The French have been trying to sell the Brits a large car for a very long time and have always failed (Citroen's DS was probably the best success so far). The C6 is another attempt and on the face of it is does reasonably well, having the majority of benefits of the C5 with additional space.
Even so, it is not going to sell in any numbers against Audi, BMW or Mercedes. Long, sleek and idiosyncratic, the C6 provides the air-like ride of their hydractive suspension teamed up with a choice of three engines to devour long distances of motorway. Even winding roads are ok as long as the car is driven with a little pre-thought. Try driving it like a rally driver and you are likely to find some very unwell passengers.
Three engines are available: a 2.2ltr and 2.7ltr diesel and 3.0ltr V6 petrol. All but the 2.2ltr diesel are a little high on the emissions and would certainly not come into the cheaper congestion charge bracket. For those who aren't bothered about this, the 2.7ltr diesel is faster and has more poke than the aged 3.0ltr V6.
The car is full of luxury, comfort and equipment. Build is Citroen's usual, with the interior full of hard-working materials finished to a high standard. There are directional Xenon headlights that turn as you do, electric semi-reclining rear seats, lane departure warning system, automatic hazard warning lights that come on if you brake hard, Hydractive suspension that rises and lowers itself, laminated side windows, voice control, head up speed display, opening door pockets, automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control with speed limiter, electric parking brake and anti whiplash front head restraints. Insurance groups 11-17.
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Citroen C6.