Citroën C6 Saloon full 9 point review

  • Performance

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad There's just one engine available in the C6, a 3.0-litre V6, which comes with a six-speed automatic transmission. It's a combination that gives the car a very respectable turn of speed - and surprisingly good fuel economy as well.

  • Ride & Handling

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The C6's active suspension helps keep things level regardless of the load the car is carrying. The emphasis is on comfort, though, so don't expect the last word in body control. And, with ultra-direct, ultra-light steering, it all takes some getting used to. The ride around town can be lumpy and noisy, but on fast main roads the C6 is superb.

  • Refinement

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The intrusion of road noise on poor surfaces comes as a surprise and a disappointment, especially as in other respects the C6 is an extremely refined car. The automatic gearshifts are smooth and the engine is cultured and quiet. Wind noise is almost non-existent at UK speed limits.

  • Buying & Owning

    1 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The list price is almost ridiculously high for a Citroën, and even with a discount you'll probably be paying more than £35,000. Running costs are relatively high, too. Resale values and the approach of Citroën's discount-driven dealers are also major concerns. We would be very wary, indeed.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Not in the same league as Audi for fit and finish, but a big step forward for Citroën. There are some nice textures and materials in the cabin, and a few delightful touches, such as the vertically siding door pocket lids. The engine is proven, but we'll be interested to see how the complex suspension stands the test of time and mileage.

  • Safety & Security

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership A maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests for occupant protection and four for pedestrian safety (a first anywhere) – the C6, complete with nine airbags, looks after those inside and out. Stability control is also standard, as is a lane departure warning system. Security is unproven, but the essentials are present.

  • Behind The Wheel

    2 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin Plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel and seat ensure it's possible for almost anyone to find an ideal driving position. However, no matter who you are, you'll have problems judging the corners of the car while parking, because of its dramatic shape – thank heaven for parking sensors. The control layout is confusing, too.

  • Space & Practicality

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The C6 is the kind of car that will be ferrying French Cabinet ministers around Paris, so rear-seat space is understandably plentiful, although really tall passengers might have a bit of a problem with headroom due to the swooping roofline. Luggage space is not a strong point, either.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The C6 is packed with all the creature comforts you'd expect of a car with this kind of price tag. Many things aren't easy to get to grips with, though – the elaborate electric seat adjusters for starters – and there are omissions. Items such as keyless entry and starting, offered by German and Japanese exec rivals, aren't even optional.

C6 rivals

C6 used rivals