Citroën's first-ever SUV, the C-Crosser, arrives in the UK next month.

Breaking new ground for the company, the four-wheel drive C-Crosser features flexible 5+2 seating and a clean, fuel-efficient HDi diesel engine with particulate filter.

The C-Crosser will be offered in two trim levels - VTR+ and Exclusive - with a long list of standard features including six airbags, an alarm, automatic headlamps, sliding and reclining second row seats, ABS, ESP, cruise control and automatic air conditioning.

Recommended retail prices are £22,790 for the VTR+ and £25,490 for the Exclusive.

Xavier Duchemin, Citroën UK's managing director, said: "With its friendly face, high levels of practicality and clean, green environmental credentials, the C-Crosser will add a new dimension to the already diverse Citroën range.

"It will allow Citroën to be represented in an important sector that accounted for some 176,000 UK sales last year, and will ensure that we have a vehicle to suit all our customer needs, whether it be a compact MPV, a supermini, a luxury saloon or, from this July, a SUV."

The C-Crosser has a deliberately non-aggressive design, which is complemented by the high waistline and chunky wheel arches housing two-tone alloys.

On the inside, the dash features aluminium trim and the application of a special soft-paint finish.

Citroën's penchant for functionality and innovation is demonstrated with its flexible 5+2 seating configuration.

There is plenty of stowage space, with more than 20 individual storage compartments. All five rear seats can be folded away to provide a flat floor and vast load space of up to 1,686 litres, while the boot capacity is up to 510 litres when the second row of seats is in use.

To help loading items into the huge boot space, the C-Crosser benefits from a split two-piece tailgate.

Equipped with a 2.2HDi diesel engine, the C-Crosser boasts nearly 40mpg on the combined cycle, emits 191g/km and reduces particle emissions to virtually immeasurable levels thanks to its diesel particulate filter system.

It can also run on 30 per cent bio-diesel without modification to the system.

This fuel-efficient, low emission common rail diesel unit is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and produces a massive 280lb ft of torque at just 2000rpm, as well as a useful 156hp.

This powers the C-Crosser on to a top speed of 124mph, and from 0 to 62mph in under ten seconds.

Contributing to the C-Crosser's frugal performance is its ability to travel in permanent two-wheel drive.

When required, drivers can use the control next to the gear lever to select four-wheel drive for improved stability, or full lock mode for added assistance in very low grip conditions.

This 4WD arrangement is managed via an electronically controlled clutch located in front of the back axle.

Produced in conjunction with 4x4 specialist Mitsubishi and Peugeot, the C-Crosser has six airbags plus ABS, EBD and ESP as standard.