Test Drive o fthe new VW Passat CC

It’s a new day in Tennessee as the state that brings you the Grand Ole Opry and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will soon be bringing you a brand-spanking new automobile factory cranking out Volkswagen’s NMS (New Mid Size) model, which will replace the current Passat sedan - not to be confused with the new, sensuously styled CC.

So happy are the locals of VW’s pending arrival and construction of their new factory to be located outside of Chattanooga that we were asked at nearly every stop we made as to whether this was the new VW that we were driving – VW purposely left any name badges off these first production vehicles. This was always followed by a comment of how glad Tennesseans were to have Volkswagen moving into the area.

It’s all about the packaging, and with the new Volkswagen CC, it’s quite a package. Using proven running gear from its sister ship, the more uprightVolkswagen Passat, the new CC, or “Comfort Coupe” as VW has tagged it, is a new high-tech boulevard cruiser. Along the way, it could become the sexiest offering from Wolfsburg, since….um, well, we’ll get back to you.

What is it?

The CC (to be known as the Passat CC in Canada) is one of the swoopiest shapes to come from Germany since the longtail Porsche 917 of LeMans fame. Bearing in mind that it is not a race car, it is still one that evokes an emotional attraction that will no doubt be polarizing to some viewers.

What’s it up against?

The Acura TSX, for one. The CC’s cousin, the Audi A4 for another. The BMW 3-Series, Honda Accord, Hyundai Azera, Mazda Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Saab 9-3 and even Toyota Camry are just a few of the competitors in this segment.

Any breakthroughs?

The sexy (there’s that word again) roofline, for one. Dramatically lowered in the rear, it looks like no other car, except for one: The Mercedes-Benz CLS. Other cues included frameless doors, a large power vent panoramic sunroof that reaches out to the roof rails and a more expressive face.

How does it look?

Possessing a look you would buy for its passion rather than its practicality, it is one that does require care upon entrance and egress. A little twist of the torso one way, a cocking of the head, the other, and you will finally be able to find yourself within the CC.

Volkswagen calls it a coupe. We call it a smooth operating four-door.

And inside?

Interior design at the top of its game, the CC features power adjustable driver and passenger seats in front with excellent bolstering that kept us firmly planted on twisty mountain roads in the hills of Tennessee. Taking care to duck your head down while entering the rear seat, you will find accommodations for two in the back, with sculpted-out rear seats. A spot for a third passenger has been eliminated by the addition of the cupholder/console arrangement between the two rear seat shells.

The dashboard is a great improvement over that found in the recently reviewed VW Tiguan. Designers have figured out how to simplify the layout while at the same time offering up all the necessary gauges and controls that an active driver would need. Case in point is the new navigation / audio system touch screen that operates all the logical controls plus the rear-view camera screen. Incidentally, the VW logo located on the trunk lid of the CC tilts inward to expose the camera lens during backup operations.

The new navigation system features what VW calls the Media Device Interface (MDI), which incorporates the touch screen controls as well as access to a 32-gigabyte hard drive. Our test car was in Luxury trim mode, and featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well as full brushed aluminum throughout.

But does it go?

Volkswagen managed to have both the 2.0T and VR6 4Motion models of the CC on hand for our road trip from Atlanta to Nashville. They performed flawlessly up and over the mountain grades, and through the valleys in southern Tennessee.

The 2.0T is the latest iteration of the 2-liter Turbo inline four-cylinder that has made its way through virtually all of the Volkswagen (and certain models of the Audi) line. A direct-injection block with turbocharger and intercooler, it is mated to a six-speed manual or, as in our case, a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Rated at 200-horsepower, we found that under acceleration, the 207 lb-ft of torque was more than sufficient for scooting past the longest tandem tractor-trailers on the interstate. Zero to 60 checks in at 7.4 seconds with the automatic, while the manual achieves it at 6.9 seconds. Fuel economy levels are 21 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway with the automatic.

The VR6 model with 24-valve 3.6-liter V6 has also paid its dues throughout the portfolio, and makes the scene here with variable valve timing, and direct injection. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and puts out like a hooker at a political convention with 280-horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque at 2750 rpm. Zero to sixty mph can be had at 6.6-seconds. Available only with the Tiptronic, its EPA mileage rating is 18/27 mpg.

We loved the way the CC’s suspension stuck to the tarmac like it was treading through a tube of epoxy. Credit the McPherson struts combined with triangular wishbones, coil springs, self-leveling shocks and stabilizer bar up front, working with the multi-link pieces out back which spend their time bouncing on coils and telescopic shocks. The electromechanical power steering kept things pointed in the right direction taking every bit of driver input offered.

Overall, the CC is one of the sharpest designs to be cruising the interstates and boulevards throughout the country. Running in the near-luxury category, it is priced attractively enough to hold many previous fans of the marque, while attracting new “conquest” buyers.

Why you would buy it:
You like being on the cutting edge of style and technology, and no longer have a need to haul any more than three other passengers with you.

Why you wouldn’t:
You appreciate tapioca pudding and oatmeal. Additionally, the price of a fully equipped four-cylinder CC Luxury model can reach over $35,600.

2009 Volkswagen CC Luxury base price, $31,990. As tested: $36,320.

Dynaudio sound system, $1,000; Technology Package with Navigation, $2,640; Destination, $690.