The C-Crosser's power comes from a variation of the 2.2-litre diesel engine found in the C5 and C6 models. Power has been reduced to 154bhp, but pulling power is pumped up to 280lb ft. There's a good amount of urge away from a standing start, but it's the C-Crosser's on-the-move flexibility that impresses more.

Even Citroen admits that the C-Crosser isn't a proper off-roader. Instead, its engineers have concentrated on the car's road manners, and to good effect. The Citroen leans less than most compact 4x4s when you travel round a fast bend, and the steering is well weighted, if a bit short on feedback. The ride is firm, but it's well controlled and never uncomfortable.

Whether you're accelerating hard or cruising gently down the motorway, the C-Crosser's diesel engine stays impressively smooth and quiet. Wind and road noise are a bit more audible at speed, but neither is bad enough to really test your patience on a long journey.

With prices starting at almost £23,000, the C-Crosser isn't cheap. However, Citroen dealers aren't shy about giving discounts, so expect thousands off that. Resale values won't be sensational, but running costs are reasonable. The car returns 39.2mpg on the standard 16-inch wheels, and 38.7mpg on the Exclusive car's 18-inch rims.

The Mitsubishi connection is easy to see in the C-Crosser's build. There's a bit of a functional, no-frills feeling to the cabin, but the materials are hardy and the assembly is solid throughout. We don't expect the C-Crosser to experience many mechanical problems. Citroen has upped its game in recent reliability surveys, and Mitsubishi's involvement should make it more robust.

The C-Crosser's part- or full-time four-wheel-drive system gives plenty of grip in all conditions, and stability control on every model gives extra confidence. All models have six airbags, too. An alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks are provided to keep your car safe from thieves.

It's easy to make yourself comfortable in the driver's seat of the C-Crosser, even though the steering wheel only adjusts for height. There's plenty of seat adjustment to compensate. The high driving position gives a pretty good view out, too. The dash is neat and uncluttered, and the switchgear is clearly marked and well placed.

Use the C-Crosser as a five-seater, and you won't be disappointed. There's oodles of space in the cabin, and the two sections of the rear bench slide and recline individually. There's a decent boot with a handy split tailgate, too. Two more seats are stowed under the boot floor, but they should only be used as a last resort: head- and leg space are miniscule, and boot capacity falls to almost nothing when they're in place.

Even if you go for the entry-level C-Crosser, you won't be left wanting for much in the way of equipment. All cars have the two extra seats and the split tailgate, and other equipment includes climate control, alloy wheels, cruise control and automatic headlamps. Exclusive models add bigger alloy wheels, leather upholstery, an electric driver's seat and xenon headlamps with power washers.