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4x4 Mits The Bill For French

At last, Peugeot and Citroen are getting an SUV - and they're getting it from people who know exactly what they're doing. The French duo's parent company PSA has signed a deal with 4x4 expert Mitsubishi.

By Mat Watson

02nd February 2005

Details about the two new machines remain a closely guarded secret, but a spokeswoman for PSA revealed they would be based on the replacement for the Japanese firm's Shogun Pinin, which is pictured above. She added: "This tie-up will allow us to enter a completely new market, but the vehicle will be developed so it is in keeping with our own product range."

Joint ventures aren't a new thing for PSA; the Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 - to be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show - are built in conjunction with Toyota. But while PSA can't yet show its model, Mitsubishi can. Unlike its current crop of 4x4s, the newcomer is a mid-size lifestyle SUV which is designed to appeal to image-conscious urban drivers.

A Mitsubishi spokeswoman said: "We haven't really had a mid-size lifestyle SUV before and want to take advantage of this booming sector. The new model will be tough and sporty, but will move us on in terms of on-road refinement - an area where our present 4x4s have been criticised." And although the as-yet-unnamed vehicle will replace the Pinin, it will be pitched far more upmarket and go head-to-head with the Nissan X-Trail and next-generation Land Rover Freelander. The car will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October and go on sale in Japan at the end of the year, but won't appear in UK dealerships until 2007.

As our picture reveals, it features smoother lines compared to the angular design of Mitsubishi's current off-road range. Also, rather than a separate chassis, it will use a monocoque body construction to ensure a more car-like driving experience. However, Mitsubishi's legendary mud-plugging reputation won't be sacrificed, and the car is likely to feature full-time four-wheel drive plus a low-ratio transfer box.

A choice of diesel and petrol powerplants will be available, while a high-performance variant is a possibility.

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