It's amazing really that it has taken this long for the PSA Group (Peugeot/Citroen) to produce an off-roader, especially given the huge popularity of the SUV now. Admittedly, neither company sells cars in the USA (for the moment), which traditionally has been the main driver of this segment. Nonetheless, we now have the first pictures and initial details.
Though distinctively styled at the front (
click here to see the Citroen C-Crosser), the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C-Crosser share rear-end styling and mechanicals. Indeed, you may think you've seen this pretty derrière before and you'd be right; PSA tied up with Mitsubishi on the design and production of this car and the
Outlander is Mitsubishi's version.
The French cars will be available with the new 2.2-litre HDi turbodiesel engine producing 156bhp. As standard, it is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and the car has four-wheel drive. Peugeot is quick to point out that this system is to aid on-road dynamics rather than intended to allow buyers to carry out serious off-roading. The driver can select between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive and can even press a button to lock the differentials for really low grip situations.
Up to seven passengers can be accommodated in three rows of seats. The rear most row can be folded away under the floor while the second row tilts, splits and slides to allow owners to maximise either leg room or boot space. The boot door itself splits horizontally, with the lower section hinged at the bottom to provide a platform for loading or a seat.
No prices have been announced as yet, but it's clear that the 4007 will be more expensive than the
Peugeot 407 SW and we think that the C-Crosser will be on a par with the Citroen C6. The first UK buyers will take delivery in the summer next year, but we should see the new cars at a
motorshow before that.
Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Oct 2006