Developed in conjunction...

Developed in conjunction with off-road expert Mitsubishi - its version will be the next-generation Outlander - the cars are designed to tap into the boom in urban crossover vehicles.

The styling includes typical SUV features, such as chunky wheelarches, large alloys and a high bonnet line. Each car will have a separate identity and, as our pictures show, will get the current family noses. That means a deep grille on the Peugeot and a double-chevron air intake on the Citroen.

But the off-road styling won"t just be for show; the models will get four-wheel drive, and may also come with a separate low-ratio gearbox. The mechanicals will be based on a Mitsubishi-developed integrated body structure, rather than a separate chassis. That should mean car-like refinement and ride quality.

Meanwhile, PSA - the French pair"s parent firm - will provide much of the drivetrain technology, giving the SUVs a wide range of powerful diesel engines and transmission options. Petrol units are likely to come from Mitsubishi, and performance versions are a possibility.

Set to rival the likes of Land Rover"s Freelander, the Mitsubishi variant will debut at October"s Tokyo Motor Show. A premiere for the French cars hasn"t yet been confirmed, but UK sales for all three models should begin in 2007.