New French 4x4s in '7' Heaven

There hasn't been a proper French SUV for years - and then two come along at once. Exclusive images in this week's magazine reveal the dynamic duo from Peugeot and Citroen, expected to be called the 707 and C7 respectively.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Matt Joy

23rd March 2005

Developed in conjunction with off-road expert Mitsubishi - its version will be the next-generation Outlander - the cars are designed to tap into the boom in urban crossover vehicles.

The styling includes typical SUV features, such as chunky wheelarches, large alloys and a high bonnet line. Each car will have a separate identity and, as our pictures show, will get the current family noses. That means a deep grille on the Peugeot and a double-chevron air intake on the Citroen.

But the off-road styling won't just be for show; the models will get four-wheel drive, and may also come with a separate low-ratio gearbox. The mechanicals will be based on a Mitsubishi-developed integrated body structure, rather than a separate chassis. That should mean car-like refinement and ride quality.
Meanwhile, PSA - the French pair's parent firm - will provide much of the drivetrain technology, giving the SUVs a wide range of powerful diesel engines and transmission options. Petrol units are likely to come from Mitsubishi, and performance versions are a possibility.

Set to rival the likes of Land Rover's Freelander, the Mitsubishi variant will debut at October's Tokyo Motor Show. A premiere for the French cars hasn't yet been confirmed, but UK sales for all three models should begin in 2007.