World's safest car on show

"The safest car ever tested by Euro-NCAP," is the claim Citroën makes of its new C6 luxury saloon. Due to arrive mid-year at pricing still to be disclosed, the full-size sedan was the star unveiling from the French marque at the Melbourne Motor Show last week.

According to Citroën no other car has matched the test results of the C6.

"The Citroën C6 doesn’t just look after those people lucky enough to be inside," said Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën in Australia. "This is the first car in the world to have an active safety system specifically designed to protect pedestrians."

The C6 features an active bonnet system. When a pedestrian impact is detected two pyrotechnic bolts release the bonnet, allowing it to not just move upwards by 65mm but also to be mounted on impact absorbing springs. This entire process happens in 40 milliseconds.

Jaguar has incorporated a similar system in its new XK coupe and convertible.

The C6 also features nine airbags, a head-up instrument display, active suspension, active headrests, a speed sensitive rear wing, lane departure warning system, front and rear peripheral radar, low pressure diffusion ventilation and laminated side windows.

Euro-NCAP has granted the C6 its first-ever four star award for pedestrian safety which, combined with five stars for occupant safety and four stars for child safety, provides the C6 with the best-ever result.

"The Citroën C6 is the epitome of everything Citroën stands for," said Williams.

Pricing and specification detail of the Citroën C6, including engine options, will be announced closer to the car's local launch.