2009 Volkswagen CC Safety Review

May 28, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not yet tested
IIHS

Four stars, front impacts; five stars, side driver impact; four stars, side passenger impact
NHTSA

Equipped with six standard airbags
Cars.com

Volkswagen has crafted an impressive alternative to the traditional Mercedes-Benz and BMW sport-luxury coupes, but it can't quite match its competitors in the safety arena. While the Volkswagen 2009 CC's crash-test ratings are respectable, TheCarConnection.com's research shows it doesn't offer the same level of safety features found on other models in the segment.

The 2009 Volkswagen CC fared well in independent crash tests, although there's nothing spectacular about its ratings. In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Volkswagen CC earned four out of five stars in both front-impact categories, as well as a four-star rating for side passenger impacts. In the side driver impact category, the Volkswagen CC garnered a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA. The other major testing authority, the IIHS, has not yet tested the 2009 Volkswagen CC. Stay tuned to TheCarConnection.com for the latest updates on IIHS testing for the new Volkswagen 2009 CC.

In addition to its middle-of-the-road test scores, the 2009 Volkswagen CC lineup offers all the usual safety goodies to keep drivers out of harm's way. Cars.com reports that the Volkswagen CC "is equipped with six standard airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags." ConsumerGuide also notes the availability of "ABS, traction control, [an] antiskid system" and available "front and rear obstacle detection." Up front, the driver and front passenger both get active front head restraints, while Cars.com reports that "all-disc antilock brakes" and "brake assist" are standard as well. The major optional safety feature for the 2009 Volkswagen CC is a pair of rear-seat side-impact airbags that can be added for a little extra money.

Visibility in the Volkswagen CC can be an issue; it’s nearly as poor as that on some low-slung sports cars. ConsumerGuide reviewers agree, claiming "visibility to the rear is impeded by a raked rear window and thick C-pillars," and the low seating position can make for difficult sightlines around the Volkswagen 2009 CC.

Conclusion

There are no glaring flaws with the 2009 Volkswagen CC's safety features, but crash-test results aren’t at the front of the pack.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not yet testedIIHSFour stars, front impacts; five stars, side driver impact; four stars, side passenger impactNHTSAEquipped with six standard airbagsCars.com Volkswagen has crafted an impressive alternative to the traditional Mercedes-Benz and BMW sport-luxury coupes, but it can't quite match its competitors in the safety arena. While the Volkswagen 2009 CC's crash-test ratings are respectable, TheCarConnection.com's research shows it doesn't offer the same level of safety features found on other models in the segment. The 2009 Volkswagen CC fared well in independent crash tests, although there's nothing spectacular about its ratings. In NHTSA tests, the 2009 Volkswagen CC earned four out of five stars in both front-impact categories, as well as a four-star rating for side passenger impacts. In the side driver impact category, the Volkswagen CC garnered a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA. The other major testing authority, the IIHS, has not yet tested the 2009 Volkswagen CC. Stay tuned to TheCarConnection.com for the latest updates on IIHS testing for the new Volkswagen 2009 CC. In addition to its middle-of-the-road test scores, the 2009 Volkswagen CC lineup offers all the usual safety goodies to keep drivers out of harm's way. Cars.com reports that the Volkswagen CC "is equipped with six standard airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags." ConsumerGuide also notes the availability of "ABS, traction control, [an] antiskid system" and available "front and rear obstacle detection." Up front, the driver and front passenger both get active front head restraints, while Cars.com reports that "all-disc antilock brakes" and "brake assist" are standard as well. The major optional safety feature for the 2009 Volkswagen CC is a pair of rear-seat side-impact airbags that can be added for a little extra money. Visibility in the Volkswagen CC can be an issue; it’s nearly as poor as that on some low-slung sports cars. ConsumerGuide reviewers agree, claiming "visibility to the rear is impeded by a raked rear window and thick C-pillars," and the low seating position can make for difficult sightlines around the Volkswagen 2009 CC. ConclusionThere are no glaring flaws with the 2009 Volkswagen CC's safety features, but crash-test results aren’t at the front of the pack. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC STYLING | [10 out of 10] Edmunds: "The finest-looking automobile Volkswagen has ever created" Autoblog: "An attractive car and a welcome divergence for VW design" ConsumerGuide: "Climate dials are large, clear, and simple to operate" The 2009 Volkswagen ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Volkswagen CC is really in a class all its own; it offers visual panache matched only by Mercedes' CLS sedan, which is priced starting at tens of thousands more. The new-for-'09 Audi A4 shares the CC's attention-getting styling and matches the quality—if not outright beauty—of its interior. The Cadillac CTS is also sharp outside and in, and its excellent powertrains and rear-wheel-drive chassis offer far superior driving dynamics. Chrysler's 300 is bold and handsome in a very different way than the CC, but its interior surfaces and details are a letdown. The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 trail this pack in terms of styling excitement, but the rear-wheel-drive architecture and Lexus' attention to detail are a pleasure.

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See the Volkswagen CC in Other Years:

2010 | 2009

Comments (1 total)

  1. By sumncguy #1, Posted: 9/16/2009

    The bottom line is pretty accurate. I purchased a 09 VR6 Sport. Im in my second year of ownership. The steering does feel a little light but even so, this car distinctively hugs the back country roads of NC. I dont notice "touchy brakes", the tranny is a little clunky at times and I have notice those odd surges/ The safety ratings are not any worse or better than any other in its class .. if I remember correctly the Volvo S40 came out ahead. But almost none were equipped similarly without increasing the price tag substantionally.

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