Only one engine is available – a 156bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel. Although the acceleration time from 0-62mph at 9.9 seconds looks brisk rather than quick, the mid-range performance of this engine is most impressive. Maximum pulling power is available from low down at 2,000rpm, but it builds smoothly and quickly from 1250rpm. The positive six-speed gearbox has a short shift action – making it enjoyable to use -and the 4007 will surge forward on demand in third or fourth gear. Originally there was no automatic gearbox available – despite Mitsubishi and Citroen offering autos on their versions of the 4007 – albeit only with a petrol engine. However this changed in September 2009 with the introduction of a new dual clutch system (or DCS for short). This works in a similar fashion to Volkswagen’s excellent DSG gearbox and uses two clutches to provide super fast shifts. The six-speed system can either be left in automatic mode or alternatively there’s a semi-automatic allowing the driver to change gear using paddles behind the steering wheel.

Parkers recommends

The 156bhp 2.2 turbodiesel is punchy and offers a good spread of power, and it’s at its best coupled to the six-speed manual gearbox.

You wouldn’t choose a 4007 to tackle a particularly challenging road with hairpin bends and tight corners. However, it certainly doesn’t shirk from the job when required to travel quickly on this sort of route. It’s stable and has excellent body control, making it very easy to forget you’re travelling in a tall 4x4. It also responds well to steering inputs and also has good levels of grip.

Four-wheel drive is selectable using a dial on the centre console. Two-wheel drive (2WD) means only the front wheels are driven. Selecting four-wheel drive (4WD) allows the car to vary the levels of torque split between the front and rear axles automatically. Lock mode keeps four-wheel drive locked in with torque split 50:50 between the front and rear axles.

This is intended to keep the car moving on very loose or slippery surfaces.