First drive: VW flies the comfort coupe

VOLKSWAGEN has launched an audacious four-door Passat coupe in Australia.

The Passat CC is a fixed-roof coupe and not a coupe/convertible as the CC acronym normally represents. For the record, VW says CC stands for “comfort coupe”.

The Passat CC follows the trail cleared by Mercedes-Benz when it launched the CLS four-door coupe in 2004.

The theory is basically the same: base a sleek coupe on a four-door sedan and make sure it is loaded with luxury gear.

While the CLS sits above the E-class on which it is based, the Passat also comes at a premium over the Passat sedan.

Volkswagen Australia is offering one well-specified Passat CC model and the choice of either a petrol or diesel engine.

The turbo diesel kicks off the Passat CC range at $54,990, while the V6 petrol is substantially more expensive at $65,990.

This represents a premium of about $8000 on the standard sedan, but the CC has more equipment and a fresh design. While the CC shares some cues with the standard Passat, all of its panels are unique.

This is not the first time Volkswagen Australia has launched a premium version of the Passat, with the brand introducing an eight-cylinder model of the previous generation car in 2003.

It cost an eye-watering $97,900, which meant that only a handful were sold.

The sharp pricing of the Passat CC means it is not even the most expensive Passat model in the range, with that honour going to the $67,590 R36 sports model.

While that car is built for blade-sharp handling and thrilling acceleration, the CC is designed to live up to its comfort coupe name.

All models come standard with Nappa leather trim and heated seats for the both the front and rear passengers.

Brushed aluminium inserts feature on the dashboard, centre console and doors, while there are also stainless-steel scuff plates on the door sills and various chrome bits around the interior.

There is a premium six-disc CD sound system with eight speakers and a 6.5-inch screen that also displays the optical parking sensor information.

Both models sit on 18-inch alloy rims, although they are different designs, and feature full chrome window surround and grille highlights.

A body kit is not standard, befitting the CC's position as a grand tourer than an overt sports model, but customers can order one as an option.

The CC comes standard with dynamic self-cleaning bi-xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

The Passat CC comes well loaded with safety features, including eight airbags, ESC and traction control.

The CC also comes standard with "self-repairing" tyres, reducing the likelihood of deflation.

These Continental tyres feature a protective lining that is designed to seal holes caused by items such as screws or nails up to 5mm in diameter. VW says 85 per cent of flat tyres would be avoided using this system.

The CC is also fitted with an adaptive damping system offering drivers a choice of Normal, Sport and Comfort settings which also alter the assistance levels of the power steering.

The diesel engine is a 2.0-litre common-rail four-cylinder that produces 125kW at 4200rpm and 350Nm from 1750-2500rpm.

Linked to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, this engine drives the front wheels and is able to propel the CC from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds.

A more impressive figure is the combined fuel consumption which comes in at just 6.3L/100km.

The petrol CC runs a 3.6-litre direct-injection V6 which belts out 220kW at 6600rpm and 350Nm from 2400-5300rpm, which is also used in the R36.

To put all that power down to the ground, the V6 CC is fitted with the VW 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

This combination of power and traction enables the V6 CC to charge from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, which is not far off supercar pace.

The more potent CC model also uses the six-speed DSG automatic.

Its fuel consumption figure is 10.5L/100km, in stark contrast to the miserly diesel model.

Compared with the regular sedan, the four-seater CC is 34mm longer and 35mm wider, 55mm taller, the wheelbase is 2mm longer, the front track is the same as the regular Passat, but the rear track is 8mm wider.

Every body panel is unique, with sleeker headlights and sloping coupe rear designed to give the CC a long, low-riding look.

Despite the changes, the diesel CC weighs the same as the sedan at 1526kg, while the V6 model is 10kg heavier than the sedan at 1666kg.

Volkswagen has introduced a range of new features as options for the CC including adaptive cruise control, which regulates the distance between the VW and the car in front, and a parking system that allows the car to effectively park itself with minor input from the driver.

A new panoramic sunroof, which measures 750mm by 1120mm, has also been introduced as an option for the CC, along with chilled front seats, a media face that allows MP3s and DVDs to be played.

2009 Volkswagen CC range pricing:
125kW TDI (a)	$54,990
V6 FSI (a)	$65,990