If you want the sexy lines of a coupe, but need the convenience of four doors, Volkswagen thinks you’ll like the 2009 Passat CC. Its dramatic, flowing roofline seemingly turns the Passat into a sleek, luxury coupe.
One reviewer has suggested that the 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC would be a reasonable substitute for a Mercedes-Benz CLS with similar styling and amenities, but a substantially lower price tag. Keep that in mind because the more you look at what Volkswagen tells us is coming, the more dramatic the CC sounds. By the way, CC stands for “Comfort Coupe.”
VW's newest CC is longer, wider and lower than its Passat counterpart. The added size gives the CC a more stable, more athletic stance, which is only accentuated by the sleek, sweeping roofline. Styling, in general, is more reminiscent of a sports car than a conventional sedan.
From the front, the Passat CC sports a large two-bar grille framed by trapezoidal headlight fixtures. The rear-end displays oversized taillights and a hint of spoiler blended into the trunklid. Viewed together, the sporty CC and pragmatic Passat present very different personalities.
The 2009 Volkswagen CC will be the world's first car to feature an active lane-hold safety system, which actually corrects vehicle steering should it veer out of its designated lane. The CC will also debut VW’s Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) active suspension, which allows for driver-selectable steering response. The CC uses an “adaptive chassis control" with three programs – Normal, Sport and Comfort – in conjunction with the active suspension, giving the driver a ride that matches the mission. The CC rolls on a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.
The CC is also packed with safety equipment far beyond the average sedan. Yes, you have stability and traction control, ABS and full airbag coverage, but you also can have features such as “ACC automatic distance control" that automatically maintains your interval during highway driving. When "ACC" is activated, the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates, maintaining its position relative to other cars, even when traffic comes to a stop. The system is not meant to take over for the driver and offers driver intervention at anytime. Another high-end safety technology is the CC’s "Park Assist" parking aid. It automatically guides the Passat CC into a parking space at the push of a button. The driver no longer needs to steer in this case, but instead controls forward and reverse movement and braking.
Volkswagen has retained the engines found on the Passat, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder capable of 200 hp through a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. A 3.6-liter V6 engine, capable of 280 hp and 266 lb/ft of torque through the six-speed automatic transmission is also available. This makes for a potent Passat CC. Zero-to-60 mph happens in 5.6 seconds, and fuel economy should average around 23.3 mpg combined. VW's advanced 4motion all-wheel drive system is available on V6 models.
While the overall interior design is that of the standard Passat, the CC’s instruments, materials, trim and a new steering wheel definitely spiff up the cabin. The undulating shape of the dash reflects that of the CC’s roofline. The optional Panorama sunroof is huge, measuring 30 inches long and 44 inches wide, essentially giving the CC a glass roof and a source of fresh air since a section of the glass pivots upward electrically.
Unlike the standard five-passenger Passat, the CC seats four with a rear-seat center console. To make them distinctive, supportive and comfortable, the rear seats resemble the front buckets, two luxuriously appointed chairs with generous bolstering and a high level of craftsmanship. The reviewers who were treated to a preview of the CC said, “A 6-foot, 2-inch male was able to sit comfortably in the left-rear seat with the driver’s seat adjusted for a 5-foot, 9-inch driver.” All seats can be equipped with internal heating and cooling. There's an optional air conditioned center console compartment and a choice of wood or brushed aluminum trim.
The 2009 Passat CC will be offered in a single luxurious trim and positioned to surpass the current standards in the midsize luxury segment. We consider this introduction a true “event” and encourage you to schedule a test drive at your earliest convenience.
