Thoughts from the Curb

Sep 9, 2008 - 2009 VW CC: Not a Coupe, But Very Good

As I said yesterday, the 2009 Volkswagen CC is not a coupe, as one of its C's declares. But they could call it chocolate pudding, it really wouldn't matter. What it is is another working class executive car: exquisitely made, sleekly styled, highly refined to drive and in 2.0T form, very fuel efficient. While the regular Passat got too big, too bloated and too expensive compared to its predecessor that served as a slight step up from your standard midsize family car, the CC's unique styling provides something decidedly different. The CC seems perfect for those who want something more premium and stylish than a topped out Accord or Mazda 6, but less ostentacious and less expensive than a luxury-badged car. I see myself falling into that category.

Having said that, this only applies to the 2.0T trim level. My butt-o-meter calculated that the VR6 was not significantly quicker while the turbocharged four-cylinder managed to return around 30 mpg on my drive from Atlanta to Nashville today. Furthermore, the base model at around $27,000 is no stripper. It includes an eight-speaker stereo with aux-jack and six-CD changer, 12-way power front seats with driver memory, heated front seats, all auto/up down windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and the most convincing leatherette upholstery I've ever come across. Cross stitched and available in contrasting colors, it's nicer than many leather interior (for instance, the Hyundai Sonata I just drove). If you throw on the luxury and technology packages, you're looking at a car similarly equipped to an Acura TSX and vastly more stylish and desireable.

This car is a winner and I hope we'll add one to our long-term fleet. Does it hold your interest?

-James Riswick   

3:01 pm | Categories: car reviews Permalink | Alert Administrator

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