CITROEN'S flagship until 2012 was the big C6, which is a tour de force of technology with the finest comfort of just about any car on the market and huge rear legroom.

I once used one as a wedding car and got the bride and three bridesmaids in without crushing one outfit.

It's one of the safest cars on the market, with a maximum five star euro NCAP rating and most come with blacked out rear windows. They look vaguely sinister - like something out of a French gangster movie.

Power comes from a 3.0-litre V6 petrol with 212bhp, or from 2.2, 2.7 and 3.0-litre diesels with power ranging from 173 to 240bhp.

Most have a six speed automatic gearbox, because only some 2.2's came with a manual.

Citroen's fantastic adjustable air suspension is standard and that's the reason they have such superb comfort.

But it's so good that road-holding and handling are also very good, with little roll, but without much feel from the steering.

The diesel engines are the same as those used in the Jaguars of the same time and the ride is better than that in the big XJ saloon.

The C6 is much better equipped than most rivals and you would spend a significant amount more on options to bring them up to the same level.

They come with parking sensors front and rear, leather upholstery and electric seat adjustment, lane departure warning, sat nav and a head-up speed display.

All have a sophisticated alarm system, audio remote control, cruise, traction control and huge alloy wheels.

Some models even have electrically adjustable rear seats as well as those in the front.