Volkswagen CC History
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The Volkswagen CC—otherwise sometimes called the Passat CC—is a more curvaceous, stylish mid-size sedan, aimed at those willing to sacrifice some practicality for a more radical design. Alternatives to the CC include a wide range of sedans, including the Honda Accord Crosstour or Nissan Altima at the more affordable end, to premium models like the Audi A4 or Cadillac CTS.
It's definitely form over function for the Volkswagen CC, which was introduced in 2009 as a slightly more upscale alternative to the standard Passat—and, in some ways, a more affordable successor to the Phaeton, VW's failed premium flagship sedan model from last decade. The CC offered essentially the same mechanical underpinnings as the Passat but with a flowing roofline, more sculpted body, and rakish front end that altogether made it look like a completely different vehicle. Interior appointments, too, are very different, with the CC trading the Passat's rear bench for a dual bucket setup good for two. Interior appointments and trims have been upgraded throughout the cabin, bringing the lavish feel of a luxury-brand vehicle at a more affordable price.
The base engine on the Volkswagen CC is the same engine that's used on many VW and Audi products—a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four (2.0T), with either a standard six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 280-hp version of the narrow-angle 'VR6' V-6 engine. 4Motion all-wheel drive is offered on a limited basis, only with the VR6. Overall, from TheCarConnection.com's driving experiences, the VR6 powertrain doesn't deliver on its higher power figures, and loaded VR6 4Motion models have proven extremely pricey. Otherwise, the CC is a capable, nice-handling sedan, with the steering a bit too light in feel by some standards, but ride quality is great—firm yet absorbent.
In a practical sense, the CC doesn't stand up nearly as well. Headroom is quite limited in back, meaning that taller adults will have trouble, even though the bucket seats back there are great, and the seating position will feel odd to some—with the low position causing visibility issues for some shorter drivers.
Safety ratings for the CC haven't been perfect on all counts, but it has received all 'good' scores from the IIHS and comes with stability control, side bags, and all the features good shoppers would look for in this segment. Rear side bags—one feature that's still quite rare—are optional. Among all the CC models, TheCarConnection.com recommends the base CC Sport, as it comes well equipped with automatic climate control, heated seats, and an eight-speaker sound system. Though you'll get a luxury-car level of equipment with the VR6 and 4Motion models, you'll pay dearly (they top $40k) and at that price you could get the additional dealer service that comes with an Acura, BMW, or even Mercedes-Benz.
VW made a few significant changes to the CC going from 2009 into 2010: the six-speed automatic transmission was replaced by the excellent DSG automated manual gearbox, and Bluetooth and an enhanced audio interface were made standard.
