2009 PASSAT CC Volkswagen took the mechanical components of the “classic” Passat sedan and created the Passat CC (Comfort Coupe) with a nod to the Mercedes-Benz CLS concept, that is, a four-door sedan that looks like a coupe. The four-passenger CC is offered in three versions, two with a four-cylinder and one with a V6. Volkswagen’s 4Motion four-wheel-drive system is available only on the V6 model, and it is standard. The CC is 5 cm lower and 2 cm closer to the ground than the sedan but otherwise similar in size. Interior and trunk Because of the vehicle’s low stance and wide doorsills that seem to attract grime, accessing the front is relatively difficult. The seats are very comfortable, and both have lumbar adjustment. Good side bolsters hold the occupant snugly in place. It’s to be hoped that unlike some other automakers Volkswagen has mastered the art of the frameless-door design, otherwise there’s a very real risk of the windows becoming less air- and watertight over time. In addition to stance and doorsill issues, access to the back is complicated by a low rear roofline. The rear seats are comfortable and even have mild seat bolsters. Legroom is good, but tall people find their head is pressed against the roof liner. The seatback is split 60/40 and features a ski pass-through. As both sections fold with a forward slope, the floor is anything but flat, especially at the pass-through level. The spacious trunk is well served by a good-sized opening. The lid hinges are recessed and won’t squash items placed inside. Convenience and safety features Cabin finish is faultless. The quality of materials is adequate but no more, especially on the dashboard. We’ve seen better from Volkswagen. On the other hand, the imitation-leather of the seats is very good; you have to look twice to see it’s not the real thing. Road noise suppression is deficient. Cabin storage is good. Gauges and controls are well placed and easy to use, except perhaps the wheel-mounted radio buttons that some people may find a bit small. At night, all controls and the glove compartment are illuminated. The climate control system is efficient. Photo: Volkswagen The washer nozzles are placed under the edge of the hood where they’ll easily be obstructed by snow. With a 2.5-litre capacity, the washer fluid tank is ridiculously small. Safety equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; stability control; and four head restraints. The head restraints in the back do not adjust high enough for tall people. Outward visibility is good except on a three-quarter-rear angle, and to the rear when backing up, making it hard to judge distances. The headlights lack intensity and range in the low-beam position, but the cornering lights are very efficient. In U.S. government crash tests, the Passat CC obtained four stars, out of five, for the protection of front occupants in a front impact and for rear-occupant protection in a side crash. It earned five stars for front-occupant protection in a side crash and rated four stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the CC a Good rating, its highest, for driver protection in a front offset collision as well as for side- and rear-crash protection of all occupants. Engine and transmission The 2.0 direct-injection turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine outputs 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration and pickup are energetic. With torque at a maximum from 1700 rpm to 5000 rpm, turbo lag is practically inexistent, which means that acceleration and pickup are nearly instantaneous. Considering its performance, this engine is not overly thirsty. The six-speed automatic transmission is well geared and so smooth that gearshifts are barely perceptible. Manual mode is relatively quick and allows you to drive off in second. Sport mode has only five speeds but proves very efficient for sporty driving; it changes at a higher rpm level and holds it longer between shifts. On the road The suspension is on the firm side but that doesn’t keep it from being comfortable most of the time. Some rough spots set off the occasional well-felt reaction, but in general the firmness is tempered by a touch of compliance. More often than not, it’s the 45-profile tires that are responsible for the energetic reaction. The CC takes on winding roads with a firm grip and well-controlled lean. You feel as though you’re driving a solid, substantial vehicle. The power steering is well tuned, stable, precise and relatively quick. It provides a bit of road sensation. The brakes are powerful and smooth, and resist well to fade. They’re also easy to modulate. Inspection In an inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre we saw that the Passat CC rests on a sturdy platform that is well protected against corrosion. We’d like it if the fuse box in the engine compartment were better protected. Debris can get through a large opening under the front bumper and damage the air-conditioner condenser. Conclusion This new Passat should prove attractive to people looking for a vehicle that combines comfort, roominess, an engine (4-cylinder) that’s both powerful and not too thirsty, and bolder styling. The CC is also fun to drive on all types of roads. It is unfortunate that deficient road noise suppression tarnishes what is otherwise a very positive score. PROS: smooth engine (4-cylinder), automatic transmission, front-seat comfort, road comportment, large trunk, smooth, powerful brakes CONS: road noise, access, wide doorsills attract grime, three-quarter visibility and view when backing up, weak low-beams, washer nozzles under edge of hood, opening under front bumper 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC Engine: 16-valve, turbo, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder; 24-valve, 3.6-litre V6 Horsepower: 200 hp from 5,100 to 6,000 rpm; 280 hp at 6,200 rpm Torque: 207 lb-ft from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm; 265 lb-ft at 2 750 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 271 cm Length: 479.6 cm Width: 185.6 cm Height: 142.2 cm Weight: 1,510 to 1,748 kg Tires: 235/45R17; 235/40R18 Maximum towing capacity: not available Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags Fuel consumption with 2.0-litre and automatic transmission: Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 10.8 L/100 km (26 mpg) Highway: 7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg) Test result: 9.4 L/100 km (30 mpg) Test temperature: 4°C to 19°C CO2 emissions: 4,368 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres Fuel requirement: premium grade gasoline Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 8.2 seconds 60–100 km/h: 5.2 seconds Competition: Audi A4, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Saturn Aura, Toyota Camry Warranty: Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km Perforation damage: 12 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system). Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $839 Front brake disc: $102 Brake pads: $80 Muffler: $402 Front fender: $317 Price according to trim level: Sportline 2.0T: $31,975 Highline 2.0T: $37,975 Highline V6: $44,975 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,400 Sunroof: $1,400 (Sportline) Technology package: $3,450 Rear side curtains: $450 Price as tested: $33,375 Freight and preparation: $1,360 Dealers: Quebec: 41 Canada: 129 © May 2009. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec .