Car Statistics: Citroen - C-Crosser Series 07 (3 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

The looks won't be to everyone's taste, but we found them appealing. Let's face it, there are plenty of ditchwater-dull SUVs and it's good to stand out.

Handling (4 stars)

Taut body control and well-weighted steering helped the C-Crosser put in an impressive performance (for an SUV) on twisty roads.

Comfort (3 stars)

Suspension that sometimes struggles to soak up bumps and dips in the road, and somewhat intrusive wind and tyre roar at high speeds are concerns. They're not huge ones though, and we'd have no worries about driving a long journey in the C-Crosser.

Quality (2 stars)

The trim and cabin materials are in danger of letting this car down, particularly as it's priced at the top end of the SUV segment. Japanese Mitsubishi engineering should help to ensure reliability, though.

Performance (3 stars)

There's no great urgency from the 2.2 litre turbodiesel engine but its 156bhp maximum power is sufficient for most tasks and with 280lb ft torque,

Roominess (4 stars)

Plenty of space for luggage and a family, but three adults would struggle for leg and shoulder room on the rear seats. The two fold out jump seats are for really for kids only.

Costs (3 stars)

A claimed fuel economy of 38.4mpg isn't bad for a car of this type, and the C-Crosser will genuinely return that on road without the driver having to drive like a vicar. However, as with most SUVs, tax and fuel will cost more than a conventional saloon or estate.

Value (2 stars)

Considering this is an Outlander underneath it's hard for Citroen to justify the higher price, even if it the C-Crosser does come with more equipment. Class-leading models like the Toyota RAV-4 and Land Rover Freelander cost less.

Stereo (4 stars)

We really like Citroen's new generation sat nav system, which is as attractive to look at it as it is easy to use. Stereo sounded fine, too.