New Volkswagen Passat CC review

Prices range from £21,065 to £31,145 for the new Volkswagen Passat CC - the new large coupe from VW.

There are two levels of specification, CC and CC GT, and engines ranging from 1.8-litre to a V6 3.6-litres.

VW in the UK expects to sell around 2,500 CC models this year rising to 5,800 in 2009 and they say that 70% will be going to the fleet market, in line with other models in the range.

Initially the Passat CC is available with three engine options, two petrol and one diesel. The petrol units are the 1.8-litre TSI 160PS and the range topping 3.6-litre V6PS unit which comes as standard with VW’s 4MOTION all wheel drive and six-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Diesel power comes the in the form of the VW Group’s new 2.0-litre TDI 140PS common-rail turbodiesel unit as used in the Audi A4. Later this year a 2.0-litre TSI 200PS petrol engine and a 2.0-litre TDI 170PS unit will be added to the range.

Forgetting the very expensive Phaeton luxury saloon, which sells in very low numbers, WW until now didn’t have a relatively affordable flagship, but the elegant Passat CC does that. Cleverly adopting a four-door design for its coupe body style the newcomer will compete head on with the Mercedes CLS which opened up a new segment in the market.

It is for private and business motorists who occasionally need a car with four doors, but in the main want a stylish and sporty executive model without it looking like a family saloon.

The Passat CC is longer and lower than the standard saloon. The length is increased by 34mm to 4,799mm, width by 35mm to 1,855mm and the height is decreased by 55mm to 1,417mm. The rear track is widened by 8mm.

The rear seating is for two persons, the rear headroom is just ample enough for six-footers and there is plenty of legroom. Boot space is 532-litres.

The Passat is VW’s first model, just beating the new Scirocco, to have Adaptive Chassis Control which has three settings, comfort, normal and sport, which adjusts the suspension and steering to the desired performance. All models have a sports suspension which is 15mm lower than a standard Passat.

Specification is of course high and includes Electronic Stability Programme, front side and curtain airbags, climate control air conditioning and much of the interior is the same as the Passat saloon and estates. This is a pity because the exterior design promises so much and the interior is well – just the same.

The majority of customers will opt for the new 2.0-litre TDI 140PS common-rail diesel engine, which from the Audi A4 and VW Tiguan SUV, we know to be quiet, smooth, responsive and fuel efficient. This model with a 6-speed manual transmission will cost £21,895 in CC trim form or £22,795 with GT specification.

However for customers who do not cover huge mileages the smart buy is the Passat CC 1.8-litre, 160PS turbocharged petrol engine priced at £21,065. This costs less than the diesel models to buy and saves a little on the price of fuel. However road tax and company car benefit in kind tax based on emissions are marginally higher.

Why I like this model is first of all the purchase price and the fact that VW are able to get diesel engine like torque, and hence excellent response, from their latest turbocharged petrol engines. The torque output is 185lb ft or 250Nm from just 1,500rpm, brilliant for a smooth, quiet and responsive drive. Top speed is 138mph and 0-62mph takes just 8.6 seconds.

In a car of this size for a relatively small capacity engine the performance is exceptional. Fuel economy is 37.2mpg, 34mpg during my test session, and the CO2 emissions are 180g/km giving it a Band E rating of £170 for road tax.

For the price savvy customer this is the Passat CC model to go for.

VW Passat MILESTONES

Volkswagen Passat CC 1.8-litre TSI 6-speed manual

Price: £21,065

Engine: 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol, 160PS, 185lb ft (250Nm) from 1,500rpm

Performance: 138mph, 0-62mph 8.6 seconds, 37.2mpg (34mphg actual), CO2 180g/km, VED Band E £170.

Benefit in kind tax: 24%

Insurance group: 13E

For: Graceful stylish and elegant good looks, comfortable, large boot, strong, quiet and responsive engine, more desirable than other Passat models

Against: Room only for two rear seat passengers, limited rear headroom, so-so handling

A-Z of coupes

Specs, prices, pictures and review of all coupes on the UK market.

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