2009 Volkswagen CC Review | Buyer Guide
The Volkswagen CC Is About Style.
The new Volkswagen CC is a real head-turner. Taking a page out of the Mercedes playbook, Volkswagen has introduced a slinky version of it its top-of-the-line sedan. The 2009 CC, which stands for Comfort Coupe, is nor really a coupe at all, but a Passat four-door with a coupe-like profile.
The CC uses the same platform and wheelbase as the Passat, and is about the same overall length, but the CC and Passat share no body panels. The CC’s forte is style. A steeply raked windshield and a sloping roofline create a sleek silhouette. Sharp creases in the sheet metal add character, and less chrome up front, but a more prominent VW emblem, give the CC a more sophisticated look.
The interior is stylish as well, in a sporty way. When I opened the door of my base model test car, I was surprised to find bright-colored, two-tone seats done in perforated leatherette. Brushed silver trim on the dash nicely complemented them. Yet, VW didn’t get fancy with the instruments and controls, they are straightforward and easy operate.
The CC seats four, not five. Passengers up front get well-bolstered sport seats. Those in the rear have individual accommodations with a console in between. Although the roof is lower in the CC than the Passat, average-size adults have adequate headroom. However, the sleek contours do mean that there is slightly less trunk space.
As with the Passat, Volkswagen gives buyers a choice of two engines, a 2.0-liter, 200-hp, turbo four-cylinder, or a 3.6-liter, 280-hp, V-6. The turbo comes with either six-speed manuals or automatics. The V-6 gets only the automatic, and is available with all-wheel drive.
My test car came with the smaller engine and the automatic. This is likely to be the most popular power train. I found it to be a very pleasing combination. The turbo delivers more than adequate acceleration. It will get you to 60 in a little over seven seconds, and without making a racket. Teamed to the automatic, it delivers 20-29 mpg.
Out on the road, the CC feels just like the Passat, which isn’t a bad thing. Both cars use the same suspension, which delivers responsive handling and a slightly firm, European-style ride. The steering is taut, but not heavy, and very precise. An adaptive suspension, available in Europe, which allows drivers to adjust the firmness, may come here later.
Volkswagen offers the CC in four versions, Sport and Luxury (with four-cylinder engines), and the VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion. Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Slip Regulation, Brake Assist and Yaw Control are standard on all models. All except the basic Sport model come with leather. A navigation system, a rearview camera, and an upgraded sound system are optional.
Pricing for the CC Starts at $27,850 for the Sport, and ranges up to $40,120 for the VR6 4Motion.
Snapshot Review
Sleek Styling
Sporty Interior
Passat Drive Train
Passat Road Manners
