Citroen C-Crosser

Citroen's first 4x4 goes green

Citroen is plugging into hybrid technology for its new C-Crosser, and it hopes the car will have such low CO2 emissions, it will change the public view of off-roaders.

Due on sale this summer, the C-Crosser will be the firm's first SUV. It could become Citroen's first dual-fuel model, too, although the hybrid HDi version probably won't hit showrooms until 2008 at the earliest.


Citroen concept chief Emmanuel Lafaury said: "We are doing a lot of research into hybrid technology because we think it's ideal for off-road vehicles. There's room to put the electric engine in the back and it's a good solution for 4x4s in the future. It proves to people that, just because a car can go anywhere, it doesn't have to be dirty or harmful to the environment."

Parent company PSA is already well advanced in its development of the diesel hybrid powertrains for smaller cars, and has built an off-road vehicle using an adaptation of the system.

The six-wheel Cruise Crosser pick-up - seen at March's Geneva Motor Show, and driven this week on Page 26 - borrows heavily from Citroen's new production SUV, and uses a 20kW electric motor to drive its rearmost axle. This works in conjunction with a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine.

Meanwhile, Honda is set to launch two hybrids in 2009. UK boss Ken Keir confirmed there will be a new petrol-electric family saloon. Although an Accord successor will also be unveiled that year, Honda sources say the new hybrid will be a smaller car, to replace the current Civic IMA.

The second model will be an affordable coupé. It will be a spiritual successor to the CR-X of the Nineties and, according to Keir, will resemble the REMIX concept revealed at last year's Los Angeles Motor Show.

With its elegant proportions (4.64 m long, 1.81 m wide and 1.71 m high with roof bars), rearward-flowing roof line, high waistline and curvaceous wings, the C Crosser’s profile exudes vitality and robustness. The SUV’s sporty looks are underscored by the shape of the headlamps, which extend up the bonnet following the flow of the wheel arches.

The rear styling of the C-Crosser is equally dynamic, robust and sophisticated. The wraparound rear bumper is perfectly integrated with the wheel arches, giving the car a powerful, assertive look. The rear features a chrome strip giving it an elegant aspect. The lights also mix style and functionality. They boast high-tech design, with LEDs on the position and stop lights, while providing optimal lighting and low energy consumption.




The C-Crosser features easy-to-use modular design. Occupants can make interior changes both quickly and effortlessly. With its occasional two-seater bench in row three, the vehicle can seat up to seven passengers. The bench folds away completely into the floor for a perfectly flat and impressively capacious loading surface.

Boot volume under the parcel shelf is among the largest in the category: 510 litres in 5-seater configuration (with row 3 folded away). With all the back seats folded away, boot capacity totals 1,686 litres. Another C-Crosser strong point is its split-opening tailgate.trim create a harmonious, quality feel right down to the smallest detail.

The C-Crosser cabin features a total of 22 stowage compartments, sized and designed with passengers and practicality in mind.

Also, the dynamic styling of the C-Crosser exterior continues inside the vehicle. Each function on the purely designed dashboard is clearly displayed and intuitive to use. The grain and soft paint of the dashboard, the special seat upholstery and the luxury door-panel.