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Citroën’s first ever SUV, the C-Crosser, is now available in showrooms across the country.
Citroën claims that the four-wheel drive C-Crosser is ‘Environmentally-Friendly’ – however it cannot quite manage 40mpg, which is well short of the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Compass and the imminent BMW X3 , all which can stretch 43.5 miles on one gallon of diesel. The 2.2HDi common rail diesel engine emits 191g/km of CO2, and it does have a Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS), which means that particle emissions are reduced to virtually immeasurable levels, and perhaps most significantly, it can also run on 30% bio-diesel without any modification. While it may not be the most economical 4×4, it can reach 62mph in under 10 seconds and progress to a top speed of 124mph.
There are three different driving modes available: permanent two-wheel drive (2WD mode); four-wheel drive (4WD mode), giving the C-Crosser improved stability; and the full LOCK mode, designed to help in very low grip conditions like mud, snow and ice.
Despite various anti-4×4 campaigns, Citroën are keen to point out that since 2000, registrations of 4x4s in the UK have increased by 55%, so that by the end of 2006 they represented 7.5% of the total car market.
And Citroën also wants to remind people that the company has produced vehicles with off-road capability before, including 4×4 versions of the BX, Méhari and 2CV as well as the current Berlingo XTR+ enhanced traction light commercial vehicle.
The C-Crosser will be offered in two trim levels – VTR+ and Exclusive. Both models feature a 5+2 seating configuration. Two buttons located internally next to the rear wheel arches allow the second row seats to be electronically folded forwards. The two occasional use seats in the rear can be cleverly folded away under the floor, while the second row of seating also slides and reclines for greater comfort.
Both models feature automatic air conditioning, six airbags, alarm, cruise control, automatic headlamps, ABS and ESP with traction control as standard, while the Exclusive adds leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, 18” alloys and a 6 CD autochanger. Recommended retail prices are £22,790 for the VTR+ and £25,490 for the Exclusive.
