Peugeot 4007 / Citroën C-Crosser test

Intro: French touch

The wait for a true French 4X4 is finally over. Cousins of Mitsubishi’s Outlander, they enter a segment of the market that is on the rise. Even though in France the progression of this segment is real, in Italy and in Spain it has yet to reach the same level. Test driving one is to test drive the other, the only difference to be found is in the aesthetics and today we will differentiate the two.

Esthetique: A question of taste

First there is the front end. This angle shows the differences more than any other. Each has its own radiator grill and here at Motors TV we fancied the C-Crosser. At the back, the differences are harder to spot, chrome trim for the 4007 versus single tone paint for the Citroen, which has diode style break lights.

And from the side matters become a bit more complicated...the wheels are the best way to distinguish one from the other, despite the fact the Citroen badge can be noticed on the rear door.

As we said, the not overly attractive and unimaginative Mitsubishi Outlander was the base for both and some desperately needed creativity had to be added. For Peugeot it takes the form of the in your face front end that is found on all Pugs. It has an allure much closer to a raised estate than a traditional SUV. Massive, not really elegant...but its all a question of taste and colour.

Citroen’s C-Crosser has a more refined front end and a more stylish and innovative design...but beyond that it isn’t guaranteed these two SUVS will standout against the likes of Toyota’s RAV 4or a Freelander 2.

The modularity of the interior was well thought out, the boot’s tailgate is a smart idea when it comes to loading...and there’s easy access to two small rear seats stowed in the floorboard

And there are other nifty bits borrowed from the Outlander: the rear view camera, the onboard computer and the touch screen GPS.

The rest of the interior is all Mitsubishi. Only the logo on the steering wheel lets you know you are in a 4007 or C-Crosser. There is plenty of legroom for back seat passengers...the plastic touches aren’t great but the overall package is correct.

Motorization: Just one diesel

Under the bonnet is the famous 156 brake horsepower 2.2 HDi, which is just a tick louder in the Peugeot than the Citroen, which can be attributed to a better quality sound proofing in the C-Crosser. It is this sort of detail that separate the two, or rather let one standout more than the other.

On the road: Robust

These two French vehicles come up with a differential...enough for a jaunt on dirt road or trail but not enough to take on any serious obstacle or any steep climbs. There isn’t much suspension travel and very quickly it can become uncomfortable. Be that as it may it is plenty safe.

They are also identical when you get on the road. The driving position is correct. Rolling effects can easily be controlled as long as it’s done smoothly. On the other hand, the gear lever sticks a little. The diesel engine is a perfect fit and overall one does feel at home aboard.

To create two French SUVs is a daring wager in the face of stiff competition. The 4007 and C-Crosser will have to fight and it is a question of taste when it comes to choosing one from the other.