Classics Of The Future
Citroën C6 2005
C6 Big, comfortable, and very different to its rivals, this was the first large Citroën since the XM vanished in 2000. The concave rear window was novel, and the profile suggested a tailgate, though the C6 had a conventional boot. It was notable for its rich package of safety features, including a lane-departure warning system, one of the first “pop-up” bonnets to help cushion a pedestrian in an impact, and a head-up instrument display. It came as a diesel as well as a 3-litre petrol engine.
| Origin | France |
| Engine | 2,720 cc, V6 |
| Top speed | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Citroën decided to offer an idiosyncratic French alternative to German executive cars; those who owned one loved it.
Citroën C4 Cactus 2014
C4 Cactus For many years Citroën devotees had bemoaned the loss of the quirky character that defined the company’s cars. However, this entry into the compact SUV sector was satisfyingly original, with its simple interior, digital read-outs, and chunky looks thanks to a bluff nose and “Airbump” plastic panels on the sides and corners. There was nothing else quite like it on the road.
| Origin | France / Spain |
| Engine | 1,199 cc, straight-three |
| Top speed | 117 mph (188 km/h) |
The figures were for the turbocharged version of the small petrol engine. Thanks to its 108 bhp, this basic but charismatic family car had verve to match its thrift.
It is a quote. The Classic Car Book – The Definitive Visual History 2016
