IN this world of haves and have-nots, life can prove difficult when you are in the latter category.

But in the motoring world there is usually a way round the problem when you are without - a situation which not so long ago faced the likes of Citroen and Peugeot.

Back in 2007 the French car-making duo looked to solving their absence from the Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) scene by going on board with 4x4 experts Mitsubishi.

By buying into an established SUV operation the Citroen stable delivered the C-Crosser to the industry and, while the 4007 became Peugeot's effort and the Outlander continued Mitsubishi's progress in the 4x4 sector.

While all were built by Mitsubishi some subtle differences enabled all three to show their own individuality. My particular favourite of this intriguing trio of 'soft-roaders' is the Citroen C-Crosser.

Its good looks make the C-Crosser a head turner and while its sister cars also feature chunky wheel arches, the nose has received a thorough restyling job in an attempt to set the Citroen apart.

Along with Citroen's trademark large double chevron grille and wraparound headlights it appears the design efforts have largely succeeded.

Although more a crossover vehicle than a serious player destined to tackle the rough stuff, the C-Crosser does not hide its light under a bushel coming with the look of  a vehicle for all seasons thanks to an aluminium finish covering side sills and roof rails.

Inside there is a functional driving position facing a neatly set out dashboard which delivers to a quite commanding all round view while passengers enjoy some good headroom in the front and plenty of legroom in the rear for three adults.

Behind that there is a row of kiddies' only seats which turns the C-Crosser into a seven-seater.

With five occupants on board the extra seats can be folded into the floor to leave a surprisingly generous 510 litres of baggage space while a split tailgate can prove a boon when adding to an almost full cargo hold on leaving a service station forecourt.

The C-Crosser range boasts progressively generous levels of kit, the entry level VTR+ including the likes of  automatic air con, electric windows all round, six-speaker sound system with CD and MP3 compatability while the range topping Exclusive model featured here adds the likes of full leather trim with heated seats, xenon dual function headlights and rear parking sensors.

Safety has also been well addressed with the C-Crosser providing ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability programme and a goodly quota of front and rear airbags while quite generous stowage areas are conveniently placed.

There is nothing to fear for drivers with little or no 4x4 experience for a simple dial on the centre console delivers the benefits of three driving modes, with front-wheel drive for normal road conditions and four wheel drive when the going starts to get tough. A lock-up mode is available to provide optimum traction when conditions get really tricky.

Despite its tall SUV stance the C-Crosser handles well and, powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with a smooth switching six-speed automatic gearbox it delivered a car-like response.