saloon that debuted in 2016, is reportedly nearing the end of its commercial life. After a decade of competing in the fiercely contested premium German segment, its journey appears to be winding down. While a refresh is reportedly on the horizon, the current model’s market response hasn't been encouraging. Just two units of the Giulia were registered in March, bringing the year-to-date total to a meager 16 – a 6.67% growth rate over the same period last year, hardly a cause for celebration. The Stelvio, its SUV sibling, managed a comparatively respectable 29 registrations.
Citroën c5 x: a hybrid identity crisis
Perhaps the most puzzling case is the Citroën C5 X, a vehicle that seems to be alienating the Spanish market. This hybrid crossover-sedan blend has struggled to find its niche, with only four units sold last month. Year-to-date sales sit at a paltry 15, a 50% drop compared to the first quarter of 2025. The disconnect is striking, especially when considering the Citroën C5 Aircross, currently in its new generation launch phase, has garnered 407 registrations in March alone, with a total of 1,083 for the quarter – a 49.1% growth. The C5 X’s struggles highlight the complexities of appealing to a diverse consumer base.
Ds 3: pricey and out of tune
Stellantis continues to grapple with underperforming models across its brands, and the DS 3 is a prime example. This B-segment crossover, typically a hotbed of sales in Spain, has only managed 5 registrations in March, bringing the year-to-date total to 15 – identical to the previous year. The price point is a significant factor; starting at €33,562 for a mild-hybrid (MHEV) version with an ECO label, it's considerably more expensive than the average B-SUV. The only model selling fewer units is the fully electric DS 7, despite its higher price tag, though it’s not far behind with 9 units registered year-to-date.
Kgm torres: a spacious suv lost in translation
The KGM Torres presents a curious situation. This SUV possesses all the attributes of a desirable family vehicle – spaciousness and practicality – yet struggles to capture the attention of Spanish buyers. Just three units were sold in March, totaling 65 for the year. Interestingly, the electric variant, the KGM Torres EVX, is outselling the combustion engine model, with 23 registrations last month, and a total of 51 for the quarter. The EVX is closing in on the ICE model’s sales figures, despite the latter’s more attractive pricing – around €24,600 with discounts.
Seat tarraco: a ghost of sales past
Finally, there’s the unusual case of the Seat Tarraco. Unlike the others, this SUV's sales persist despite its official discontinuation in the second quarter of 2024. Even two years after being delisted, units are still trickling out of Seat dealerships. A single Tarraco was registered last month, compared to 30 in 2025. It’s a testament to the lingering demand for a discontinued model, but also a reminder of the complexities of inventory management and customer loyalty. The question remains: would you purchase a car that’s been off the production line for two years?