THE booming market for compact sports utility vehicles - SUVs - will have a new addition next summer when Citroen enters the fray for the first time with the introduction of the C4 Aircross.

Available in two and four-wheel drive versions the newcomer to the crossover market will be launched in Europe at the end of the first half of 2012 but will not reach the UK until the second half of the year.

Features will include a distinctive light signature at the front with LEDs integrated into the vertical vents. The shape of the large 18-inch wheels and the rear lights are directly inspired by the Hypnos concept car, reworked for optimal air flow and reduced COemissions.

Four wheel drive models will be fitted with a latest generation electronic, four-wheel transmission system with two wheel drive, all wheel drive and Lock modes. Power will come from Citroen's  HDi 110 diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.  

Citroen says that the car will come with a high level of specification including GPS navigation with touch-screen, a reversing camera and USB/Bluetooth® connectivity for portable audio players.