Volkswagen's CC Gets New Corporate Face,  Space for Five

 

The Volkswagen CC has been largely unchanged since its emergence as a 2009 model. But for 2013, it adopts new styling cues that bring it in line with its more-modern upscale siblings.

Still a replica of the original concept of ‘four-door coupe’, the Volkswagen CC combines the dramatic styling of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan.

Like the Mercedes-Benz CLS that sparked this emerging segment, the CC now seats five, providing easier access to the rear seats than a normal coupe.

For the latest model year, Volkswagen updated the CC with more standard equipment as well as revised exterior styling.

Although the CC shares basic features with outgoing version of the Passat sedan, the latest version has been enlarged, de-contented with dreadful luxury to appeal to young and upwardly mobile executives.

The CC's connection to the old Passat is most visible in its sophisticated cabin, soft-touch materials, fit and finish excellence and overall intuitive design with flowing and polished exterior.

Manish Daryanani, head of sales and marketing, Volkswagen centre Lagos said: “It is the CC's exterior that will win over most buyers, adding that the overall look is one of simple elegance, with details like a relatively low, sloping roofline and sleek lights contributing to the attractive, expensive-seeming mien.

He added that styling changes for the latest model year include a simpler, more conservative grille and headlamp design that brings the look more in line with Volkswagen's mainstream Passat and Jetta offerings.

The front and rear fascias were also worked over, while Bi-Xenon headlights with VW's Adaptive Front Lighting System and LED taillamps are now standard equipment, he noted.

The standard engine for the CC is a smooth and torquey 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers 200 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque starting from 1800 rpm.

Also available with standard six-speed manual or an optional dual-clutch automatic that VW dubs the DSG; the motor helps the CC hit 120kmph from a stop in a touch over seven seconds.

Experts rate fuel economy in the new CC at 21/32 mpg while the manual and automatic-equipped cars carry a 22/31 mpg rating.

The CC is available in six trim levels: 2.0T Sport, 2.0T Sport Plus, 2.0T R-Line, Lux, Lux VR6 and VR6 4Motion Executive.

The entry-level Sport trim comes well equipped with leatherette convincing (faux leather) upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a touchscreen-activated eight-speaker sound system with an iPod input jack.

Other features are cruise control, power-adjustable driver's seat, metallic-look matte chrome interior trim, 17-inch "Verme" alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel and automatic lights and windshield wipers.

This trim comes equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo four along with a choice of transmissions - all other trims (except the 2.0T R-Line) come with the automatic gearbox only.

The 2.0T Sport Plus adds 18-inch "Mallory" wheels with all-season 235/40 tyres and a navigation system.

The 2.0T Lux comes with 18-inch "St Louis" five-spoke aluminium-alloy wheels, dark brushed-aluminium interior trim, a power sunroof and ambient lighting.

The VR6 Lux brings the more powerful engine, dual-zone automatic climate control, ebony interior trim and a headlamp washer system with heated nozzles, memory seats and mirrors, a rear-view camera and 18-inch "Inerlagos" alloy wheels.

The top-end CC is the VR6 4Motion Executive, which adds the V6 engine and all-wheel drive, a Park Distance Control system with front and rear proximity sensors, a 600-watt Dynaudio premium audio system and leather seating.

The 2.0T R-line trim (available early 2013) has a more sporty appearance that includes lower, extended bumpers and side skirts, darkened taillights and halogen fog lights. Otherwise, this trim's features are the same as those found in the 2.0T Sport. Both transmissions are available with this trim.

All CC models come equipped with a bevy of safety features including dual front, side and side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.