Citroen C6
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. But mainly because it's expensive and likely to depreciate heaviliy, and because some won't like its quirkiness.
Review
You've got to give Citroen full marks for trying. From the late '80s onwards, attempts to interest British punters in large French cars have been doomed to failure. Yet in the C6 the company is claiming to have created a serious alternative to the premium German marques.
The end result is charmingly idiosyncratic, although the C6 is a seriously left-field choice for those determined to be different - and the money to take what promises to be a punishing depreciation hit.
The eye-catching styling certainly wins plenty of attention, and although the double-chevron grille and swept-back headlamps give the car a slightly obese look, there's no doubting that the sleek side-on profile and clever details like the pop-up rear spoiler lend it plenty of visual presence.
The interior is spacious, airy and finished to an impressively high standard. It provides truly generous space for four passengers (the fifth does less well), and their luggage too. And the invitingly sumptuous seats don't disapppoint. The dashboard looks a bit sparse with its small, rather fussy instrument pack and a less-than-elegant infotainment screen housing, but clever details like the optional head-up display, which projects a digital speed readout onto the windscreen and into the driver's line-of sight, compensate. A shame the C6 doesn't share the cheaper C4's excellent fixed-hub steering wheel though.
The driving experience is painless thanks to smooth riding hydraulic suspension and generally good refinement, although the ride quality falls some way short of providing the fabled French "magic carpet" on rougher British roads. Grip levels are high, but over-light steering and some body-roll limit the C6's all-out dynamic appeal. It's a car that's far better at cruising than blasting.
Most buyers will opt for the super-smooth 2.7 litre V6 turbodiesel, which gives plenty of creamy-smooth urge and is closely related to the acclaimed engine in the Jaguar S-Type 2.7 D. However, its appeal will diminish if the 225g/km London congestion charge comes in, because it falls the wrong side of this. Although practically old enough to draw its pension, the 3.0 litre petrol V6 also gives strong performance and a nice, rorty soundtrack, but shares the same C02 drawback. Which leaves the four cylinder 2.2 HDi diesel as the most practical powerplant here, though it's less effortless.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
The C6 will certainly get you noticed, although it's not suited for anyone wanting to maintain a low profile. Generally handsome styling helps it to stand out from the crowd.
Handling
3 star
Steers and corners with a tidy competence for one so large and if you don't mind a bit of body-roll, although lifeless steering underlines Citroen's emphasis on comfort..
Comfort
4 star
Hydraulic suspension allows the C6 to ride with impressive level-ness, but rougher British roads can produce an uncomfortable heaving motion, and it doesn't deal with sharper bumps so well. The seats are supremely comfortable, and it's very quiet.
Quality & Reliability
3 star
It's well assembled and robust-feeling, but some cabin plastics don't match premium German rivals for quality, and some of the switchgear feels cheap. But it feels sumptuous, especially with light-coloured trim.
Performance
4 star
Both petrol and diesel motors provide plenty of urge - although only the smooth-revving petrol V6 serves a pleasing soundtrack.
Roominess
4 star
The big, airy cabin offers very generous space for both front and rear seat occupants, and there's a big, decently proportioned boot, too. The lidded door bins are a real showpiece.
Running Costs
3 star
Serious price-tags and uncertain depreciation mean the C6 is an investment than only the brave should consider. Other running costs should be reasonable, with the diesel engine returning decent fuel economy.
Value for money
2 star
The C6 is priced to compete with some very serious premium German rivals, and although it offers more standard equipment, its appeal will be limited to those who are determined to be different.
