2012 & 2011 Citroen SUV Reviews & Ratings

French auto manufacturer Citroen has always been known for its impressive SUV models and high-quality commercial vans. Where it has been lacking, one could argue, is in the SUV department. Though Citroen has produced one SUV to-date, the small crossover C-Crosser, previously known as the C7 (2007-present), it hasn't really entered the market with a mid-size or full-size traditional SUV. However, this year, Citroen will produce a more traditional SUV, the 2012 Citroen C4 Aircross. This SUV didn't naturally progress, however, it was adapted from Citroen's working partner, Mitsubishi. The Aircross has yet to premiere on the brand's website, but we should be seeing its production on a global level fairly soon. As for the C-Crosser, it's available now.

The 2012 C-Crosser crossover SUV comes in several different trims/models, including the C-Crosser 2.4-Liter 16V Style, the C-Crosser 2.4-Liter 16V Tendance, the C-Crosser 2.4-Liter 16V Exclusive CVT, the C-Crosser HDi 155 FAP Exclusive, the C-Crosser Hi 155 FAP Tendance, and the C-Crosser HDi 155 FAP Exclusive DCS. This year's Crosser competes with such vehicles as the BMW X3 and the Land Rover Discovery. The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander and Peugeot 4007 are very similar to the C-Crosser SUV, but if you're a die-hard Citroen fan, the C-Crosser may be the vehicle for you. Just keep in mind that the Outlander offers all-wheel-drive, which is sometimes cheaper to maintain.

The C-Crosser gets excellent ratings as far as safety and security are concerned, as it includes a 4WD system, standard stability control, six airbags, an immobilizer, and an alarm. The starting price range for the C-Crosser is around £25,660 - £28,185, and drivers will be looking at about £15 per every 100 miles of fuel. The C-Crosser's sleek looks help it to stay above the competition, but its third row is basically unsuitable for passengers, so, better limit it to five instead of seven.

Onto the big news of 2012: the new Citroen C4 Aircross compact SUV, the first of its kind for the auto manufacturer. The Aircross SUV basically represents Mitsubishi's takeover of the Citroen SUV segment, as it is basically the same as the Mitsubishi ASX (and the Peugeot 4008), in slightly different packaging. The Aircross features a 1.8-liter diesel engine that produces 150 horsepower, or your choice of the 1.6-liter turbo diesel, or the 115 horsepower 1.6-liter gasoline engine. For non-European markets, the Aircross SUV come with an available 2.0-liter gasoline engine that produces 150 horsepower and features front-wheel-drive, while other engines can be combined with variable AWD. Three operating modes with be available: 2WD, 4WD or standard.

The standard Citroen C4 Aircross engine will use a five-speed manual transmission, while the diesel engine will use a six-speed manual transmission. The load volume will be the same for all models, however, and is listed at 442 liters. While prices are not yet available, we're hoping that they will be more cost-efficient that the current C-Crosser, which is often considered slightly overpriced. Either way, the Aircross SUV holds a lot of promise, and we can't wait to see more!