2009 Volkswagen Passat CC
More than just a coupe
Atlanta, GA - Okay, prepare to be as surprised as I was at the first live look at the latest segment busting car from VW. I had only previously seen one picture of the car’s exterior prior to the launch down here in Georgia, and frankly I thought the Passat CC was going to be a larger sedan.
As it turns out, it’s not. The CC is a smallish car, related to the Passat we already know mostly by the name they share. Oh, and to clear up a couple of the obvious questions, the “CC” in the name stands for “comfort coupe”, according to VW Canada’s CEO John White; and the reason I am going to keep referring to it as a sedan is that it has four doors.
The CC is a remarkable bit of styling from the German automaker; it could truly be called a powerful design statement (which is what the maker was after, of course). The newest VeeDub is sleek, aerodynamic and made up of equal parts executive class and Euro-sport feel.
While Volkswagen’s senior planners see the CC competing primarily with brands like the Accord and Altima coupes, I can see this new four-passenger halo reaching across a lot of aisles when consumers start seeing them at the dealerships next month.
With its sweeping lines and steeply raked windshield, narrowing side glass and aggressive stance, the CC is handsome enough (and well enough equipped) to be compared to any similar-class high end marques from Europe or Japan.
A car shopper could, and should, consider the new Volks against vehicles like a 328i, as IS250 or even the A4 from Volkswagen’s fellow brand, Audi.
The Passat CC will be available with two engine choices, neither of them a disappointment. The base powerplant is a 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder (not unlike the one found in the GTI, but not exactly the same, either) which brings 200 hp to the small-bodied coupe-sedan; and also a 3.6-litre V6 that ups the ante to 280 horses.
I got to use both powerplants during a marathon drive from Nashville to Atlanta, along with the two transmission choices (six-speed manual and six-speed automatic), and both performed very well at moving the small-ish chassis around, whether in city or highway driving situations.
Expect smooth delivery of power and quiet operation from either engine; along with quick, responsive acceleration.
The CC will offer three trim levels: Sportline, Highline and Highline V6, and can be had as either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive car with VW’s 4Motion AWD system.
While the first two trims have the option of either tranny, the Highline V6 is equipped strictly with the Tiptronic automatic. Nothing wrong with that, really, it’s a very nice transmission and I suspect the autobox will be the biggest seller of the comfort coupe’s options.
While the car is outwardly more compact than I expected, being roughly comparable to a 3-series from BMW or a Honda Civic in exterior dimensions; its interior is surprisingly spacious.
Configured for four occupants (the rear seat is divided, 2+2 style, with a center armrest/console) the CC is generous with both head and elbow room, even when equipped with the optional panoramic sunroof, which stretches virtually across the width of the roof over front seat passengers.
In any trim, a lot of attention has been given to the finish of the cabin, with leather seating surfaces (seats are also offered in two-tone leather, which is really the most desirable interior, I think) and little touches like metal accents on the power window buttons.
The dash is a smooth, unbroken swoop along the width of the vehicle, with a single bump over the instrument cluster; and all gauges and controls are well displayed and lit, and mercifully easy to use.
A twelve-way adjustable power driver’s seat makes the car comfortable even for a long day of driving; I can assure you (driving from Nashville to Atlanta, via Chattanooga, makes for a long day)
The high level of standard equipment brings the new Passat an instant feel of executive-style; with items like 17-inch wheels, cruise control, push-start ignition (though it still requires the key to be put in the dash), cruise control, 8-speaker premium sound and steering mounted controls all coming with base CCs.
The most notable of the options VW offers with the car are (in addition to the already-mentioned sunroof), larger wheels (18-inch, styled Daytona rims come with the Highline trim) and the Technology Package that brings a satellite navigation system, rear backup camera and enhanced audio equipment, operated via touch-screen interface.
All around, the Passat CC is probably my favourite of the new models VW has been bringing to market in recent memory. It’s a right-sized, upscale small sedan (or coupe, if you can get past that whole four-doors thing) with decent power, undeniable eye-candy appeal and very good handling to back up its performance.
I think its safe to expect the Comfort Coupe (sedan!) to make an impact in the market, its looks alone will draw people to it, but the surprise of the refined and roomy interior may seal the deal.
When it hits the lots in October, expect the CC to start at an MSRP of $31,975 for a ‘base’ Sportline model, climbing up to $44,975 for the Highline V6 with all-wheel drive.
Summary:
Strong Points
Weak Points
- - Strong visual appeal
- - refined performance from either engine choice
- - excellent interior
- - surprisingly roomy trunk
- - not really a "coupe" (as it has four doors)
- - sticker price puts it at the upper end of the spectrum against rivals
Editors Rating:
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