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By
EWAN KENNEDY
5 May 2008
Volkswagen has just introduced a stunning new model to its
range. Though it carries the tag of Passat it’s visually so far
removed from the rest of that range we feel it almost deserves an
all-new name. This is far more than a Passat with a different rear
end, it’s a niche vehicle with few real competitors. Indeed the
only vehicle resembling it is the far more expensive Mercedes-Benz
CLS.
Volkswagen calls the latest Passat the CC, for Comfort Coupe.
Somewhat confusingly the ‘CC’ tag is already used on several
folding hardtop models from rival marques, except that there the
CC stands for Coupe Convertible.
The Volkswagen is a fixed-head, four-door coupe, with low,
sleek lines that work exceptionally well. During the international
launch of the vehicle in the southern areas of Germany and into
Austria we noticed many other road users and pedestrians being
attracted to the striking appearance.
The body has seriously-bold style lines in the bonnet and along
the sides that lift this Passat well away from the norm in car
design. Note in particular the spectacular interpretation of the
door mirrors. The rear view has some cues to the Eos coupe
convertible in the shape of the lights and the subtle spoiler lip.
Inside, there's a semi-floating upper surface on the dashboard
that adds a new dimension to interior styling. Quality of finish
is near immaculate and it’s obvious the guys at VW have drawn on
the skills of brother marque Audi, the acknowledged leader in the
field of high-quality vehicle interiors. Connection to MP3
players, including of course an iPod, is a feature of all versions
of the new Passat CC.
Passat CC has seating for four adults inside a body that’s
deceptively spacious when you view its sporting, lowset lines.
Access to the back seat is far better than average in a coupe
thanks to the rear doors. However, be careful to duck your head as
you slip it under the low roof. If you’re a lot taller than
average you may find headroom limited, but leg space is
surprisingly good for a car with the sporting looks of this one.
‘Comfort’ is part of this new Volkswagen coupe’s name and
the machine warrants that rather grand title. Noise, airflow and
vibration levels are nicely subdued and the seats support well,
with those in the rear being shaped in a similar manner to the
front units. Thus giving the CC four individual seats with a neat
separation between them. We were most impressed by the quietness
in the back, something that’s not always on offer in the rear
compartment, even in upmarket cars.
Power for the Passat CC comes from a variety of engines, with
Australian variants likely to get a 220 kW, 300 horsepower V6
displacing 3.6 litres, and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. The latter is
a new-generation unit putting out 103 kW, and developing a very
useful 320 Nm all the way from 1750 to 2500 rpm.
The V6 is teamed with Volkswagen's excellent 4Motion
all-wheel-drive system for added traction in slippery conditions.
The turbo-diesel uses a conventional front-drive layout. Six-speed
manual and six-speed DSG automatic transmissions are offered in
Europe, but expect auto-only models to be specified for the
Australian market.
We found both powerplants to have plenty of urge and even the
diesel responds briskly to the accelerator pedal after a minimum
of turbo lag. This diesel is barely audible from inside the car
and only has the slightest of diesel ‘clatter’ when you listen
to it from the outside.
There are many electronic aids to safe driving, including one
called Lane Assist that senses if the car is wandering from the
traffic lane and brings it safely back into line again.
Adaptive cruise control can be used at any speed up to 210
km/h, but over that velocity it disconnects to put the onus on
safe progress back onto the driver. We liked the way it assists
the driver in maintaining the correct distance from vehicles in
front in a prompt and sensible manner.
The Passat CC is a very special model for the prestigious
company. It’s to be launched in Germany in June and to other
European markets a matter of weeks later. Volkswagen is yet to set
the date of arrival and final specifications of the Passat CC to
Australia. Anticipate it to cost in the vicinity of $50,000 to
$60,000, to hit our shores in the first quarter of 2009 and to
come with high levels of standard equipment.
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Marque Publishing Company
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