Citroën's New Large Car

By Motoring Channel Staff

Citroën's new large luxury car, the C6, made its first official appearance at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show recently, and will compete for market share against the likes of the Mercedes E-Class and BMW's 5 Series.

According to the French automaker, the C6 "takes the grand tourer concept and incorporates the latest in cutting-edge technology".

The Citroën C6 takes the essential values of executive saloons – elegance, sophistication and on-the-road presence – and combines them with Citroën's own key values.

As such, the new C6 combines clean, flowing lines with high levels of on-board comfort and the latest, advanced technology.

The complete and innovative range of high-tech features includes a head-up display, the first application in a Citroën of the new 150kW (208bhp) V6 HDi diesel engine, active suspension with variable damping, the company's lane departure warning system and directional Xenon headlamps.

The design of the C6 has the curves to immediately identify it as a member of the Citroën family, but at the same token those after something understated and innocuous may find themselves looking elsewhere, more likely than not in the direction of Germany.

Fluid lines and balanced proportions (with a long front overhang and short rear overhang) give the C6 the presence of a limousine and the elegance of a coupé.

At the front end, the wide grille and bold, chrome chevrons make a strong statement of identity, while the headlamps extend up onto the front quarter panels and the wide, ribbed bonnet.

A long wheelbase, flowing, aerodynamic profile and low-slung stance give the Citroën C6 real presence, whilst also suggesting space, stability and power. The windows hug the curve of the roof arch very closely, which in turn blend smoothly into the rear pillars, in a subtle nod to coupe styling – an effect that is taken one step further by the frameless doors.

At the rear the design is particularly eye-catching, as the rear window features a distinctive concave design, while the lines of the boot lid add the finishing touch to the body profile. An air deflector (a.k.a spoiler) is deployed automatically at higher speeds, illustrating the attention paid to another key Citroën value: aerodynamics.

The C6 is a good example of the innovative approach that Citroën has always striven for when it comes to the use of advanced technology, and will go a long way towards making this car a viable option in the eyes of prestige car buyers: it features a carefully designed driving position, incorporating an easy-to-read driver's instrument panel, a large central screen and a head-up display.

Making an important contribution to active safety, this display unit projects essential information – on speed and navigation for example – onto the windscreen, so that ones eyes need not be taken off the road for very long.

A first for the Citroën range, the C6 is equipped with an electric parking brake. This new feature is offered alongside numerous intelligent driving aids pioneered by Citroën, such as a lane departure warning system, front and rear parking sensors, directional Xenon headlamps, cruise control and a speed limiter.

The original design of both the driving position and the ergonomic dashboard allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all times, whilst laminated side windows also help to improve driver concentration by filtering out external noise.

Occupants benefit from generous amounts of interior space, while passengers in the back can adjust the electrically-controlled sliding rear seats to obtain the ideal, relaxed seating position, a feature that will warrant a closer look for buyers of other prestige large European vehicles.

The stowage compartments in the doors are inspired by the latest trends in home furniture design, thus reinforcing the concept of the car as a “lounge on wheels”. The C6 also introduces an air conditioning system with separate left/right and front/rear controls. It includes a soft diffusion system, designed to create a uniform blanket of air around the front passengers and to enhance "thermal comfort" as Citroën calls it.

As far as the powertrains are concerned, the top-of-the-range positioning of the Citroën C6 is reflected by its engine line-up: two V6 engines, one diesel and one petrol, place the emphasis on driving pleasure and refinement. A new 2.7-litre HDi diesel engine develops 208bhp (150kW) and is equipped with a particulate filter, while the slightly larger 3.0-litre petrol engine develops 215bhp (155kW). Both engines are mated to 6-speed automatic gearboxes.

Traditionally speaking, large Citroën cars have featured an advanced suspension setup, and the new C6 is no different. The new active suspension with variable damping allows it to set new standards in terms of comfort, road-holding and power.

Both classic and yet thoroughly original at the same time, the Citroën C6 sets itself apart from the models that currently set the standard in the sector, such as the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, while meeting all the requirements of an executive car: elegance, refinement and presence.

The Citroën C6 will make its Australian debut in 2006, when specifications and prices will be announced.