Despite debuting in 2009, the Passat CC still catches my eye and commands my attention; it has yet to become a commonplace sighting on the automotive landscape. I applauded when VW found the spine to deliver such a highly stylized car to North American shores, and I’m still clapping.
R-Line for 2011
The CC remains fundamentally unchanged for 2011 save for the optional R-Line trim package, which is new for this year. The package is only available with the CC Highline, not the entry-level Sportline.
R-Line adds new 18-inch Mallory alloy wheels, darkened taillights, front bumper revisions, side skirts and exterior badging. Inside the CC, R-line contributes a “sport” steering wheel, shift paddles, and aluminum-clad doorsills. In Canada, the R-Line package is a $2,200 option.
The R-Line additions are subtle in nature yet they manage to enhance the CC’s sporty persona while taking the unit a little more upscale inside. With or without R-Line packaging, the CC is—in my humble opinion—an outstanding execution of the 4-door coupe-like design popularized by Mercedes-Benz with the introduction of its 2006 CLS-Class sedan.
Both of these vehicles are first class examples of what is possible when design artists are given some latitude to create. But it’s not just the pens at VW that deserve credit for the CC’s success.
Engineering contributions includes TSI and DSG
The CC is available with a choice of two engines. My tester was propelled by the base powerplant, which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 utilizing VW’s Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology to extend performance and economy thresholds.
The thrifty yet potent 4-banger is a highly refined unit capable of dispensing 200 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque @ a measly 1,700 rpm. The latter figure is highly impressive for such a diminutive mill. It also ensures effortless acceleration from a standstill.
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| Despite debuting in 2009, the Passat CC still catches my eye and commands my attention. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
R-Line for 2011
The CC remains fundamentally unchanged for 2011 save for the optional R-Line trim package, which is new for this year. The package is only available with the CC Highline, not the entry-level Sportline.
R-Line adds new 18-inch Mallory alloy wheels, darkened taillights, front bumper revisions, side skirts and exterior badging. Inside the CC, R-line contributes a “sport” steering wheel, shift paddles, and aluminum-clad doorsills. In Canada, the R-Line package is a $2,200 option.
The R-Line additions are subtle in nature yet they manage to enhance the CC’s sporty persona while taking the unit a little more upscale inside. With or without R-Line packaging, the CC is—in my humble opinion—an outstanding execution of the 4-door coupe-like design popularized by Mercedes-Benz with the introduction of its 2006 CLS-Class sedan.
Both of these vehicles are first class examples of what is possible when design artists are given some latitude to create. But it’s not just the pens at VW that deserve credit for the CC’s success.
Engineering contributions includes TSI and DSG
The CC is available with a choice of two engines. My tester was propelled by the base powerplant, which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 utilizing VW’s Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology to extend performance and economy thresholds.
The thrifty yet potent 4-banger is a highly refined unit capable of dispensing 200 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque @ a measly 1,700 rpm. The latter figure is highly impressive for such a diminutive mill. It also ensures effortless acceleration from a standstill.
 |
| My tester was propelled by the base powerplant, which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |