CITROEN'S larger than life C6 is not going to appeal to everyone - a sentiment even the French firm is happy to endorse, reports Iain Dooley.

Big Citroens have always been at the opposite end of the executive spectrum to the mainstream opposition of BMWs, Mercedes and Audis, and the C6 continues this tradition.

Anyone brought up on a diet of taut, firm riding cars would do well to give the C6 a wide berth. However, if you prefer something that cossets you and your passengers and boasts above average levels of comfort and space, then read on.

The big Citroen' formula goes like this: take a futuristic looking body, add some clever suspension bits that deliver a magic carpet-like ride, mix in some quirks and you've got yourself a big Citroen. On the styling front the car is pure 25th century, and I challenge anyone not to be amazed by a stationary, black C6 replete with just enough chrome to highlight its features. It could easily be Dan Dare's next company car.

From the C6's vast bonnet complete with bold Citroen chevron detailing to its low, sweeping roofline and bold, short tail, there is nothing on earth like it. Actually that's not true. Look closely and there's more than a hint of CX - especially when it's moving.

Ah yes, the driving experience. Like the styling, this is another area where the C6 differs significantly from its rivals.

When the car comes to the UK in the spring, there will be a choice of 3.0-litre V6 petrol or 2.7-litre V6 diesel engines - both mated to a six-speed auto gearbox. Power is 215bhp and 208bhp respectively, with the diesel having the edge in terms of low down urge and economy but the petrol motor sneaking ahead in terms of outright refinement.

The big Citroen's emphasis is most definitely on comfort. From the car's wide opening doors to its generously proportioned seats and decent headroom, you're encouraged to stretch out.

If you are driving, the range of seat and wheel adjustment is more than adequate, while the letterbox-shaped digital - yes, digital - display contains a lot of information but is never confusing.

Serious enthusiasts will bemoan the cabin's lack of wacky detailing - the centre console is full of standard Peugeot-Citroen kit and the steering wheel design fails to match the boldness of the C4's more elaborate helm. On a positive note, the various materials used are of a high standard for Citroen and anyone opting for the black leather won't be disappointed.

Suspended by the latest development of Citroen's Hydractive suspension system, the C6 offers smooth, unruffled progress. The car displays serious potential as a high-speed motorway cruiser; bumps are dismissed with nonchalant ease, crosswinds are shrugged off and cabin noise levels are impressively low thanks in part to laminated side glass.

At lower speeds, around town and on more challenging roads, the C6 requires you to take a different approach to its more sporting rivals.

Call it a quirk, but slow in and fast out is the best way of achieving smooth progress when tackling corners. The C6's steering is incredibly light by modern standards, but anyone who's driven older generation Citroens will be right at home.

In fact, the C6's softer set up is a blessed relief on city streets. At a time when congestion and low average urban speeds blight daily life, relaxing in the C6's ample cabin with the very nice stereo on in the background certainly helps to keep the blood pressure down.

If, after getting this far, you think the C6 is more of an event than just a car then you'd be right. From the outside it's a definite head turner, while inside it's not too shabby either.

For prospective buyers, the ability to feel special will be a big draw, and the news that hundreds, not thousands, will come to the UK should make the financial commitment easier to justify. The decision will certainly boost the car's exclusive status.

Citroen has yet to fix prices or finalise standard equipment levels, but expect to pay from around £29,000 to £38,000. Three trim levels will be offered along with the two engines, while it's fair to say that the likes of leather seats, sat-nav, phone, electrically reclining rear seats and headlights that see' around corners will be cost options on all bar top-spec cars.

An electric handbrake, nine airbags, a boot-mounted, speed-dependent spoiler and pop up, pedestrian-friendly bonnet will be standard across the range, though.

It might seem a huge amount of money to have to hand over to the firm that produces small cars by the truckload but there's nothing wrong with that if, in return, you get a car you won't see on the road every day.

By restricting numbers, playing heavily on its big car history and delivering something that's visually stunning, Citroen looks to have got the mix right.

Now it's over to you: does the prospect of driving a me-too styled silver barge still fill you with joy?

Verdict: Style but not at the expense of substance - Citroen's C6