Citroen C6

Introduction

Citroen offers this fantastic looking Gallic luxury machine for those bored with the Germanic norm, but you have to be brave.

What are its rivals?

The C6 is a French stand against the onslaught of German market dominance in the executive car market. While every other mainstream manufacturer has largely left this competitive segment to BMW, Mercedes and Audi, Citroen reckons there are enough customers out there wanting something a bit different. And the C6 is its answer. It's certainly different, the C6 a very strikingly styled machine. It's much like its predecessors - uniquely French in its design and aiming to offer comfort and opulence rather than a combination of luxury and sporting dynamics.

How does it drive?

That depends entirely on what you want from your executive saloon. If you're after individuality, comfort and style then the C6 is a hugely appealing choice. However, if you're used to the sharp dynamics of one of the more usual German choices then you'll be disappointed. The 2.7-litre V6 HDI is a smooth enough unit, but for a big turbodiesel can feel slightly gutless at low revs. The slow shifting automatic doesn't help here, meaning exiting junctions is often a fraught foot-pinned-to-the-floor experience. On the motorway it's quick enough, but lacks the mid-range punch of its competition.

The C6 should be all about ride comfort, but the electronically controlled spring and damping system on the Hydractive suspension never seems to settle down. It struggles with sharp ridges, while pitch and roll are very apparent when accelerating, braking and cornering - the C6 certainly not a sharp dynamic package. Press the Sport button and things improve slightly, but you'll not see which way the competition went in either setting. Okay at wafting, but compromised elsewhere.

What's impressive?

Inside it's typically Citroen; digital instruments dominate and there are touches of brilliance - like the beautiful action of the door-pocket covers. It's comfy in the cabin too, and there's plenty of legroom - if not so much headroom - in the rear. One thing will swing it for most though, and that's the styling, it being one of the most elegant and suave saloons available anywhere. Without the draw of a premium badge Citroen rightly specifies the C6 pretty highly as standard, and if safety and security is a concern the C6 manages a five-star rating in both the Euro NCAP crash tests and Thatcham's security ratings.

What's not?

The C6 isn't your usual pile-them-high-sell-'em-cheap Citroen. It's an executive model, and commands premium pricing. And that's a problem, particularly as the C6's value is likely to drop like a stone after purchase - certainly more so than its German rivals. The ride isn't as comfy as it should be and dynamically the C6 is some way short of its rivals. Inside there are a number of reminders that this is an executive car made by a mainstream manufacturer; some of the column stalks, instrumentation and equipment shared with lesser models. That includes the incomprehensibly complex entertainment and navigation system, which not only has more buttons than is really necessary, but doesn't hold onto radio signals very well.

Should I buy one?

The Citroen C6 is a brave, but commendable choice in the executive market. For its style and individuality there's little to touch it, but it'll cost you with heavy depreciation, and dealer service at Citroen is never going to be as plush as it is among premium marque rivals. It's nowhere near as interesting to drive as the competition either, but makes up for this with comfort, space and its styling. Without a prestigious badge on its bonnet it's always going to be a risky choice, but we commend those who take it.

Kyle Fortune

Specs