The Citroën C-Crosser and Nissan X-Trail proved very closely matched. The C-Crosser has some advantages over the X-Trail, however, not least its extra two seats. Space in the third row is tight, but fine for short trips. It’s a fraction more economical, too, returning 39.2mpg on the combined cycle.
The 2.2-litre engine is powerful and smooth, pulling car and van from 30-60mph in 16.4 seconds. For such a big 4×4, the Citroën coped well with the lane-change test, with more responsive steering than the X-Trail, although there was plenty of lean through the cones.
The handbrake needed a firm pull before it would hold the outfit on a 1-in-6 slope. In two-wheel drive, the C-Crosser was able to tackle the hill, albeit with some wheelspin. That was easily sorted by selecting four-wheel drive.
Our practicality testers were well impressed. With the rear seats folded away, all the luggage fit in the boot. A sound towball height and a manual with plenty of towing info added to the score.