Volkswagen Passat CC 1.8 TSI - Road Test Review

“Volkswagen’s new Passat CC
four-door, four-seater coupé adds
undeniable grace to the already
capable and trustworthy Passat
range...”

VOLKSWAGEN'S PASSAT RANGE HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A THOROUGHLY CAPABLE range of saloons and estates holding the middle ground in its sales sector between 'volume' models (such as the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra [soon to be Insignia], Peugeot 407, Citroen C5 and Honda Accord and 'premium' brand models such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. However, Volkswagen has just upped their appeal by introducing the graceful and elegant Passat CC four-door, four-seater coupé.

With prices ranging from Ł21,065 to Ł31,145 there are two levels of specification — CC and CC GT — and engines ranging from 1.8-litres to a V6 3.6-litre. VW in the UK expects to sell around 2,500 CC models this year, rising to 5,800 in 2009.

The Passat CC is initially available with three engine options: two petrol and one diesel. The petrol units are the 1.8-litre TSI 158bhp and the range-topping 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 unit which comes as standard with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system and a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox. For the record, the 3.6 V6 does the 0-62mph sprint in a rapid 5.6 seconds. Diesel power comes in the form of the VW Group's new 2.0-litre TDI 18bhp common-rail turbodiesel unit, as used in the Audi A4. Later this year a 2.0-litre TSI 197bhp petrol engine and a 2.0-litre TDI 168bhp unit will fill out the range.

The very expensive Phaeton luxury saloon aside (which sells in very low numbers), VW until now didn't have a relatively-affordable flagship — the elegant Passat CC takes up that role. Cleverly adopting a four-door design for its coupé body style, the newcomer will compete head-on with the Mercedes CLS which opened up a new segment in the market. It is aimed at private and business motorists who occasionally need a car with four doors but in the main want a stylish and sporty executive model — specifically, one that doesn't look 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; 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. ACC offers a choice of three settings which adjusts the suspension and steering to the desired performance: Comfort, Normal or Sport. All models have a 'sports' suspension which is 15mm lower than that of the standard Passat.

Specification is, of course, high and includes an Electronic Stability Programme, front, side and curtain airbags, climate control air conditioning. Unexpectedly, much of the interior is the same as the 'bread-and-butter' Passat saloons and estates. This is a pity because the CC's exterior design promises so much and the interior is well… just the same.

The majority of customers are expected to opt for the new 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 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 Ł21,895 in CC trim form or Ł22,795 with GT specification.

However, for customers who do not cover huge mileages the smart buy is undoubtedly the Passat CC 1.8-litre, 158bhp turbocharged petrol engine priced at Ł21,065. This costs less than the diesel model to buy and saves a little on the price of fuel although road tax is 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 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 genuinely exceptional. The average fuel economy is officially 37.2mpg — 34mpg during my test session — and the CO2 emissions are 180g/km for a Ł170 annual road tax bill. For the price-savvy customer this is the Passat CC model to go for.

Criticisms are few: room only for two rear seat passengers; limited rear headroom; and so-so handling. Reasons to buy are plentiful and include the graceful, stylish and elegant good looks, comfortable accommodation, a large boot and the strong, quiet and responsive engine. It's also far more desirable than other Passat models. As usual, the best advice is to get behind the wheel and try one out for yourself; I would be surprised if you're disappointed. — David Miles

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