Citroen C-Crosser

Despite Citroën’s extensive range of models is strange to think that up until now, the French manufacturer has never actually produced a proper 4x4. They’ve missed out on fast-growing SUV sales across the world but things have changed with the arrival of the stunningly-styled Citroën C-Crosser, which you can see and test drive at Brooklyn Citroën in Redditch and Kidderminster now.

Citroën and partners Peugeot have teamed up with Mitsubishi to share the costs of a joint venture that has resulted in a product platform that has spawned Mitsubishi’s Outlander, Peugeot’s 4007 and the vehicle we look at here, the Citroën C-Crosser. Although building a 4x4 with no real heritage to fall back on might represent something of a gamble for Citroën, the way that the company has dipped its toe into the water is really very smart. Naturally we’ll have to wait and see how the public takes to this vehicle but if Citroën can count on one thing, it’s a very strong dealer network that consistently comes up with clever ways to incentivise sales.

The C-Crosser is being offered in two trim levels – VTR+ and Exclusive - with a long list of standard features including six airbags, an alarm, automatic headlamps, sliding and reclining second row seats, ABS, ESP, cruise control and automatic air conditioning. Recommended retail prices are £22,790 for the VTR+ and £25,490 for the Exclusive.

It’s indicative of quite what a ‘toe in the water’ approach this is when you consider that there’s only one engine offered. It is a very good engine, but Citroën often comes to market with a barrage of petrol and diesel powerplants in all manner of trims hoping that there will be something for everyone.

The C-Crosser is different. The sole unit offered is a 2.2-litre diesel that’s good for 156bhp and 280lb/ft on torque and is even capable of running on a 30 per cent mixture of diesel biofuel without resort to modification. The engine has been modified from that found in the 407 saloon range to offer additional lugging power but much of the basic architecture is the same - which is no bad thing.

The C-Crosser is nominally a five seater although there are a pair of occasional seats in the back that will allow it to carry seven. This modular design allows seating changes to be made rapidly and when folded there’s a flat loading floor. The split rear tailgate features a lower section that can fold down and hold 200kg, making an impromptu seat for al fresco snacking.

The C-Crosser is something of a departure for Citroën but it deserves to do well. Pragmatists will take it for what it is – a well-styled, decently built modern compact 4x4 that’s offered at competitive price. The C-Crosser represents a toe in the water by Citroën and it makes a lot of sense to adopt this approach. It’s not going to revolutionise the 4x4 market in the UK but it should do enough to prompt Citroën to an even bolder move next time.

You can see Citroën’s impressive all-new C-Crosser 4x4 at Brooklyn Motors Citroën on Worcester Road in Kidderminster, DY10 1HY. Call their sales team on 01562 823660. You can also check out the Citroën C-Crosser at Brooklyn Motors on Birmingham Road , Redditch, B97 6RH. Find out more by calling the Redditch sales team on 01527 63636 .