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In terms of product range, Citroen has an LCV line-up

23rd April 2009, Page 34
23rd April 2009
Page 34
Page 35
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Page 34, 23rd April 2009 — In terms of product range, Citroen has an LCV line-up
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that few can match, with vans cascading down in size from long-wheelbase high-roof 3.5-tonners to tiny passenger hatchback-derived urban runabouts.

Mix this up with various chassis-cabs, enhanced traction editions and body styles, and you have a light commercial for most work occasions. However, not content with the current status quo, Citroen recently added to its allencompassing line-up by removing the rear seats from a passenger vehicle to create its first commercial 4x4.

The vehicle in question is called the C-Crosser Enterprise. and shares its underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Outlander. which also performs the same trick (CM 16 August 2007). as well as Peugeot's 4007— which doesn't.

Originally designed as a lifestyle SUV with four-wheel drive, rather than as a specific off-roader, the C-Crosser's conversion to a CV aims to utilise its selectable all-wheeldrive technology and enhanced payload ability to create a flexible work vehicle that is comfortable on many terrains. Its transmission has three settings, all selected by a shifton-the-fly switch positioned on the dashboard. In normal road conditions, two-wheel drive (of the front wheels) is employed, while off-road, there's the choice of standard four-wheel drive, which automatically splits engine torque between front and rear axles, while lock-up mode sends 1.5 times more torque to the rear axle and is designed for laden running or towing in slippery conditions such as snow and mud.

Power comes from a 2.2-litre HDi engine that pushes out a respectable 156hp and an impressive 380Nm of torque. Linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, the engine also features a diesel particulate filter system to further reduce emissions.

What also grabs your attention is the level of standard equipment that comes with the C-Crosser — the base VTR comes loaded with automatic air-con, electric windows, an MP3-compatible CD player, and an alarm with remote central locking.

While the + model has an adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer and electric heated door mirrors and ESP with traction control, and numerous airbags.

Priced at £16,995 for the standard VTR and moving up to £18,425 for the VTR+, the C-Crosser is not cheap (although Citroen's discounting approach is extremely generous at the moment), but it also has few direct rivals. The Mitsubishi is one, while SsangYong's budget Kyron CS is another.

Productivity Whether it was the aerodynamic design or smooth-operating 2.2-litre engine, the C-Crosser produced a commendable fuel result for a vehicle this size, although it should also be remembered it's fundamentally a light vehicle, with a kerb weight

of 1,667kg.

A laden run achieved 42,1mpg, which failed to match the Mitsubishi Outlander's 44.0mpg (which uses a 2.0-litre engine), although it easily beat the heavier, and admittedly more off-road-oriented, Land Rover Freelander's 33,9mpg.

Things perked up to 45,3mpg when unladen, though still

slightly down on the Mitsubishi's 49.6mpg. IN

In the rear you get a usable 2.3tif load area and a payload of 743kg. The actual load area is well designed, with a completely flat floor and high, arcing roof, which allows good utilisation of the space available. There's further good news with the access, thanks in part to a split tailgate that provides a useful bench to rest equipment on when dropped —very helpful when operating off-road.This is further aided by the rear side doors that allow easy access to the front of the load area and save you having to stretch inside.

The full-height bulkhead is also a welcome feature, which stops loads transferring into the driving compartment. Service intervals arc a competitive (for a 4x4) 20,000 miles, while warranty is 36 months/100,000 miles.

Cab comfort

More car than commercial vehicle inside, the C-Crosser provides a comfortable and well-designed interior that adds to its multi-purpose credentials.

Curves and smooth edges abound with just enough use of light grey over the majority of dark plastics to raise it above 'utilitarian'.

The driving position is comfortable and continues the passenger vehicle theme thanks to a lower-than-your-average-4x4 floor level, which also helps access. That said, however, seat travel is restricted for taller types.

The control layout is simple, and the switches easy to spot. particularly for the heating and radio (the latter is also mounted on the steering wheel). We aren't convinced about the central dials, particularly the speedo, which is hard to read at a glance.

Storage space is well catered for, with usable door bins, a dash-mounted pop-up tray, several central cubbies and a split-level glovebox. And there's also a good word for the build quality, which is noticeably tight and gives the cabin a decent level of insulation from the rigours of the outside world, and this is enhanced by a full-height bulkhead that reduces rear road roar.

On the road

Having a vehicle that aims to satisfy both on and off-road demands inevitably means a loss of overall performance in one or both areas, and we suspect Citroen's objective was to give its C-Crosser a bias towards the blacktop, such is its impressive ability when on this terrain.

There's a lightness to its actions that allows you to hustle it through the corners and over undulations without concern (something that can't be said about similar vehicles with an off-roading bent), although the payoff for this ability comes via the ride, which can be a little taut over more uneven surfaces — the damping level is strong, helping absorb most of the drama.

This trait becomes more apparent when leaving the road, with the Citroen losing out to more traditional 4x4s in terms of ride comfort There's less suspension travel and ground clearance than some, and its tendency to crash into larger potholes won't endear it to 'Ray Mears types'.

Adopting some perspective, it copes admirably enough with your average rough terrain, particularly in Lock-up mode, where it digs in with a good degree of traction.

Adding to the C-Crosser's repertoire is the 2.2-litre engine. With its rangy torque and top-end power, there's more than enough urge on the road, where it pulls away with gusto, as well as on more challenging terrain, where it helps the Citroen to grip and climb with confidence.

Helping you get the best from this is a slick six-speeder that's easily Citroen's hest-performing gearbox we've encountered for a while. With its short throw and precise action, it helps to exploit the engine's potential. •

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People: Ray Mears, Citroen

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