The all-new, 2009 Volkswagen CC is a slightly longer, wider and 2-inches lower, more upscale version of the popular VW Passat four-door sedan. Both are family sedans, but the CC takes bold, sports car looks and performance to the next level. The ‘Sport’ version that I tested came standard with VW’s smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, stiffer telescoping gas-charged shocks, larger front and rear stabilizer bars riding on 17X7.5in. Phoenix alloy wheels wrapped with 235/45R17-inch Continental Contact ‘run-flat’ tires.
The ‘Luxury’ trim model comes with VW’s 6-speed Sportronic automatic transmission air-springs for a softer, more luxurious ride and VW’s new ‘panoramic’ sunroof.
You have a choice of two engines and transmissions. First is the 2.0 liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled engine that makes 200hp and 207 lb.ft. of toque, and the 3.6 liter V6 engine that generates 280hp and 265 lb.ft. of torque. Both can be mated to VW’s aforementioned 6-speed manual, or the 6-speed Sportronic with sequential shifting.
What all CC models have in common is the exquisite exterior styling that sets the CC apart from the regular Passat.
Volkswagen has beautifully blended sport car dynamics and dimensions with a sedan’s comfort.
The CC features a masculine shoulder line which visually connects the front wheel wells with the taillights, providing the emotional and expressive stance and silhouette of a sports coupe. Sitting next to a smaller compact sedan, it is as tall giving it a special sleek look.
In addition to its dramatically lowered, steeply raked front A-pillars and rear C-pillars giving it a well planted stance, other exterior features include frameless front and rear doors that open very wide, flowing lines in the silhouette including a full-perimeter chrome strip wrapping the side windows, a solid chrome strip on the doors, and lower side extensions further enhancing its lowered stance.
The front fascia shows a larger, more prominent VW signature cross-strut chrome grille design with foglamps and splitter integrated into the lower front bumper. Newly designed ‘cats-eye’ headlamp clusters light up the night. The rear features a prominent lip spoiler, the Passat’s signature lamp clusters and dual exhaust pipes to the left under the rear bumper.
A sport’s coupe interior cues include very four comfortable, ergonomically formed, perforated leather sports seats that are positioned to sit lower with improved side bolstering. The sport model gets standard 12-way powered driver and 10-way powered front passenger seats, including lumbar adjustments. The three-spoke steering column features tilt and telescoping for the perfect setting. Redundant buttons on the leather-wrapped wheel make changing the audio, trip computer and Bluetooth system easy.
The unique white letters and black background instrument cluster is easy to see and understand with trip computer readouts in the center between large 180mph speedometer and 8,000rpm tachometer. All buttons, switches and dials are within easy reach and fully illuminated for safe nighttime driving.
The leather-wrapped gear shifter is perfectly placed for easy, quick shifting going up or down the gears. The center console is padded and features a deep storage area with 12-volt power plug.
The detail, materials are first class with standard aluminum trim pieces located on the dashboard, doors and center console area. The luxury model gets real wood trim
In the rear the split-folding seats also ensure a comfortable ride and utility when needed and are separated by a center roll-top covered fold-down console with storage, dual-cupholders, and first-aid kit. Behind the front center console are air-vents to increase airflow to the rear.
Driving the all-new CC is easy, fun and exciting. The wider, lower stance enhances cornering ability and the Sport model’s stiffer shock valving and larger stabilizer bars give you the ability to corner faster and deeper. The standard Electronic Differential Lock helps negate understeer with the front-wheel-drive setup. To further enhance handling, traction and stability, you can option for the VW 4-Matic All-Wheel-Drive system but it is not available with the Sport package.
The CC’s unique suspension features a unique MacPheson strut concept with triangular wishbones, coil springs, and stabilizer bar. The rear setup has 4-links, telescoping gas-charged shocks, stabilizer with the axle acoustically decoupled from the body to lessen noise, vibration and harshness. As mentioned above, the Sport package comes with stiffer shocks and larger stabilizer bars to enhance the fun and excitement of driving this model. Standard electronic stability control, and ASR traction control keeps the CC on your chosen path. With the stability control off the CC is tossable, but understeer can be dangerous.
The electro-mechanical rack & pinion power steering system features dual-pinions for more precise handling and is nicely weighted when driving slow and when or driving fast. It gives great feedback from the road with excellent on-center feel.
The Sport model quickly and safely stops with large brakes enhanced with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist to lessen braking distance and ensure control of the CC’s direction during severe braking. Up front are 13.5-inch vented discs clamped with dual-piston calipers, and 12-inch solid discs clamped with single-piston calipers in the rear.
Standard features for the Sport model not mentioned above include heated front seats, dual map lamps with rear reading lamps, front grab handles, Climatic single-zone CFC free AC/heater, intermittent, variable speed windshield wipers/washers, power windows/doors locks with all express up/down and pinch protection, cruise control, remote keyless entry, self-dimming rearview mirror, power-remote/heated side mirrors,
In-dash, 6-CD changer/MP3, AM-FM-SIRIUS satellite ratio with 8-speakers, thick carpeting with floormats, storage in the lower doors and deep glovebox.
Standard safety features include driver and front passenger front airbags and head/thorax side bags, side curtain airbags, four 3-point safety belts with pretensioners/load limiters up front, LATCH system for child seats, anti-theft alarm/immobilizer, daytime running lamps, tire pressure monitor, head restraints for all four-seats, and front/side crumple zones. Options not mentioned above include 18X8-inch wheels/tires, rear side airbags, power-adjustable panoramic sunroof, rear power shade, VW’s touch-screen navigation system and Dynaudio AM-FM-CD-MP3 Surround-Sound system with 20GB hardrive.
For sedan buyers looking for something different and more sporty than the average family sedan, the all-new VW CC fits right in. It is an economical alternative to the more pricy Mercedes-Benz CLS four-door sedan. For a family sedan alternative remember it has only four-seats so you family must consist of four members.
COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ
SPECIFICATIONS
Price: MSRP $38,700
Type: Midsize Sedan
Where Built: Germany
EPA Class: Compact Cars
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 188.9 in.
Width: 73 in.
Height: 55.8 in.
Wheel Base: 106.7 in.
Ground Clearance: 5 in.
Curb Weight: 3628 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4542 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 56 in.
Rear Head Room: 36.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54.7 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.6 in.
Rear Leg Room: 37.3 in.
Luggage Capacity: 13 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 4
Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.6 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 280 hp
Max Horsepower: 6200 rpm
Torque: 265 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 2750 rpm Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 35.8 ft.
Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 18 mpg / 27 mpg / 21 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 333 mi. / 499.5 mi. / 388.5 mi.
