If a midsized sedan is the right size for you and you prefer something that's sporty, sleek and stylish, Volkswagen has got your number.
It's called the CC and it's an all-new offering from VW for the 2009 model year. The CC is based on the very nice Passat sedan, but with much sexier styling both outside and inside.
The CC sits low to the ground and features a lowered roofline.
Its lines are silky smooth and I like the look of the frameless doors and lack of exterior model badging. The brand-specific VW badges are now more prominent, but without a visible model badge there were a lot of folks inquiring about what model my tester was.
Everyone who approached the car applauded CC's styling, but seemed disappointed to learn there were only four seats inside. While CC's four seats are ergonomically designed, and the cabin is delightfully pleasing to the eye, there's barely enough head and legroom in the rear for 6-footers.
I do like that the split rear seats are separated by a nice rear console and the seatbacks can be folded down for added versatility, but there's no doubt that taller passengers won't find the rear seats comfortable for long rides.
If you like taking road trips, you should know that CC's trunk space is a bit smaller than most midsized sedans, but it does have room for average sized luggage.
The VW CC comes in four trim levels: Sport ($27,100), Luxury ($32,350), VR6 Sport ($38,700) and VR6 4Motion ($39,800). CC's price of admission quickly soars. I drove the entry-level Sport model and found it to be extremely likable.
The CC Sport and Luxury models are equipped with Volkswagen's 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged (with intercooler) engine that cranks out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque.
The advanced engine features variable valve timing and direct fuel injection, both of which contribute to improved fuel economy.
When mated to the six-speed manual gearbox (Sport only), the CC achieves 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic is optional in the Sport and standard in all other models.
VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion models feature a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.
If you like the look of the car and can forego the extra ponies, the CC Sport is quite peppy and fun to drive, especially with the six-speed manual gearbox.
My VW CC Sport tester featured the manual gearbox and it was fun to run through the gears, which helps improve fuel economy. My tester's highway driving range, thanks to its 18.5-gallon fuel tank, was a whopping 573.5 miles.
The ride is tuned to be sportier than most sedans.
Some may like this while others may find the ride a tad bit on the choppy side when cruising at highway speeds. The trade-off, though, is a car that exhibits minimal body roll when cornering. |