2009 Volkswagen CC Luxury 2 A New Addition to the VW Stable Reviewed by Susan Frissell (Photo by James M. Flammang)
	The 2009 Volkswagen CC is a tad different than VWís of the past; a little more upscale. Available in four models (Luxury, Sport, VR6 4Motion, V6 Sport), this version of the Passat sedan stands for Comfort Coupe. Somewhat resembling a Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan, the CC offers a comfortable ride, yet with a sporty feel. This four-door coupe is equipped with all the creature comforts, but has less interior space than the Passat sedan. With a lower, slopping roofline, headroom is at a premium, and one must watch the ole bean when climbing in/out. The 2009 Volkswagen CC is a tad different than VWís of the past; a little more upscale. Available in four models (Luxury, Sport, VR6 4Motion, V6 Sport), this version of the Passat sedan stands for Comfort Coupe. Somewhat resembling a Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan, the CC offers a comfortable ride, yet with a sporty feel. This four-door coupe is equipped with all the creature comforts, but has less interior space than the Passat sedan. With a lower, slopping roofline, headroom is at a premium, and one must watch the ole bean when climbing in/out. What the CC makes up for in looks, it lacks in driverís visibility. Although the curved roofline is very attractive, it makes for a view that is compromised when attempting to back up. As with most sportscar-like vehicles, passenger limit is three. Volkswagenís CCís exterior is eye-catching and stream-lined. Similar to the current Mercedes-Benz sedans, with a slanted rear roof, the CC is a smooth-riding, easy to operate sedan. With few complaints-we found the side mirrors too small and turning off the hand brake a puzzle-most controls are easily operated. The easy-to-use HVAC system was appreciated, as in many luxury vehicles, the system is so complicated one hesitates to use it. The rear seats are buckets, with a console in the middle, so taking more than three passengers doesnít work. But then, those opting for the CC version of the Passat arenít necessarily looking for convenience. Itís very much a ìsportsî car, with four large doors. Our test vehicle came equipped with Volkswagenís 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine which offers plenty of pep. One can also opt for the available 3.6-liter V6 engine with AWD, but we thought the turbocharged four was plenty of engine. The color of our CC was a beautiful metallic silver/blue, making for an elegant look. Prices range from $28,200-$39,800 so this isnít a car for the masses. Standard equipment is plentiful and includes such amenities as four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist system, electronic brake distribution/traction control/ABS and engine management, immobilizer, stability control, front foglights, projector beam lens halogen bulb headlights, luxury trim leather on gear knob, alloy look on doors and dashboard, windshield wipers with intermittent wipe and rain sensor, compass, peripheral anti-theft protection, diversity antenna, cruise, external temperature gauge, parking distance sensors, eight speaker RDS audio system with AM/FM/Satellite radio/CD and six-disc auto changer and MP3, and steering wheel mounted remote auto controls. Of course, safety features abound with front side airbags, front and side curtain airbag, and power windows/locks. Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment are also standard. We were confused several times when after exiting the car and locking it with the remote, the driver side window would go all the way down. After waiting a few seconds when exiting the car, we then would lock it which seemed to solve the problem. Because the windows adjust slightly when the doors close, we suspect we confused the system by trying to lock it too soon. As with all VW manually-equipped transmissions, the CCís 6-speed gearbox was easy to operate and drive. The parking brake is operated by a button and one must apply the brake to put it in motion. Itís just getting accustomed to a push of a button rather than pulling up a brake lever. Sport seats are comfortable and complete with several possible positions. Electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats also have height adjustment and lumbar adjustment, with six adjustments and tilt adjustment. I adjusted mine each time I drove, for some reason. I either found myself too far forward, or too high. It is easily changed though, and all drivers should be able to find a position that is most comfortable for them. Seating surfaces were leather and two-tone. The door mirrors have three settings with memorized adjustment, and illuminated entry makes for safer nighttime driving. All controls were easily manipulated and understood. The HVAC system with climate control A/C was very easy to use; not complicated at all. A computer provides average speed, average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel for the driver. Goodies are too many to name, but be assured youíll want for little in this fun-to- drive, attractive sports sedan.
SPECS MSRP: $28,000-$39,800 Engine: 2.0-literL4 Turbo-compressor, DOHC, 200 hp., available V6, 3.6-liter Transmission: 6-speed manual, AWD Wheelbase: 106.7 in. Width: 73.1in. Weight: 3,374 lbs., automatic; 3,722 lbs. manual Length: 188.9 in. Height: 56 in. EPA Fuel Economy: 19/29/23 mpg. Warranty: 5-yr./100,000-mile limited powertrain, 3-yr./36,000-mile Basic; 3-yr./36,000- mile Roadside Assistance; 12-yr./Unlimited Rust