Both Peugeot and Citroen are to launch large SUVs next year – and very similar products they look too. Only the front ends of the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C-Crosser are different. The C-Crosser features a corporate Citroen chevron grille, while the 4007 sports a whale-like gaping mouth beneath its bonnet.

Both cars are the result of an alliance between PSA Peugeot Citroen, Europe’s second largest car producer, and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan, so there will probably be a similar-looking Mitsubishi at some stage next year.

Not to be outdone, Renault is also working on a 4×4 in conjunction with its partner Nissan, which has considerable expertise in this field. This is also expected to be launched in 2007.

The French have been reluctant to join the 4×4 fray but the market is now so big that they cannot afford to pass up on so many sales. But they remain several years behind the competition – the four-wheel drive concept car on which the C-Crosser is based first appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show as long ago as 2001.

The 4007 was styled at Peugeot’s design centre at Vélizy in France and is reckoned by the firm to have ‘a distinctive feline’ look. The sides have generously proportioned wheel arches providing good ground clearance, while the back features a distinctively-shaped window along with four light clusters.

Its advanced, fuel-efficient 2.2 litre 156bhp diesel engine is the result of another partnership, this time with Ford.

The versatile C-Crosser, meanwhile, boasts four-wheel drive capability (as does the Peugeot), along with exceptional levels of space and comfort.

It can seat up to seven people and will have a tailgate which opens in two sections. The lower part will support loads of up to 200kg, meaning it can double as a seat. The rear two seats can be completely hidden away under the floor, while the second row of seating, which slides to offer greater leg room or boot space, features a 60:40 split/fold function that is operated via electric controls in the boot.

Prices of both cars will be revealed closer to their launch dates next summer.

By Peter Carroll