While Citroen was unveiling...

While Citroen was unveiling its C-Crosser SUV, coachbuilder Sbarro was busy polishing this incredible show model - the Cruise Crosser.

Using the off-roader as a starting point, the six-wheel-drive pick-up is inspired by Citroen expedition cars of the last century, when founder Andre Citroen completed the first vehicle crossing of the Sahara in 1922.

The Cruise Crosser even gets a third row of seats, although this can easily be removed to provide extra storage space beneath the open rear end. Its dash, door panels and seat trim echo the striking orange paint. Under the skin is a hybrid drivetrain, with a conventional diesel mated to an electric motor beneath the rear floor. When using the back wheels alone, it has no emissions.

Also on the Sbarro stand was the Atlante des Neiges, which is based on Citroen"s new Dispatch van. With no roof and six seats, it is for use as a bus for skiers at winter resorts. Meanwhile, Citroen has revised its optional NaviDrive set-up on the C5 and C6. With a 30GB hard drive, the sat-nav system gives instant access to stored maps and music.