Citroen C-Crosser Enterprise Van Range : A CROSSER TO BEAR

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Citroen has made the most of its impressive C-Crosser 4x4 by creating the C-Crosser Enterprise van version. Steve Walker takes a look

At the larger end of the compact 4x4 market, the C-Crosser lends itself well to van conversion. There's a good amount of space inside the C-Crosser Enterprise and the durable interior also translates well to the LCV market. The 2.2-litre engine is one of the best in any van.

Enterprise is something Citroen has shown itself to be in plentiful supply of down the years. Whether we're talking about the ingenuity to sniff out and exploit a virgin market sector or the resourceful marketing strategies that have been integral to the brand's success. Nowhere has the French marque's endeavour been better demonstrated than in the commercial vehicle sector where it's aptitude for getting the most from what it has routinely puts rivals in the shade. The C-Crosser Enterprise is a prime example of this and the latest in a series of aptly named Citroen Enterprise models that have offered van buyers something a bit different. Like the Xsara Enterprise and the C2 Enterprise before it, the Citroen C-Crosser Enterprise is a van version of a Citroen passenger car. The C-Crosser is the marque's compact 4x4 and a competitive one at that. The prospect of a 4x4 vehicle from Citroen might concern some, with the firm having negligible history in this sphere, but the C-Crosser has some credibility by association as it's based on the same underpinnings as Mitsubishi's Outlander. Vans founded on 4x4 car platforms are by no means unusual in today's market but Citroen will be hoping that its strong reputation in the market and well-developed van dealer network will give the C-Crosser Enterprise an edge over products from rivals which are merely dipping toes into the commercial vehicle water. Citroen has a great array of economical diesel engines at its disposal that lend themselves well to commercial vehicle applications. The C-Crosser Enterprise gets one of the very best, a 2.2-litre HDi unit that punches out a hefty 156bhp at 4,000rpm. A blast from standstill to 60mph takes 9.9s and there's a 124mph top speed, should the opportunity arise. This is extremely good going in the compact 4x4 market but for a van, and a 4x4 van at that, it's positively rapid. The C-Crosser handles well for a 4x4 vehicle with less of the lean and lurch that afflicts similar products. The ride quality is also impressive, as is the solidly tactile gearchange.

"The C-Crosser has genuine off-road ability in reserve should operators need itâ€¦."

The C-Crosser has genuine off-road ability in reserve should operators need it. There's respectable ground clearance, protection for underside of the vehicle should that clearance run out and the 4x4 system's different modes can be selected on the move via a stout rotary switch. The default front-wheel-drive model serves for on-road duties but in slippery conditions or for light off-road work, there's a standard four-wheel-drive mode. Here, torque is distributed electronically between the front and rear wheels to enhance grip. The final option is a four-wheel-drive transmission lock mode which sends drive to all four wheels all the time with more grunt going to the rear axle. This is designed for towing, snowy conditions or for off-road driving on really demanding surfaces. There's plenty of space inside the C-Crosser passenger car with the potential for seven seats. That bodes well for the Enterprise model, even though a pair of seats is the best buyers can hope for. The modifications that made the car a van are largely restricted to the inside and that will appeal to those who don't necessarily want to let on to the world at large that they're driving a van. The side windows and tailgate are blacked out so there's no chance of anyone peering inside at the cargo and in place of the rear seating is a flat load floor. This measures 1,720mm in length up to the full height bulkhead that cordons off the cab area and the total load volume is 2.3m3 - not bad for a 4x4 van. The Compact 4x4 shape isn't ideally suited to van conversion and with a loading height of 600mm, the C-Crosser Enterprise and its contemporaries require packages to be hoisted up a fair way before you can slide them inside. In addition, the side access to the load area is through the conventional side hinged doors of the passenger car which require plenty of space to open and don't present a uniformly shaped aperture. For many, however, the advantages of the C-Crosser's rugged looks, high driving position and 4x4 mechanicals will give it a definite edge over a conventional compact van. There's a respectable 743kg payload capacity which can be added to by the hitching up a trailer weighing up to 2,410kg and good access to the on-board cargo is afforded by the wide tailgate. This opens in two sections with the top half lifting up and the lower one dropping down to form a convenient load platform. Even though the front end of the C-Crosser Enterprise is resolutely Citroen, there's still a Japanese flavour to the rear and overall shape of the car that betrays its roots. Likewise, the interior has a distinctly Eastern feel to it. There's none of the trademark CitroÃ«n lateral thinking, the fascia being rather conventional. Two cowled dials house the major instruments and the centre console is sparse and rather plasticky it has to be said. Despite this, there isn't too much you can finger as being wrong with the ergonomics and van buyers will like the tough construction. The ventilation controls are easy to fathom and the multifunction controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch. The C-Crosser Enterprise is available in VTR or VTR+ trim levels with both models looking well appointed by the standards of the commercial vehicle sector. The niceties thrown is by Citroen include air-conditioning, an MP3 compatible CD stereo, electric windows, remote central locking, cruise control, a trip computer, driver's seat height adjustment and rake and reach adjustment for the steering wheel. The VTR+ model's additions to that tally are largely cosmetic. It tacks on 16" alloy wheels, front fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear knob and a set of roof bars. All C-Crosser Enterprise models get ESP stability control as standard. This comes on top of the ABS brakes with brake force distribution for secure stopping but there are also six airbags included should the worst come to the worst. It all adds up to a very well equipped commercial vehicle. Citroen has always been one of the more enterprising manufacturers and its commercial vehicle operation illustrates this perfectly. The opportunity to bolster the van line-up with a well judged conversion of a passenger car is not something the marque usually passes up on and in creating the C-Crosser Enterprise van from the C-Crosser compact 4x4, it has made a valuable addition to its range. There are lots of 4x4 vans to select from these days but the C-Crosser's qualities married to Citroen's LCV experience make this a leading light in the marketplace. The C-Crosser Enterprise is no Barbie truck. It can do the business in off-road conditions when required with its lockable 4x4 system. It's also a sound bet on the road and with a bulging equipment list married to a comprehensive safety specification, Citroen could be onto a winner.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Citroen C-Crosser Enterprise van
INSURANCE GROUP: 15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 191g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 124mph / 0-60mph 9.5s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 39.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4645/1805/1670