What’s New:
For the 2010 model year, the four-seater VW coupe-like sedan is basically a carryover from last year. The only big change for the CC is that badging has been added to the vehicle, designating the model type. Besides the VW emblems, on last year’s introductory model the CC exterior designers purposely omitted all badging, creating an allure about the stylish Mercedes CLS-like sedan.
Must-Have Goodies:
The front-wheel drive CC is available in four models: Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport and 4Motion (all-wheel drive version). While both the four-cylinder Sport and Luxury models are available in an automatic or manual transmission, the VR6 Sport and 4Motion models, which are equipped with VW’s powerful six-cylinder engine, are only available with an automatic transmission.
Depending on the model selected, the CC is well-equipped. For under $30,000, the low-end Sport CC includes such features as a touch screen crystal clear eight speaker audio system, an AM/FM/CD with a satellite radio, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 12-way power leather-like heated front seats with 4-way power lumbar support, a height adjustable front center armrest, a/c with a pollen filter, an electronically controlled rearview day/night mirror, automatic headlights, fog lights, 17-inch wheels and a keyless remote starter system.
Now for approximately $34,000 the Luxury model before adding on options will offer everything available in the Sport model plus a 3-position memory function for the driver’s seat and heated exterior mirrors, a dual zone a/c system, a navigation system, heated windshield washer nozzles, 18-inch wheels and a massive power sunroof with a tilt only feature.
The $40,000 6-cylinder and 4Motion (all-wheel drive) CC adds the above features plus more horses underneath the hood, articulating Xenon headlamps, real leather seats (available in one color a two-tone pattern), audible sensors located in the front and rear of the vehicle to assist with parking, a premium sound system with 10 speakers delivering 600 Watts and a 3-spoke steering wheel with VW’s exclusive Tiptronic Paddle shifters.
Besides the standard features above, all of the CCs, with the exception of the 4-cylinder Sport model, can be optioned out with a $2,640 Tech Package, which consists of a premium touch-screen navigation system, a rearview camera, an integrated 30GB hard drive, a MP3 audio CD playback, DVD playback, an SD memory card slot and an auxiliary input connection. Moreover, a special ground kit package can be help to dress-up the CC with such features as a front valence, side sill extensions, lip spoiler and exhaust types.
And the CCs can be tricked out with optional 19-inch wheels and a special Media Device Interface with iPod cable, allowing playback and control of USB-based devices or drives.
What Rocked:
While the CC lacked some of the latest high-tech safety (comfort) features, there was still so much to like about this vehicle.
For instance, the four-seater CC with its European-ride, sleek stance, orthopedic design front heated seats, extremely roomy trunk and frameless windows can easily put one in the mind of a premium-class rear-wheel drive Mercedes CLS. In fact, in some circles this German-built vehicle has been affectionately referred to as the ‘Poor Man’s’ Mercedes due to its styling and affordable pricing structure. Unlike the Mercedes, one won’t need to break the bank to get their hands on one.
Moreover, it doesn’t hurt that a few years ago VW became the first mainstream brand to offer free maintenance during the first three years of ownership. This not only gives one peace of mind, but also the opportunity to save a few bucks, too.
And the standard eight-speaker audio system found in the base Sport model we reviewed was more than adequate with its live concert-like sound.
Finally, the peppy, four-cylinder turbo in the fuel-efficient CC we reviewed was more than adequate. Not only were we able to pull away from stop lights without any hesitation, but we able to garner close to 500 miles on one tank of gas. Who needs a premium priced hybrid or diesel with this type of fuel range?
What We Disliked:
With the exception of a back-up camera and navigation system, the CC has yet to jump on board with some of the latest high-tech gadgets. Don’t expect to find automatic high beam headlights, blind spot lane changing technology, radar sensored cruise control, air-cooled front seats or a keyless remote which automatically lock and unlock the doors upon approaching the vehicle with the key fob in this high-end VW. The key fob must be pressed to lock and unlock the doors of the CC.
Foremost, some occupants may find that the vehicle sits too low, while taller occupants could find that the curvy roofline of the CC to be a hindrance as it relates to both front and rear headroom.
.Any Juice:
Two engine options are available in the CC: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which produces 200 horses or the 3.6-liter V6 which pushes out 280 horses.
The Verdict:
While the VW CC may not have the same snob appeal as the high-dollar Mercedes CLS, it does a great job of imitating the German luxury brand, but at literally at almost half of the cost. For those in love with the coupe like design of CLS, but aren’t willing to step up to the $70,000 plus price tag needed to jump into a Mercedes, the CC should be at the top of the shopping list.
Pricing for the base CC starts at under $30,000 and rises to $48,000, when fully optioned.
Competition: Acura TSX, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Hyundai Genesis Sedan
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