Citroën C-Crosser 2.2 HDi 156 CV road test (Part III)

We conclude with the road test of the Citroën C-Crosser, an SUV that is a sibling of the Peugeot 4007 and the Mitsubishi Outlander, differing only in some badges and front and rear design details. We have already talked about the handling and the 156 hp 2.2 HDi engine of the C-Crosser (an engine it shares with its two siblings) and we have also looked at the size and the MPV-style solutions the C-Crosser offers.

So, to finish the test of this SUV, all that remains is to discuss price, equipment and overall verdict. Before we get into the final part of the Citroën C-Crosser test, I invite you to stay tuned for the road tests this month, because, just as we did with the convertible tests, after testing two SUVs we have gone for a top-of-the-range SUV. Returning to the price of the C-Crosser, it sits within the normal range for the segment, with a starting price of €36,670 (including a €2,000 promotion), currently available only with the diesel engine and the Exclusive trim.

Test:Citroen C-Crosser 2.2 HDi 156 CV from Highmotor on Vimeo.

So this is not an expensive car. In fact, our unit came as standard (with only the sunroof as an extra), and its equipment was very complete. The only thing missing was the navigation pack, rear-view camera and premium sound system, because if you plan to travel with the C-Crosser, that pack is recommended. The navigation system works very well and offers useful features, such as detailed fuel consumption and other vehicle information. All this extra equipment is the only other option available, and it costs €2,400.

Equipment

First, the safety equipment, which, as one would expect in a car costing more than €30,000, is very complete, with features such as: 6 airbags (front, front side and curtain airbags for the front and rear seats), ESP + ASR, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, and xenon headlights with headlamp washers, all as standard.

Looking at the Euro NCAP test, the Citroën C-Crosser was not submitted for testing, but its sibling, the Outlander, obtained four stars in the Euro NCAP test. It can be said that it is a safe car, although in the frontal impact some dashboard elements could cause considerable injury to the front passenger, which explains that result. However, in the side impact test it achieved the maximum score, according to Euro NCAP.

Continuing with the comfort equipment: as I mentioned earlier, for €36,670 you get practically everything included: radio with MP3, xenon lights, leather upholstery, electric seats, air conditioning, electric and heated mirrors, among other features. So with this equipment, the only recommended addition, especially if you are going to travel with it, would be the navigation system, along with other interesting extras such as the rear-view camera or the 710 W premium sound system, all for €2,400.

Overall verdict

Before giving the overall verdict on the Citroën C-Crosser, I want to highlight what might lead you to choose one of the three sibling models. That is, if they are identical in handling and space, which one should you choose? There are two factors to consider: first, the engine range, which on the Citroën has now been reduced to a single diesel, with no petrol options, or the price of certain promotions, such as the one the Outlander had associated with the petrol engine. But if you are looking for the diesel engine, the only thing that will differentiate the models is the design and personal taste in colours.

Moving on to the overall verdict of the Citroën C-Crosser, the first thing to highlight is its space. We are dealing with an MPV with the option of heading into the countryside, on tracks where a normal MPV would not get through, and with the reliability of a four-wheel-drive system from Mitsubishi. Perhaps what struck me most is the number of storage spaces and the room it offers, and how comfortably one travels in the C-Crosser.

On the downside, if you are looking for an urban SUV, this is not the right one: its dimensions are not ideal for the city and its engine (which has plenty of power and is quite economical in consumption considering the overall package) becomes very thirsty. As for off-road capability, it is a car for introducing you to rough terrain: it is more capable than some SUVs in difficult areas, but it is not a true off-roader.

So, the space and the engine, which is powerful and frugal, are its strong points. As for city ability, I am one of those who believe that a four-wheel-drive SUV for the city is a waste of money: there are smaller models, even cheaper ones, that do that job better. That is not the orientation of the C-Crosser. On the road and on long trips, however, it will be a good companion. As for equipment, it is quite complete and offers a good price-to-equipment ratio.

Photos | David Taboada