2009 Volkswagen CC

The uplevel VR6 Sport and 4Motion models are more strongly motivated by VW’s 280-hp 24-valve 3.6-liter DOHC V6, also with variable valve timing and direct injection, plus the added power and efficiency benefits of variable-length intake runners. This compact V6’s cylinder banks form a narrow “V” of just 10.6 degrees—about the angle between your index and middle fingers when you spread them apart. Mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic, it turns in 6.6-sec. 0-60 acceleration with respectable 18 mpg city and 27 highway economy.


All CCs roll on a specially tuned sport suspension—McPherson struts with triangular wishbones in front, fully independent four-link with coil springs, self-leveling shocks and a stabilizer bar in back—for an excellent balance of ride and handling. The electro-mechanical power steering is nearly as precise as full mechanical with surprisingly good feedback and feel.


Among the CC’s accident-avoidance technologies are Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), including four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with vented front and solid rear discs; Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR); Brake Assist (BA); Yaw Control; Electronic Differential Locking (EDL); and, on the top-level VR6, the added traction and control of VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive. Passive safety features include six airbags: advanced multistage front, driver and front passenger side-thorax and front and rear head-curtain. Standard with the V6 is Adaptive Forward Lighting with Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel with the steering to help see around curves, and a rear passenger side-thorax airbag system with belt pretensioners is optional.

Driving Impressions

We found the CC as delightful to drive as it is to behold. It takes the Passat’s already eager suspension to a new level of sport-sedan feel and control without diminishing its accommodating ride over all but the roughest surfaces. The award-winning turbo four-cylinder—shared with a growing number of lively and fuel-efficient VW and Audi models—delivers satisfying performance for most buyers, and the available V6 (with or without all-wheel drive) will take care of those who want more. We would prefer a more usable three-across split-folding bench to the somewhat restrictive two-bucket rear cabin but otherwise found little fault with the lovely interior.


If a German sport sedan is on your wish list and you like the looks of this one, give it a test drive. At $27-40K, it’s a bargain relative to higher-priced Audi cousins as well as much pricier BMW and Mercedes mid-sizers, and it proudly wears that once-plebian VW badge. (www.vw.com)

About the Author
Former automotive engineer Gary Witzenburg has been writing about the auto industry, its people and its products for major magazines, newspapers and web sites for more than 20 years.