The new Volkswagen CC 4dr Coupe Saloon is essentially an improved version of the Volkswagen Passat CC. Restyled with added luxury, space and comfort, it’s got a lot to offer families who want to add a bit of elegance to their day to day travels.
The VW Passat was already sensible and practical, but it needed a makeover. Here, the CC boasts a sleeker shape that is much more exciting to look at, while its interior is also more contemporary. It’s very “now”.
However, the CC has also retained everything that made the CC so sellable in the first place – which was, of course, its usefulness.
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Volkswagen CC Saloon review.
Overview Of The Volkswagen CC Coupe Saloon
On The Road
The new CC puts comfort before on-the-road fun, which is not exactly a bad thing. All models barring the entry level variant come with adaptive dampers which mean that you can tweak the suspension setup for maximum comfort, switching between Normal, Comfort and Sport modes. If you switch to Sport mode, you get a rather sharp handler, although it isn’t sharp enough to be a sports coupe.
Moreover, it’s also worth remembering that this is a hefty piece of machinery, and as such is not the most agile car. [vc_single_image image=”47916″ img_size=”article-image”]It compares well to rivals when it comes to handling, though. The BMW 3 Series is the standard-bearer in the range, and the VW CC naturally can’t compete with the ultimate driving machine – but few can. Compared to, say, the Audi A5 Sportback, this CC is very competent on the road and gives you plenty of confidence.
There is only one engine available – a 1.4-litre TSI petrol unit which can get you from rest to 62mph in 8.9 seconds. It’s a fairly pleasant engine that isn’t going to give you any hassle, but it demands a £2,000 premium over a diesel. It will also cost more to tax, and is nowhere near as economical.
So, let’s cover the pair of diesels. Both are 2.0-litre units, with one delivering 148bhp and the other 184bhp. The former has got enough power in its ranks to satisfy the needs and whims of most of you, and it can get you from rest to 62mph in 9.1 seconds without making much of a racket. The latter is more powerful and can dust off the 0-62mph dash in 8.1 seconds. But it will demand a premium of £1,500 over the less powerful diesel.
Interior, Design & Build
[vc_single_image image=”47914″ img_size=”article-image”]Very few – if any – Volkswagen’s disappoint when it comes to their interiors, and the CC Saloon doesn’t buck this trend. It’s well-equipped, and surrounds you with plenty of soft-touch materials and classy ambient lighting that give it some upmarket airs.
The dashboard is elegant, with its analogue clock the highlight (you will also find this clock in the VW Phaeton). If you opt for the more expensive GT or R-Line variants, you’ll get treated to door and centre console panels and brushed aluminium, which further raise the already luxurious profile of this interior. The controls are logically arranged so that getting used to your new surroundings won’t take long at all, while the multi-function trip computer is also really user friendly.
From the outside, you’ll notice the car is defined by curvy looks. And although you might worry what these aesthetics will do the car’s usefulness, we can tell you now that they haven’t had much of an impact at all.
Yes, the car has a lower roofline than the Passat, but headroom up front is still very good. In the rear, your taller passengers might have a few complaints, but legroom is reasonable, thanks to the sheer width and length of this saloon.
Exterior noise is kept to a minimum thanks to sound-absorbing materials, while the seats offer plenty of support and comfort. Accessing the rear seats is a bit troubling because of that curved roofline, and sitting five adults is not ideal. Four, however, should be just dandy.
The boot size has been forsaken in the name of style, and it offers 532-litres of space, which isn’t as much as what the standard Passat can offer (586). You can add an automatic tailgate as an optional extra, which will certainly prove its use when you have a lot of shopping to carry. [vc_single_image image=”47915″ img_size=”article-image”]
Costs Of The Volkswagen CC Saloon
Prices for the new car start out from £25,500 and rise to £33,500. If you want to lease the car, you can pick up a deal from as little as £211 + VAT per month. For more information on our leasing deals, click here.
Running costs are impressive across the range, with the most frugal of them all being the 148bhp diesel unit, which can achieve fuel economy returns of 61.4mpg, while emitting 120g/km of CO2. Combining the engine with the DSG automatic gearbox, though, changes those numbers to 53.3mpg and 134g/km of CO2 respectively.
If you fancy more pace and power, the the GT 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine is an attractive proposition, but the best it can return is 38.7mpg off a sensible drive. Combine with emissions of 169g/km of CO2, and the bills might soon start to add up. The 1.4 TSI manual, meanwhile, is good for 44.8mpg.
Insurance is not going to be cheap, with the cheapest model to insure being the least powerful diesel, which sits in group 23. Compare this with the similar Ford Focus, which is in group 11.
Pros and Cons Of The Volkswagen CC Saloon
Pros
Cons
Stylishly Designed
Exterior additions such as an upmarket chrome grille, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlamps and a more imposing nose ensure that the CC is very distinctive. We like the sweeping roofline, too, as well as scalloped sides which complete the premium look.
It’s Comfortable
Cars in this class are either great fun to drive, or they’re super comfortable to sit in. This one is focussed on maximising comfort, though to truly enjoy a sensationally relaxing drive, we suggest snapping up the adaptive dampers which only come as standard on the GT models.
Excellent Engines
There isn’t a hugely broad range of engines to choose from, but the ones that are on offer are all excellent, won’t make too much noise, and which won’t let you down.
Not Very Entertaining
There isn’t much to write home about when it comes to how this car handles. Body roll is kept to a minimum, and the car grips well. However, engagement is poor and the steering lacks feel.
The only bonus we can say is that many cars in this sector suffer from the same fate, with the BMW 3 Series being a rare exception to the rule.
Automatic Models Not Cheap
Sticking to the standard manual ‘box ensures low running costs, but “upgrading” to the DSG automatic will see you spending a significant amount more cash, both at the pumps and on your tax bill.
