The coupe adapted version of the Volkswagen Passat saloon, the Passat CC aims firmly at more premium marques with a more luxurious appeal and sporty styling.
The Passat CC is available with just one engine option. This a 2.0 litre diesel engine with a choice of 150 or 184bhp power outputs mated to a 6-speed manual or optional DSG automatic transmission. Fitted with Volkswagen Bluemotion technology, the Passat CC offers a good compromise between power and economy. If you have the means, we highly recommend opting for the 6-speed DSG automatic as it slips seamlessly up and down the gears, and matched with the higher performing 184bhp, the CC can be quite a bit of fun.
Like the Passat saloon the Passat CC is a very comfortable motorway cruiser with wind and road noise kept to a minimum. Despite its coupe styling, however it doesn’t quite feel as agile as a normal coupe. It is avauilable as the Sport model only which gets sports suspension as standard, so it is slightly stiffer than the regular Passat. It grips well in and out of the corners, but the steering does feel a little vague. While it is fun to drive, it is not the most agile car of its size in the segment. For better driving dynamics with a car of equal appeal, the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is probably the best option, but it is considerably more expensive.
The Passat CC is available as just the Passat CC ‘Sport’ currently. That said, standard specification is very impressive including features like 18 inch St Louis alloy wheels, Bi-xenon headlights with daytime running lights, nappa leather trim and a panoramic sunroof. Naturally you get the usual refinements like electric windows, auto wipers, auto lights, 7 inch touch screen with infotainment and cruise control.
The Passat Sport packs a serious amount of creature comforts making it look and feel like a quality product. There is the usual evidence of Volkswagen's sterling build quality with extensive use of soft-touch materials and contrast inserts across the dashboard and down the centre console. Following the release of the latest Passat, the CC’s dashboard lacks some of the flair and touches of class you get from with new Passat saloons interior. With that in mind, it is still a very nice and comfortable place to be.
The Passat CC has never been put through the Euro NCAP Crash test, but the previous generation Passat on which it is based achieved a full five star rating. It comes with a good level of standard safety technology that includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, hill hold assist and a full host of airbags. There is numerous optional safety equipment that includes blind spot warning system, driver fatigue detection and automatic emergency brake assist.
Despite its coupe shape, the Passat CC is a still a practical family saloon. Head and legroom in the front is just as good as the standard Passat as is the leg and shoulder room in the rear. Taller passengers however may have issues with the sloping roofline, but should suffice for most. Boot space is still an impressive 532 litres albeit that being down by 54 litres on the Passat saloon. The rear seats do however fold forward to open up the back of the cabin for storage of larger objects if required.
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