Starting out as a secondary variant of the Passat executive sedan, the four-door coupe from Volkswagen has served as a strong contender in its market segment. It offers a unique composition - one that has been gaining likes of the increasingly affluent masses.
The second iteration of the four-door coupe ditches the 'Passat' moniker to re-appear as a stand-alone model. We sample the car to find out if the offering befits its positioning.
Exterior
On the outside, the CC retains a fair bit over its predecessor, with works done mainly to the front and rear fascias. The smooth roof-line portrays an almost statuesque presence, with the gently tapered tail, adding a sense of fluidity to the body shape.
In base trim, the CC will receive a contemporary-looking five twin-spoke alloys in 17-inch application, which seems too small in the sizeable arches.
17-inchers look a tad small for the arches; side profile accentuates sleek, stylish silhouette of the CC
The second iteration of the four-door coupe ditches the 'Passat' moniker to re-appear as a stand-alone model. We sample the car to find out if the offering befits its positioning.
Exterior
On the outside, the CC retains a fair bit over its predecessor, with works done mainly to the front and rear fascias. The smooth roof-line portrays an almost statuesque presence, with the gently tapered tail, adding a sense of fluidity to the body shape.
In base trim, the CC will receive a contemporary-looking five twin-spoke alloys in 17-inch application, which seems too small in the sizeable arches.
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The elegantly-flowing sideline inclines the CC towards a subtle grand tourer which is more quietly handsome than blatantly glamorous. Like icing on the cake, modern-interpretations come in the form of LEDs lamps for both the front and rear. The reworked daytime-running LEDs now bears resemblance to the other offerings.
Flat-bottom LED running-lamps now more distinctive  |
Interior
Getting into the cabin reveals that the CC is slung closer to the ground than one would have expected. Nevertheless, the car is proof that the people at Wolfsburg haven't forgotten about how to make a stylish-looking car. Take the frameless doors for instance - although it is no longer a novelty, the incorporation has added a commensurate air of stylishness to the coupe.
Horizontal bolstering adds chic to interior - looks and feels the bit
Getting into the cabin reveals that the CC is slung closer to the ground than one would have expected. Nevertheless, the car is proof that the people at Wolfsburg haven't forgotten about how to make a stylish-looking car. Take the frameless doors for instance - although it is no longer a novelty, the incorporation has added a commensurate air of stylishness to the coupe.
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Up front, the aluminium-finished console surrounds portrays a clean yet sophisticated outlook, especially with the analogue timepiece in the centre of the panel. Though the three-spoke steering sports looks largely alike others found in the marque's lineup, it fares competently and feels premium, with an adequate girth and dimension.
With the low-slung roofline, it is not surprising that the rear occupants suffer a cut in headroom allowance. That aside, the cabin is nothing short of expectations. The two-tone leather seats are plush enough for long-haul journeys, and illustrate a sense of spaciousness.
In this latest iteration, Volkswagen has added a centre seat on the rear bench - a practical substitute for the centre stowage compartment found in the previous generation coupe. Though the centre rest will not wow the 'discerning occupants', it will serve as a useful backup when the occasion arises for an additional passenger.
With the low-slung roofline, it is not surprising that the rear occupants suffer a cut in headroom allowance. That aside, the cabin is nothing short of expectations. The two-tone leather seats are plush enough for long-haul journeys, and illustrate a sense of spaciousness.
In this latest iteration, Volkswagen has added a centre seat on the rear bench - a practical substitute for the centre stowage compartment found in the previous generation coupe. Though the centre rest will not wow the 'discerning occupants', it will serve as a useful backup when the occasion arises for an additional passenger.
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The Drive
Even in its base 1.8-litre trim, the CC packs grunt - 160hp of it, which should see to sprints being done in a sprightly manner. The powerplant will respond to jabs of the right feet, willingly pulling to the red-line and responding with a vocal engine note.
The potent 7-speed DSG may seem a tad unrefined in traffic, but once it breaks free onto the highway, it shifts almost imperceptibly.
On pocketed roads, the CC's firmer suspension setup may set in to dull the overall cabin experience. From the driver's point of view however, the taut settings instils a greater sense of confidence, especially when the occasion calls for it to stretch its legs a little over the bends.
On the other hand, the steering feels as good as it looks, sufficiently weighted - an attribute that is increasingly rare in modern continental offerings. This bestows an inspiring drive, worthy of the marque that brought us the renowned GTI hot hatch.
Even in its base 1.8-litre trim, the CC packs grunt - 160hp of it, which should see to sprints being done in a sprightly manner. The powerplant will respond to jabs of the right feet, willingly pulling to the red-line and responding with a vocal engine note.
The potent 7-speed DSG may seem a tad unrefined in traffic, but once it breaks free onto the highway, it shifts almost imperceptibly.
On pocketed roads, the CC's firmer suspension setup may set in to dull the overall cabin experience. From the driver's point of view however, the taut settings instils a greater sense of confidence, especially when the occasion calls for it to stretch its legs a little over the bends.
On the other hand, the steering feels as good as it looks, sufficiently weighted - an attribute that is increasingly rare in modern continental offerings. This bestows an inspiring drive, worthy of the marque that brought us the renowned GTI hot hatch.
Conclusion
In Volkswagen's words, the CC is deciphered as Comfort Coupe, which we will beg to differ in our case. Not that it is unbearable of any sort during the commuting, but the CC definitely feels much more like a sports coupe than one derived for pure creature comforts.
As a package, there is no debate on the CC's stylishness, and its accomplished underpinnings. However, the departure from its sedan sibling meant that the CC must pack more individuality, in order to garner the judicious attention of its target market.
In Volkswagen's words, the CC is deciphered as Comfort Coupe, which we will beg to differ in our case. Not that it is unbearable of any sort during the commuting, but the CC definitely feels much more like a sports coupe than one derived for pure creature comforts.
As a package, there is no debate on the CC's stylishness, and its accomplished underpinnings. However, the departure from its sedan sibling meant that the CC must pack more individuality, in order to garner the judicious attention of its target market.
