Analyses conducted by Bright Consulting indicate that although 2026 is projected to be a more positive period compared to 2025, this scenario is slightly below the estimates presented up to September. Despite sales showing signs of stabilization, annual growth, which had reached +22% in August, fell to just +2.4% at the end of last month, signaling that the peak of the high cycle has passed.
The consultancy points to two main factors for this reduction: the decrease in inventories of lower-cost hybrid and electric vehicles, most of which come from China, and the electoral period, which tends to generate greater caution among consumers planning to purchase or replace a new vehicle.
Automobile Sales Analysis
The daily average of sales of cars and light vehicles, which together represent 94% of the total (the remaining 5% are for trucks and 1% for buses), serves as a relevant indicator. In October, 11,544 units were sold, a decline from the 12,799 recorded in September (-9.8%), but an increase compared to October 2025 (10,787 units, or +7.0%).
Considering the 209 accumulated business days until October, solid growth of 17.2% was maintained, surpassing the annual average of major global markets. However, no forecast was established for November, December, and the end of the year. Anfavea projects the sale of 3.1 million vehicles for this year, but may adjust this estimate at an event next Wednesday.
In international comparison, the China Passenger Car Association, the largest global entity with objectives similar to Anfavea in Brazil, does not include trucks, buses, or agricultural machinery. The projection for the end of 2026 forecasts the sale of 18.5 million units, representing a drop of about 22% compared to the 23.74 million sold in 2025, interrupting a five-year streak of continuous growth. This justifies the export strategy and the offering of attractive prices.
Model Review and Launches
Honda maintains its compact City line, developed since 2009. Initially equipped with the same engine as the Fit, it sold almost 250,000 units in the first ten years. For the 2027 model, besides the hatchback and sedan versions (accounting for about 30% and 70% of sales, respectively), there is the RS version of the hatch, which has undergone no mechanical changes but possesses a notable aesthetic appeal, such as pearl black roof and mirror casings.
The Japanese brand conducted an evaluation of the two versions on a trip from São Paulo to São Roque (SP). Even without mechanical modifications, the 1.5 L four-cylinder flex engine generates 126 hp (E/G) and produces 15.8 kgf·m (E) and 15.5 kgf·m (G). It differs from the newer 1 L turbo engines. The CVT automatic transmission was maintained. In terms of performance, the difference compared to the 1 L turbo engines predominant in the market and with lower taxes is not that significant. During overtaking, the noise increases slightly more than in turbo engines, but it is not bothersome in daily use.
In terms of fuel consumption (using gasoline), the City performed well, maintaining an average between 16 and 17 km/L according to the onboard computer, even under strain on certain stretches. The vehicle features a new 10-inch multimedia screen, allowing volume control with fingers without removing physical buttons, in addition to wireless mirroring for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The hatch preserves the Honda Magic Seat system, offering four interesting rear seat configurations, although this results in a slight weight increase.
A negative point observed during the preliminary evaluation was that when activating the right turn signal, the image projected on the multimedia screen overlaps the Waze or Google Maps map, ideally it should not occupy the entire screen.
Prices range between R$ 117,700 and R$ 156,400 for the hatch, and between R$ 117,700 and R$ 154,300 for the sedan.
New Players in the Brazilian Market
BAIC's plans in the Brazilian market are ambitious. The company will start with 50 dealerships and plans to triple its network by 2027, in addition to studying the installation of a factory in Brazil. The Arcfox T1 attracts attention due to its wide dimensions, starting with a wheelbase of 2,770 mm (204 mm more than a Polo, for example). The manufacturer reports a trunk capacity of 459 liters, although this value does not follow the VDA standard, being more realistic for volume measurement. The Chinese model also included a spare tire and sought to adapt to the Brazilian consumer, despite still lacking the cord to raise the internal trunk lid. As an advantage, it has electric opening, something uncommon in this segment.
Although its design is discreet, the interior offers very comfortable space for a five-seater compact, including the rear seat, surpassing other models in the immediately higher category. The front seats are comfortable and offer good lateral support. Physical buttons have been removed, such as air conditioning controls, mirror adjustments, and panoramic roof opening. Furthermore, there is no native support for Android Auto from the factory. The interior finish and materials are considered good, consistent with the suggested price.
The initial evaluation took place on a short 14 km route, divided equally between Comfort and Sport modes. The calibration difference between the two options is quite noticeable. This electric hatch does not aim to stand out for superior performance compared to combustion models, as often happens. With modest power and torque of 95 hp and 17.8 kgf·m, it reaches 0 to 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds (compared to 10.5 s for the Polo). The onboard computer registered good consumption of 10.7 kWh/100 km.
The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) demonstrated good calibration and ease of use, functioning well in lane centering. In curves, the steering could be more communicative. A positive highlight is the assistant that reduces the turning diameter at low speeds to aid in maneuvers.
The prices for the Arcfox T1 are from R$ 129,990 to R$ 139,900.
Omoda & Jaecco SUV Coupe
With redesigned grille and bumper, as well as new taillights and 18-inch wheels, the compact SUV coupe from Omoda & Jaecco has dimensions close to mid-size models, thanks to a wheelbase of 2,630 mm, length of 4,424 mm, and a trunk capacity of 372 L. The main innovation is the front electric motor, which delivers 210 hp and 29.4 kgfm. There are two battery options: 50.6 kWh in the Elite version and 60.9 kWh in the Prestige version. Fast charging can reach 130 kW, allowing travel from 30% to 80% in 16 minutes (the process from 20% to 100% takes over two hours on fast chargers).
Internally, the most significant change is in the dashboard, which received a new command organization, an 8.8-inch instrument panel, and a 15.6-inch multimedia center. The gear lever is located on the steering column, freeing up space in the center console. The vehicle also features a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 540-degree view camera. The top-of-the-line version features front seats with electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage.
The safety package includes seven airbags and 15 driver assistance features, grouped in the ADAS 2.5 system. These features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and collision avoidance assistance.
In urban traffic, the vehicle stands out for its silence and immediate response to the accelerator, a characteristic of all electric vehicles. The light steering facilitates maneuvers and provides smooth driving. The suspensions absorb road imperfections well. On a trip from São Paulo to Serra do Japi, it was confirmed that the focus is on comfort, without exaggeration, while the engine excelled in quick responses that aided overtaking. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.
Prices range between R$ 159,990 and R$ 184,990.
