Citroën has announced prices for its new premium segment challenger, the C6. They will start at €61,500 for the 3-litre petrol version, and €65,500 for the 2.7 HDI diesel.
The new C6 is designed to build on Citroën's long and illustrious heritage of creating large, stylish, executive cars, as exemplified by the legendary DS, CX, Light 15 and original 1920's C6. However, it has been years since Citroën has entered the luxury market with anything and the C6 will make many rethink the French firm's position in the market-place.
It will certainly be an unknown quantity for its dealer network, which will get the first cars in March. Not all dealers are expected to take the new car. It's targeted at the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class owners who may be looking for something different, and comes at a time when several other new arrivals are also aiming to tempt these buyers: prominent amongst these will be Chrysler with the new 300C.
In the C6, a Head-Up display, active bonnet, hydropneumatic suspension with electronically-controlled springing and damping, speed-sensitive air deflector and laminated side windows are just some of the features standard on most models.
Three trim levels will be available in Ireland - C6, C6 Lignage and C6 Exclusive - available with a choice of two engines: a 215hp 3-litre V6 petrol unit, or a new Twin Turbo 208bhp 2.7-litre V6 HDi diesel unit. Both will be mated to automatic six-speed gearboxes. Prices for the petrol range from €61,500 to €74,500, and for the diesel from €65,500 to €78,500. We will have a full First Drive report on the C6 in next week's edition.