Filed under: Biodiesel, Diesel, PSA, Citroen
click to see a high-resolution gallery of the C-CrosserWe've told you about the Citroën C-Crosser before, and
noted back in October 2006 that you'd be able to put B30 into the tank with Citroën's blessing. Well, if you've been awaiting your chance to grab one of these off the lot, today's the day. The C-Crosser is now on sale in the UK. You'll have to keep waiting (forever) for a chance to buy the crazy
six-wheeled Cruise-Crosser, though.
Prices for the C-Crosser range from £22,790 to £25,490, and the 2.2HDi common rail diesel engine (with six-speed manual gearbox) will get driver "nearly 40mpg" on the combined cycle while emitting "as little as 191g/km of CO2." So, do you think this SUV is green enough? Or is it just headed in the right direction?
More details in the release after the jump.
[Source: Citroën]
Stylish, Practical and Environmentally-Friendly - The New Citroën C-CrosserCitroën's first ever SUV, the C-Crosser, is now available in showrooms across the country.
The four-wheel drive C-Crosser breaks new ground for the Company, combining distinctive Citroën qualities - strong styling, practicality and sound green engineering - to provide buyers with a sleek, spacious, robust and comfortable car with a flexible seating lay-out and a new, clean, fuel efficient HDi diesel engine with a Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS).
The C-Crosser will be offered in two well-specified trim levels - VTR+ and Exclusive. Both models feature automatic air conditioning, six airbags, alarm, a 5+2 seating configuration, 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.
And it's into a healthy marketplace that the C-Crosser arrives. 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.
The arrival of the C-Crosser represents the beginning of a new chapter in Citroën's often overlooked history of producing vehicles with off-road capability. These have included 4x4 versions of the BX, Méhari and 2CV as well as the current Berlingo XTR+ enhanced traction light commercial vehicle, not to mention the Company's dominant World Rallying credentials and futuristic four wheel drive concepts like the C-Buggy.
At the front, its style is distinctly Citroën. The design and detail, from the signature badging to the chrome trim, work together to create an image that emphasises style, class and solidity. With its expressive, chevron-embellished bonnet, sloping roofline and eye-catching headlamps, the C-Crosser presents a non-aggressive design for the SUV market. The look is complemented by the high waistline, curvaceous wings and chunky wheel arches that house the distinctive two-tone alloys.
On the inside there is a continuation of the exacting standards with high quality, robust materials used throughout. The simple yet stylish dash features smart aluminium trim and a special soft finish, whilst all occupants benefit from the ergonomically designed seats and, on Exclusive models, luxurious leather upholstery.
Perfectly highlighting Citroën's penchant for functionality and innovation, both models feature a flexible 5+2 seating configuration. Making it easy to exit the third row seats, or to reconfigure the boot lay-out, 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.
When it comes to luggage, the maximum boot capacity stands at a useful 510 litres with five seats in place, or a massive 1,686 litres with all the rear seats folded away. For added convenience, the lower section of the C-Crosser's two-piece tailgate can be dropped down to lower the sill to 600mm. Once down, it also doubles as a handy bench, supporting loads of up to 200kg.
The C-Crosser is a responsible alternative for 4x4 buyers who are also looking for a vehicle that minimises its impact on the environment. It is equipped with a fuel-efficient, low emission 2.2HDi common rail diesel engine fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Boasting nearly 40mpg on the combined cycle, the powerplant emits as little as 191g/km of CO2. Particle emissions are reduced to virtually immeasurable levels thanks to the advanced DPFS, while it can also run on 30% bio-diesel without any modification.
As for performance, this state-of-the-art engine produces an impressive 280lb.ft of torque at just 2000rpm as well as 156bhp (CEE). This powers the C-Crosser from 0 to 62mph in under 10 seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph.
With three different driving modes available, selected using a simple control next to the gear lever, the C-Crosser driving experience is as flexible as its seating lay-out. Its frugal performance is helped by its ability to travel in permanent two-wheel drive (2WD mode), keeping fuel usage and CO2 emissions to a minimum.
When the conditions become more challenging, drivers can opt to use four-wheel drive (4WD mode), giving the C-Crosser improved stability, while the full LOCK mode is designed to help in very low grip conditions like mud, snow and ice. This 4WD arrangement is managed via an electronically controlled clutch located in front of the back axle.
Produced in conjunction with leading 4x4 specialist Mitsubishi, the C-Crosser strikes an ideal balance between comfort and performance, as has come to be expected of Citroën cars. The marque's engineers refined the steering, running gear and suspension, while the fitting of additional soundproofing and special Michelin tyres further enhances the driving experience.
Safety is a high priority, hence the standard fitting of six airbags along with ABS, EBD and ESP with traction control. Combined with the rigid bodyshell, these help to provide very high levels of occupant protection. To minimise pedestrian injury, the C-Crosser has been engineered to ensure that there is suitable cushioning between the panels and the internal structure, allowing them to deform easily on impact.
Citroën UK's managing director Xavier Duchemin commented: "The C-Crosser will add a new dimension to the already diverse Citroën range and ensures that we have a vehicle to suit all our customer needs, whether it be an SUV, an executive saloon, a compact MPV or a supermini."
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