2006 Citroën C6 "Safest Car on the Road"

Motoring Channel Staff - 15/12/2005

Expected to rival cars such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, the new Citroën C6 luxury car is set to arrive in Australia in the middle of 2006.

And before its launch the C6 has already begun to set records: it is the very first car in the world to be awarded a maximum four star Euro NCAP pedestrian safety rating, as well as a maximum five stars for occupant protection, making it arguably the safest car on the road.

"These excellent results for the stunning new C6 further underline Citroën's commitment to safety and its recognition as a fundamental value which is playing an increasingly important role in today's Citroëns," says Miles Williams, the general manager for Citroën in Australia.

The result announced by Euro NCAP of the highest combination of pedestrian, occupant and child (four stars) protection for the Citroën C6 is largely thanks to the debut of the life-saving Active Bonnet system.

During an accident, the lack of space between the bonnet and the engine increases the likelihood of a serious head injury for the pedestrian. In the C6, intelligent software automatically raises the bonnet by 65mm in the event of an accident to provide previously unavailable impact absorbing space. The whole process takes less than 0.04 second.

The Active Bonnet is just one part of an exceptional safety package, which also offers nine airbags, active head restraints and ESP with traction control as standard. Further safety features include a Head-Up Display, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all times, a Lane Departure Warning System and xenon directional headlamps.

But the accolades don't stop there... The Citroën C6 has even been elected the "World's Most Beautiful Large Sedan" in the annual ‘L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo’ awards that celebrate the cars that have made the greatest contribution to the advancement of car design and styling. It should be noted however, that some of the judges do include furniture designers, so it's not strictly an all-auto affair.

Presented by a jury of leading artists, car designers, architects and stylists from around the world, they were so impressed by the Citroën C6, they gave it four times as many points as the second placed car in its class.

The Citroën C6's inimitable shape - one that will no doubt divide car lovers - is a result of a desire to be unique in its market place and to be instantly recognisable as a Citroën, from its long overhang at the front and short rear overhang, through its smooth aerodynamic curves to its refined details, such as the rear lights.

Features such as the concave rear window are also uniquely eye catching. But this exquisite styling does not place form over function. The Citroën C6 is spacious, comfortable and easy to use in all conditions and for all requirements.

"The presentation of the award to Citroën for the C6 also maintains a fine tradition," added Miles Williams of Citroën in Australia. "The Citroën C2, C3 and C4 are all winners of the award in their own categories; so really, if you want a car that is the most beautiful in the world, Citroën is the only place to go!"

Citroën explains that 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, but both placing the emphasis on driving pleasure and refinement. A new HDi 2.7-litre diesel engine develops 150kW (208hp) and is equipped with a particulate filter, while the 3.0-litre petrol engine develops 155kW (215hp).

Both engines are mated to 6-speed automatic gearboxes, while active suspension with electronically controlled variable springing and damping will give the large car improved ride and handling in a variety of real world situations.

Inside the prestige French vehicle, an innovative driving position incorporates an easy-to-read driver's instrument panel, a large central screen and a head-up display as mentioned earlier in the article. This display unit projects essential information – on speed and navigation for example – onto the windscreen, thus contributing to active safety.

A first in the Citroën range, the C6 is also equipped with an electric push-button parking brake, while other interior features include the use of premium materials - such as leather, chrome and wood - to ensure a high level of onboard comfort.

Citroën refers to the experience as a modern 'lounge on wheels', which is enhanced by its laminated side windows with reinforced acoustic insulation (consisting of two sheets of glass with an added plastic interlayer), offering excellent acoustic properties. The French car maker explains that the system absorbs sound vibrations over a wide range of frequencies, offering an excellent level of performance in terms of sound insulation.

Citroën is yet to put a price on the Australian C6 luxury car, but it is likely to undercut its potential competitors, including the Audi A6 and Lexus LS, and even though its curvy design may too much for some people, its high levels of safety, technology, equipment and fine interior will attract the daring buyer.