First look: French unveil Outlander clones

PEUGEOT and Citroen have released images of their Mitsubishi Outlander-based off-roaders – called the 4007 and C-Crosser.

Citroen importer, Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd, has confirmed the C-Crosser is "under consideration" for a late 2008 launch but Peugeot spokesman, Mathew McAuley, said although Peugeot would love to have the 4007 in its local lineup there had been no firm commitment to the car.

Key to the Outlander clones is a PSA-developed 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre HDi turbo-diesel mated to a six-speed manual, which will be offered in both the 4007 and C-Crosser that can also run on 30 per cent bio-diesel.

Both will also be available in five or seven-seat guises.

So far, Mitsubishi has only confirmed a four-cylinder and V6 Outlander variant for Australia, but the use of a joint-venture turbo-diesel has some appeal.

The Outlander 125kW/226Nm MIVEC 2.4-litre four goes on sale next month, with the 150kW/352Nm V6 arriving early next year.

Mitsubishi has committed to building 30,000 4007s and C-Crossers annually for the PSA Group.

Each French car-maker has grafted a new grille on to the Japanese-sourced wagon, with varying degrees of visual success.

Citroen claims the C-Crosser is "instantly recognisable" as a Citroen with the "dramatic" positioning of the chrome chevrons prominent in the grille.

The 4007 front-end is less resolved, with a huge open-mouth grille reminiscent of other Peugeot products and headlights running along the top of the mudguards.

Like the Outlander suspensions on both French cars is MacPherson up front and multi-link axles at the back, with 18-inch alloys.

The 4007 and C-Crosser will also have three drive settings: four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive and a lock setting recommended for low-grip conditions.

Not surprisingly, both also mimic the Outlander's physical dimensions with the C-Crosser being 4640mm long, 1810mm wide and 1730mm high including roof bars while it sits on a 2670mm wheelbase.

The French car-makers are expected to unveil the cars at the Geneva motor show in March, with European sales starting in July.