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

We move from testing a saloon with four-wheel drive to one of those SUVs that are now proliferating on our roads. This time we analyse a crossover that shares its platform with the Peugeot 4007 and the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Citroën C-Crosser. These three SUVs are the result of an agreement between the Japanese brand and PSA, whereby each brand has its own SUV with only the aesthetic features and a few other details changed.

Therefore the information on engine and interior space is fully applicable to the Peugeot 4007 and the Mitsubishi Outlander, since all three use the same engines and share the same interior, except for the steering wheel logo, which changes depending on the brand. The C-Crosser is a seven-seater as standard, with two additional seats that fold away in the boot floor and are practical when needed (we will go into more depth about the seven seats and the interior space later). So we are dealing with an SUV of considerable dimensions, not very suitable for daily use in the city.

Engine and performance

The engine range of the Citroën C-Crosser is limited to just two options: a 2.4 petrol engine producing 170 CV and a 2.2 HDi turbodiesel producing 156 CV (although the Outlander renames the diesel engine, it is still the same HDi unit built by PSA). As is to be expected, the HDi engine accounts for most sales, since the petrol version is only likely to be attractive in an occasional special offer (as the Outlander has had); otherwise, the diesel is the better choice in terms of performance.

The 2.2 HDi 156 CV engine is very pleasant to use and above all has plenty of power, with a very generous torque of 380 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The engine responds from 1,500 rpm and pushes forcefully considering the weight of the C-Crosser. It has a shorter first gear to get the C-Crosser out of tricky situations without having to rely heavily on the clutch, and it is in second and third gear that the strong push of the HDi engine is really felt.

Performance is quite good, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h (more than acceptable for an SUV). The engine is not very noisy and the cabin insulation is also good, so on the motorway at 2,500 rpm (where it responds best) we travel comfortably inside the cabin. As for the gearbox, a six-speed manual, since we are dealing with an SUV of considerable size and weight (1,800 kg), we need to work the gearbox quite a lot, especially on country roads or in town.

The handling of the Citroën C-Crosser has no real drawbacks; it is quite composed (better than other SUVs on the market), and as long as we do not exceed the legal limits we will keep the car firmly under control. Otherwise, we will notice that it can sway somewhat (completely normal), which is usually corrected thanks to the ESP. Speaking of ESP and traction control, it should be pointed out that when pulling away in 4×2 mode it tends to slide if we do so abruptly (this is normally corrected by the traction control), but if we engage 4×4 Auto, for example, the problem is resolved.

One detail we noticed is how soft the steering was, and as for the brakes (discs on all four wheels), they do their job well, but if we abuse them on slopes we must bear in mind that we are dealing with a large SUV with considerable weight, so the braking system may suffer on long descents or if we overuse it. One feature we miss is hill descent control, which could be very useful for the C-Crosser if we decide to take it off-road.

For travelling it is very comfortable inside, and we can cover long distances in the C-Crosser without any problem. It always maintains good interior comfort, and the suspension keeps the ride comfortable while also responding well on the road. Another area where the C-Crosser stands out is fuel consumption. The Citroën C-Crosser is one of the SUVs with the lowest consumption on the market when compared with others of similar power (for example the Opel Antara). On the motorway, with the C-Crosser at around 110 km/h, you can easily obtain an average of 7 l/100 km, and on country roads consumption also remains good for an SUV, at around 8.5 – 9 litres per 100 km. As I mentioned at the beginning, the city is not its ideal habitat, and there, in addition to its dimensions, which do not make manoeuvring around town easy, consumption also rises to around 13 litres per 100 km.

Off-road behaviour

Within the C-Crosser’s behaviour we have to talk about how it performs in the countryside or on difficult terrain. As always, we must point out that it is an SUV, and in this case the C-Crosser does not have hill descent control (which would be very useful given its weight for going down difficult terrain). However, it should be highlighted that it has a gearbox with a very short first gear that makes it easier to climb steep slopes or cross difficult terrain without having to rely too much on the clutch, and it must be said that it has plenty of power to spare (380 Nm).

As for the four-wheel drive system, it is operated by Mitsubishi; through a dial you can select three drive modes: 4×2 (front-wheel drive), 4×4 Auto (which distributes power automatically between all four wheels) and 4×4 Lock (which splits power 50/50 between the two axles, mimicking a low-range transfer case). The four-wheel drive system uses multi-plate clutches, operating mostly as front-wheel drive and engaging the rear axle when grip is lost.

Therefore, for travelling on tracks and areas where we need a more capable 4×4, it performs its function perfectly, and on areas with tricky grip it also remains reliable. However, it must be remembered that we are dealing with an SUV that has neither a low-range gearbox nor a limited-slip differential.

During the test we took it along tracks and sandy areas where it moved without complications, and we also took it up into the hills along not too difficult trails, but care must be taken with the underbody, which, although it is protected, has only simple protection. In the next part of the test we will review the interior space: a comfortable cabin for travelling, with plenty of room for five occupants.

Photos | David Taboada§h76§