PSA to bring compact crossover twins to Oz

Peugeot and Citroen aim to expand their local market share with new compact crossover SUV models based on the Mitsubishi ASX.

The compact SUV segment is a burgeoning one in Australia, but the two French firms would be without an entrant were it not for Mitsubishi, which already supplies the Outlander-based 4007 to Peugeot. Both Peugeot and Citroen announced their respective versions of the ASX this afternoon, with the Peugeot 4008 due to premiere at next year's Geneva motor show and go on sale during the second quarter of 2012. The Citroen C4 Aircross — so named to avoid confusion with the new C4 due for release here within weeks — will debut around the same time of year.

According to Peugeot's press material, the 4008 will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, touchscreen satnav, a reversing camera and the company's keyless 'Open & Go' system. Measurements are 4.34m in length, 1.8m in width and 1.63m height for both the Peugeot and Citroen variants — very slightly larger all round than the Mitsubishi.

Mechanicals comprise four-cylinder engines mounted transversely to drive to the front wheels, with a part-time 4WD system taking torque to the rear as well. The Citroen is also available with front-drive only variants.

An 85kW 1.6-litre petrol engine produces 152Nm and drives through a five-speed manual transmission and an electronically-controlled part-time 4WD system in the Peugeot. The same engine is also available in the Citroen, but not with the 4WD system, just front-wheel drive.

A 2.0-litre petrol engine is also available, developing 113kW and 198Nm. In addition to the five-speed manual transmission, this engine can be ordered with either the five-speed manual or an optional CVT. Citroen offers this engine and the two transmission options in both front and four-wheel drive, but the Peugeot is 4WD only.

Two diesel engines are available: a 1.6-litre unit generating 82kW and 270Nm (280Nm on overboost) and a 1.8-litre diesel good for 110kW and 300Nm. Both the diesels drive exclusively through six-speed manual boxes. For the Citroen, the two diesels can be ordered in either 2WD or 4WD variants, but Peugeot goes with 4WD all the way. The 4WD settings are selectable from the driver's seat in three modes: 2WD, 4WD and LOCK.

Like the Peugeot, the alloy wheels fitted to the C4 Aircross also measure 18 inches in diameter. Citroen plans to offer the C4 Aircross with a large glass sunroof, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Also in keeping with the Peugeot's specification, the C4 Aircross will come with keyless access/push-button starter, touchscreen satnav and a reversing camera. Citroen claims luggage capacity of 442 litres for the C4 Aircross and this volume is likely to be the same for the 4008.

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