Visibility is good except when reversing, and everything inside feels mainly solid, well trimmed and tightly bolted together. You'll find various controls from the Audi parts-bin in here, too.
The cabin's style is let down only by the low-budget stereo with bright blue screen. No doubt a carryover from VW's blue-instrument days, it looks especially out of place in the dark.
Four to go
Passat CC is a four-seater, employing a pair of comfortable buckets in the rear as opposed to a more conventional bench. Rear quarters offer more than adequate room and long-haul comfort, and there's a storage compartment and two cupholders between them. Trunk space is very generous, and a pass-through for your ski bag is included.
The ride is luxurious with just enough sportiness dialed in to create a feel of involvement. Combined with the long-ish wheelbase, the drive is generally a pleasant one. CC's brakes are very powerful and there's plenty of feel at the pedal, too.
This is a 'Comfort Coupe' remember- so it's not set up for extreme feats of agility or handling. On snow-covered sideroads, it takes a heavy and planted stance rather than begging drivers to steer with the throttle or explore its limits. CC feels very safe and solid. Quiet, too.
Ultimately, the cabin is a very comfy place to spend some time, albeit that the door aperture and driver's footwell can feel snug in a heavy winter coat and boots.
CC 4Motion: Ready for comfy winter travels
If you want all wheel drive in your CC, you'll have to ditch the standard turbocharged four cylinder engine and step into the higher-end V6 that comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic and 'HIGHLINE' trim designation. This bumps pricing into the same ballpark as machinery like the sportier Cadillac CTS4 or Infiniti G37x. The CC loses a bit of its edge to the higher performance available in this crowd, though it holds its own in terms of uniqueness and style. Its $45,000 sticker is comparatively reasonable, too.
With the torquey V6 delivering its reedy 280 horsepower to all fours, traction and acceleration are delivered with no second guessing. The engine makes itself heard clearly when drivers push, but it sounds very powerful and distinctively European in the process. Winter mileage averaged about 11.3L / 100km, which isn't bad at all.
The slip-sensing all wheel drive system is slick and smooth in performing its duties, and with snow tires fitted, traction was rarely an issue. A watchful ESP system keeps tabs on skidding, and powerful adaptive xenon lights flood the road ahead with crisp, white light after dark.
The only issue encountered of CC's winter driving experience regarded a delay between calling upon the windshield squirters and the time they begin spraying a moment later.
Despite a few minor complaints, Passat CC proved a machine with lots to like- especially when reasonably-priced four-season style and comfort are priorities.
photo:Justin Pritchard
The cabin's style is let down only by the low-budget stereo with bright blue screen. No doubt a carryover from VW's blue-instrument days, it looks especially out of place in the dark.
Four to go
Passat CC is a four-seater, employing a pair of comfortable buckets in the rear as opposed to a more conventional bench. Rear quarters offer more than adequate room and long-haul comfort, and there's a storage compartment and two cupholders between them. Trunk space is very generous, and a pass-through for your ski bag is included.
The ride is luxurious with just enough sportiness dialed in to create a feel of involvement. Combined with the long-ish wheelbase, the drive is generally a pleasant one. CC's brakes are very powerful and there's plenty of feel at the pedal, too.
 |
| Rear quarters offer more than adequate room and long-haul comfort. |
This is a 'Comfort Coupe' remember- so it's not set up for extreme feats of agility or handling. On snow-covered sideroads, it takes a heavy and planted stance rather than begging drivers to steer with the throttle or explore its limits. CC feels very safe and solid. Quiet, too.
Ultimately, the cabin is a very comfy place to spend some time, albeit that the door aperture and driver's footwell can feel snug in a heavy winter coat and boots.
CC 4Motion: Ready for comfy winter travels
If you want all wheel drive in your CC, you'll have to ditch the standard turbocharged four cylinder engine and step into the higher-end V6 that comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic and 'HIGHLINE' trim designation. This bumps pricing into the same ballpark as machinery like the sportier Cadillac CTS4 or Infiniti G37x. The CC loses a bit of its edge to the higher performance available in this crowd, though it holds its own in terms of uniqueness and style. Its $45,000 sticker is comparatively reasonable, too.
With the torquey V6 delivering its reedy 280 horsepower to all fours, traction and acceleration are delivered with no second guessing. The engine makes itself heard clearly when drivers push, but it sounds very powerful and distinctively European in the process. Winter mileage averaged about 11.3L / 100km, which isn't bad at all.
The slip-sensing all wheel drive system is slick and smooth in performing its duties, and with snow tires fitted, traction was rarely an issue. A watchful ESP system keeps tabs on skidding, and powerful adaptive xenon lights flood the road ahead with crisp, white light after dark.
The only issue encountered of CC's winter driving experience regarded a delay between calling upon the windshield squirters and the time they begin spraying a moment later.
Despite a few minor complaints, Passat CC proved a machine with lots to like- especially when reasonably-priced four-season style and comfort are priorities.
photo:Justin Pritchard
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC V6 4MOTION Highline
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC V6 4MOTION Highline
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC Highline V6 4MOTION
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC Highline V6 4MOTION
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