The C-Crosser is a seven-seater with plenty of space. Developed jointly by the PSA Citroen/Peugeot group and Mitsibushi, it will be built at the Japanese company's plant.

The Peugeot and Mitsibushi versions have not yet been named but Citroen marketing people are anxious to point out the C-Crosser is instantly recognisable as a Citroen.

Because it is a seven-seater it has a 2.2 turbo-diesel engine which interestingly is a bio-fuel affair. The engine is strictly a PSA production and is ultra clean using 70 per cent diesel and 30 per cent bio-fuel. It produces 156bhp and develops 380 NM torque but fuel figures are said to be low.

The engine will be ready early next year and may also be used in a new C5 plus . . . a saloon version of the C5.

Because it's bio-fuel, the engine may escape the expected crackdown on big SUV vehicles by the government in the next budget.

The new vehicle, due here late 2007, will be at the high end of the SUV market so expect high levels of room, comfort and performance. The C5 Exclusive model sells at 35,700 so prices may be at least 40,000.

The C-Crosser gets 18" wheels.

A Citroen spokesperson said "This is a complete departure for us, our first SUV, so it will be special. The inside arrangements will be comfortable and versatile in the seating/cargo area.

The second and third row of seats fold flat and the boot opens in two sections - the lower end can be used as a picnic seat or support 200kg for extra large loads.