C6 sets top mark for pedestrian safety

The new Citroën C6 has become the first car in the world to be awarded a maximum four star Euro NCAP pedestrian safety rating. The executive saloon has also gained a a maximum five stars for occupant protection.

The combination, says Citroën makes the C6 "arguably the safest car on the road."

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

During an accident, the C6 automatically raises its bonnet by 65mm to provide impact absorbing space between bonnet and engine. The whole process takes less than 0.04sec says Citroën.

Jaguar debuted a similar concept on its new XK sportscar at the recent Frankfurt show.

The C6 also features nine airbags, active head restraints and ESP with traction control as standard. Further safety features include a Head-Up Display, a Lane Departure Warning System and xenon directional headlamps, says Citroën.

"These excellent [Euro NCAP] 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," said Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën in Australia.

The C6 is expected to arrive Down Under in mid-2006.