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From the dash to the grille, it's clear that Volkswagen has placed a very strong emphasis on styling for the debut of the 2009 Volkswagen CC.
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The finest-looking automobile Volkswagen has ever created
An attractive car and a welcome divergence for VW design
Climate dials are large, clear, and simple to operate
Three different steering wheel designs will be offered, and depending on the design they may include shift paddles, along with buttons for trip computer, the audio system, calling interface, and the new Dynamic Drive Control (DDC).
DDC, an electronic chassis system, offers three different modes — Normal, Sport, and Comfort — and integrates suspension damping, power steering assist, and powertrain response.
Volkswagen says that the Passat CC is the first car in the world with a Lane Assist ‘lane-keeping’ system — more precisely, it's the first one yet to actually steer you back into your lane when you veer outside. Using the turn signals temporarily disables the system. Meanwhile, the Park Assist system does more than its modest name hints. At the push of a button, it will automatically handle the steering and guide the CC into a parking space. Acceleration and braking are still left up to the driver.
There's also a system called ACC Automatic Distance Control, a system much like the intelligent cruise control systems now offered on models from several premium-brand automakers. ACC lets the driver set a speed range, after which the car will maintain a set following distance and brake or accelerate as needed. Another supplemental safety device called Front Assist will use the same sensors to anticipate a potential collision and prime the braking system as needed.
The model also gets some features from the flagship Phaeton — such as the model's excellent Active Climate Seats, with fan-driven ventilation, heating and cooling functions, and continuously variable controls.
In Europe, the Passat CC will come with a variety of engines, including two different common-rail turbodiesel four-cylinder engines and three different direct-injection gasoline four- and six-cylinder engines. In the U.S., the Passat CC will come with the same powertrains as the pedestrian Passat — either with VW’s familiar 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four-cylinder, making 200 horsepower, or with the 280-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 and 4Motion all-wheel drive. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic will be offered on the 2.0 FSI, while the 3.6 will get a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic shift control.
Just how much higher will the CC’s price be than that of the Passat? And will it be sold in the U.S. as a much more exclusive, luxurious car or merely a dressed-up Passat? We’ll check in with VW officials for some answers.
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