Volkswagen CC Saloon vs BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4 Saloon
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our Volkswagen CC Saloon review.
Volkswagen CC Saloon vs BMW 3 Series
The new BMW 3 Series is well-known for its entertaining driving qualities, but what else has it got?
With plenty of grip on offer, a firm suspension setup, and nicely judged steering, the 3 Series is a joy to be in out on the road. Adaptive dampers are available as an optional extra, but we strongly recommend that you snap them up whichever model you choose, as they improve the ride quality massively.
Like the VW, the BMW models all come with a manual transmission as standard, but you can add an automatic for an extra £1,500. [vc_single_image image=”47913″ img_size=”article-image”]Performance is good right across the engine range, with even the base-level petrol units able to offer speed and excitement. The 330i petrol is arguably the most alluring of the range, and can complete the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.9 seconds. There is also a high-performance M3 model on offer, as well as a hybrid which can get you from rest to 62mph in 6.1 seconds. A handful of diesels finish off the range, with the 320d able to complete the 0-62mph dash in 7.5 seconds.
BMW 3 Series Saloon running costs are very reasonable, with the entry level 2.0-litre 161bhp diesel engine able to achieve fuel economy returns of 74.3mpg, while being free to tax. The 330d is good for 56.5mpg, while even the M3 can return over 50mpg while emitting 145g/km of CO2. [vc_single_image image=”47912″ img_size=”article-image”]High-quality interiors are something we associate with BMW these days, and the 3 Series continues the trend of top-notch materials, logical layouts and classy designs. In short, the cabin is a pleasant place to be. The dash is driver-focused, the dials are all easy to read and operate, while standard kit is impressive and includes Bluetooth phone connectivity and a trip computer.
The 3 Series is on the whole not as practical as the CC Saloon, despite it being the biggest one yet. Anyone sitting in the rear middle seat will find it hard to get comfortable, thanks to a transmission tunnel, while you’ll need to add the optional parking sensors to your shopping list for optimal visibility. The boot, meanwhile, measures 480-litres. Price:
VW – £25,500 – £33,500
BMW – £25,000 – £41,000
Volkswagen CC Saloon vs Audi A4 Saloon
The new Audi A4 Saloon is much better than its predecessor, adding more space, more economy and more comfort.
One of the biggest gripes a number of buyers had about the outgoing A4 was that it just wasn’t a very adept handler. Numb steering in particular let it down. The new A4 Saloon, however, is vastly improved in this department. Thanks to more feedback, softer suspension, and more steering feel the car is now more agile. [vc_single_image image=”47911″ img_size=”article-image”]Four-wheel-drive is on offer on some models, but not all. This is not necessarily a bad thing because, although quattro gives you more grip, the standard front-wheel-drive will have more than enough for most of you already.
The petrol range was dismal last time around, but has been tweaked, expanded and improved. We like the new turbocharged 1.4-litre 148bhp engine, and there are now a pair of 2.0-litre turbocharged TFSI’s available in two power guises. There are a clutch of diesels to choose from, too, with a 2.0-litre unit expected to be the most popular. Meanwhile, a 3.0-litre V6 diesel can cover the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.3 seconds.
Running costs are much better than what they were, with the cheapest diesel in the range able to achieve astonishing fuel economy returns of 74.3mpg while costing absolutely nothing to tax. If you want a bit more power, a 2.0-litre 187bhp diesel can return 72.4mpg, while the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol unit is good for 53.3mpg. [vc_single_image image=”47910″ img_size=”article-image”]As always with an Audi, the A4 Saloons’ interior is exquisitely assembled. There is plenty of standard equipment on offer, the dash is much cleaner and minimalist than last time out, while the design layout is now restrained rather than in-your-face. Cabin highlights include a virtual cockpit cluster, as well as a central vent that diffuses air slowly into the interior.
The car has bigger dimensions than its predecessor, which means there is more head, leg and shoulder room both upfront and in the back. The driver’s seat and steering wheel come with plenty of adjustability, large door bins will prove handy for keeping the place tidy, while the boot measures 480-litres. Price:
Audi – £26,000 – £40,000
Verdict Of Our Volkswagen CC Coupe Saloon Review
This is a premium four-door saloon that easily goes wheel to wheel with the best this class has got to offer. Thanks to a facelift, it’s much more stylish than anyone has ever given it credit for, and comes with plenty of premium touches that makes it feel right at home in a rather lucrative market.
Instead of automatically opting for an Audi or a BMW, why not give the new Volkswagen CC Saloon a test drive? It promises not to disappoint. [vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#00625a”]
Want to learn more? Click below to view the review for the competitors in this article…
[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1473843164020{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1583232690052{margin-right: 10px !important;border-top-width: -10px !important;border-right-width: -10px !important;border-bottom-width: -10px !important;border-left-width: -10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”47920″ img_size=”article-image” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://www.osv.ltd.uk/bmw/3-series-touring”]
BMW 3 Series Saloon Review
[vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1583232671815{margin-left: 10px !important;border-top-width: -10px !important;border-right-width: -10px !important;border-bottom-width: -10px !important;border-left-width: -10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”47919″ img_size=”article-image” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://www.osv.ltd.uk/ford/mondeo-estate”]
Audi A4 Saloon Review
[vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#00625a”][vc_row content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”image” parallax_style=”vcpb-default” bg_image_new=”id^51445|url^https://www.osv.ltd.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/MercedesGLE0915.jpg|caption^null|alt^Mercedes GLE Front View|title^MercedesGLE0915|description^null” css=”.vc_custom_1581605058065{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #f4f4f4 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1581605012017{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]
Looking for a price?
You could be driving away with your new car in no time. Fill in your details below and one of our vehicle experts will be in touch within one working day.
