Vehicle: 2009 VW Passat CC Highline with 6-speed Tiptronic and Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$44160

Performance: The previous 2 attempts of moving VW upmarket were a flop, will this Passat CC be a flop or flourish? We will have the answer for you after this review.

The CC, just like its Passat sedan and Variant silibings, are powered by similar engines. If you opt for Sportline, you can only get a 2.0T. While Highline can have both 2.0T and 3.6 V6. Our tester comes with the 200hp 2.0T that is so familiar underneath the hood of most VWs. Both from the driver and consumer’s perspective, this engine is a better choice than the 280hp 3.6 V6 due to lighter front end. This 2.0T also has plenty of torque, 207 lb/ft to be exact. Its the amount of torque and the level of refinement so good, you can forget about getting the V6 except you want the 4Motion AWD system. The complete lack of any nasty turbo lag. Turbo spools up quickly and efficiently without any hestiation. There are also 2 trannies available with the CC. You can either get a 6-speed manual or the Tiptronic in our tester. As good as its manual gearbox does, which provide decent gear ratios with nice throws. Its high clutch take off point is what driven me to the Tiptronic. This Tiptronic is a much improved version over its existing attempt. Both up and downshifts are much quicker and swifter, without any nasty hesitation used to associate with Tiptronic. On the other hand, the gear ratios are perfectly matched with CC’s sporty character especially the lower gears. Combined with the instant throttle response, you got a really nice performance package.

Handling: Take a Passat sedan, give it a recalibrated suspension settings and you can pretty much imagine what the CC drives like. If the “standard” Passat is a family sedan with sporty intentions, this CC is every inch a real sports sedan. The sports suspension has a tight and supple feel, exactly what we expect from VW. While its firm enough for enthuisastic drivers, its soft enough to occupy the passengers. Push the CC into corners, there are minimal body rolls. Its body rolls are so well-controlled, that its easily take a set. Minimal understeer when pushed extremely hard. The electric power steering provides excellent road feel and response, with top-notch precision as one expects from a true sports sedan. The ESP also doesn’t have any unwanted intervention until the edge of the envalope. Exactly a good system always wanted by any enthuisasts.

Brakes: CC’s braking prowess pretty much match with its dynamic prowess. The stopping distance is short, while the pedal is firm and easily modulated. Add electronic braking force distribution and brake assist, it also doesn’t have any grabbing feel to driver’s right foot. Combined with an ABS that acts at the right time at the right place, its the hallmark of a good braking system.

Interior: The only compromise with CC’s sloppy C-pillars is the rear headroom. Because of VW’s intentions of marketing CC as a “Comfort Coupe”, it only have 4 seats instead of 5 seats. In VW’s marketing books, if you want to seat 5 persons, take Passat sedan.

CC’s trunk is as spacious as any Passat we have ever tested. Despite of the rather high liftover and narrow opening, as relative to its sedan silibing, it remains a large and spacious trunk. Add 60/40 split fold-down rear seats to the mix, CC remains a versatile package for those on the go.

The rest of the interior is typical of anything we expect from VW. All the leather and plastic materials are top-notch, simply the best-in-class when it comes to workmanship and attention-to-details. The tasteful aluminum trim adds a sporty touch, while break through the beige seats and black dashboard on our tester. The Nappa leather’s quality is nothing short of amusing. Its soft without losing any of the firmness we expect from German seats. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The auto climate control is effective and efficient. Can you find a better interior anywhere else?

Conclusion: While our tester is the Comfortline with Technlogy package, so its loaded up to over 40 grand. But you can basically get the same CC with fewer kits at below 40k for the Sportline. The Passat CC will not only successfully bring VW upmarket, unlike its amusing Phaeton and underwhelming Passat W8, its also a true sports sedan wraps in a “4-door coupe” clothing. So what’s the bottom line? The Passat CC will be a flourish, not a flop.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 VW Passat CC
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5