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2012 Volkswagen CC

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Overview

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2012 Volkswagen CC Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.5

Volkswagen has a well-established history of special bodywork affixed to its more volume-oriented platforms. In the U.S. the best known of those applications is Karmann, constructor of the Karmann Ghia coupe and convertible. Never, to be sure, quite a sports car, but more of a "sportster," the Ghia derivative was a staple 30-40 years ago in both suburban driveways and college campuses. The VW CC adapts the platform of the dearly departed Passat – the Euro-based Passat and not the newer design created for the U.S. – and cloaks it in stylish 4-door coupe bodywork. The result is a notable success, with a competent platform dressed for evening. It may not get you a front row at your favorite nightspot, but neither will you be parked with the Sonatas.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you value high style but appreciate a relatively low level of angst in your automotive purchase, the 2012 VW CC may be right up your automotive alley. Especially in its base 2.0T form, the CC provides quite a bit of stylistic bang for your automotive (under $30K) buck. Volkswagen, to be sure, hasn't been the gold standard in automotive reliability, but service costs are typically a fraction of BMW, MB and Audi – at least once their respective warranties have expired.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If your needs for a 4-door sedan are based on real practicality and accommodation, the CC will come up short, in both rear-seat space (only two will fit) and flexibility. Thankfully, the rear seat does fold, but that added utility doesn't make up for a relatively small trunk opening. This is, in the end, a 4-door that can't mimic a minivan; it's a 4-door conveying the sporting ambience of a GT. And while its MSRP followed the previous Passat's rather closely, with the reduction in price of VW's newest large sedan, the CC's price gap has widened to the point you could acquire a pre-owned Golf with the difference.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.5
Driving Dynamics

8.4
Comfort & Convenience

7.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.8
Value

6.0
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#17

out of 32

MPG

#22

out of 33

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

Virtually all of the changes for the 2012 VW CC occur on the inside. Those variants blessed with wood interior trim (2.0T Lux Plus, Lux Limited and 3.6L VR6 4Motion Executive) receive inserts made from a sustainable variety of dark wood rather than the earlier walnut inserts, which apparently weren't sustainable by either the forests or accountants.

Driving the CC

2012 Volkswagen CC Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Volkswagen CC's specification is geared specifically to driver involvement, and that's especially true at the lower end of the CC food chain. Combine VW's delightfully visceral 2.0-liter turbocharged...

four with either its standard 6-speed manual or available Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and you have magic in the movement. The electrically assisted rack-and-pinion steering proves direct, and the all-independent suspension elevates you over uneven pavement with an equilibrium you can only describe as Germanic. The CC's VR6 is more relaxed, but less rewarding and, notably, less efficient, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg highway versus the 2.0T's 31 mpg (manual and DSG).

Favorite Features

Four Individual Bucket Seats
Even with an aggressive coupe profile and athletic stance, nothing conveys "coupe" quite as well as individual buckets in both the front and rear compartments. The combination may sacrifice utility, but you and your passengers will be enveloped in luxury while remaining fully connected to the driving experience. At around $30,000, it rarely gets much better.

Six-Speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
Small-displacement powerplants are typically no better than their transmissions, and any number of 4- and 6-cylinder engines from Europe have been rendered impotent by the slushboxes to which they're connected. VW's DSG is the most positive addition in Volkswagen's small-displacement arsenal, giving up nothing in performance or efficiency to its fully manual sibling. We like its immediacy, efficiency and entertainment factor, along with its convenient, automatic-like operation when you want it.

2012 Volkswagen CC Details

2012 Volkswagen CC Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

You may be initially drawn to the 2012 VW CC's artfully executed exterior; that's infatuation. True love, however, will be found in the CC's core, where four individual buckets provide support to four individual posteriors. And these buckets can be covered in either V-Tex (think vinyl) or Nappa leather, in both solid and (really hot) 2-tone color schemes. For the driver, gauges are surrounded by chrome trim in the lower trim levels, while the upper range enjoys either full brushed aluminum or the aforementioned dark – and sustainable – wood. Of course, a range of entertainment options are available, from an 8-speaker Premium VIII to the VR6 4Motion's Dynaudio, featuring 10 speakers and 600 watts!

Exterior

Based on media descriptives, you'd think this 4-door "coupe" concept was relatively new. It actually dates back to before World War II, when automotive design became the province of both engineers and stylists, and it was found that a car's profile needn't be penalized by the addition of rear doors. Today its chief practitioners are Volkswagen's CC and Mercedes' CLS, but more are coming. And most will hope to emulate the CC's low-slung platform, steeply raked windshield, the longish, arcing roofline and abbreviated rear deck. The result is a shape as provocative as anything coming from a VW showroom in decades. And with a wide selection of wheel choices, even the base model enjoys an athletic stance and upscale (visual) demeanor.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Given its starting window sticker of under $30,000 (with destination), the 2012 VW CC 2.0T comes remarkably well equipped. Its foundation is provided by 17-inch alloy wheels, while inside, owners enjoy manual-controlled A/C; heated 12-way power front seats; a touch-screen sound system with HD radio, eight speakers, a 6-disc CD changer; and Bluetooth technology. Opt for the VR6 4Motion Executive, starting at around $41K, and you'll enjoy 3.6 liters of V6 power connected to VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Along with what's propelling you, the Executive transports you on 18-inch Interlagos rims, and moves you with Tiptronic paddle shifters, leather seating surfaces, VW's Dynaudio Premium sound and a power rear sunshade. In between 2.0T Sport and VR6 4Motion Executive are five additional variants of the 4-cylinder CC, allowing you to be as expressive as you and your budget would hope to be.

Optional Equipment

Most options for VW's CC are found in its various trim levels. Opt for the R Line (about $31K), the first level above the base Sport, and you enjoy 18-inch wheels, extended sport bumpers and side skirts, R Line doorsill plates, darkened taillights and halogen reflector-lens foglights. A more substantive move is the Lux (roughly $32K), which equips the 2.0T drivetrain with Volkswagen's excellent DSG automatic, dual-zone automatic climate control, brushed aluminum interior trim and navigation. Lux Plus at over $34K takes you further up the comfort scale with power sunroof, wood interior trim and upgraded navigation.

Under the Hood

If your seasonal climate demands all-wheel drive (AWD), you'll find Volkswagen's VR6 and 4Motion a commendable, capable choice. However, for those preferring emotion to 4Motion, VW's 2.0T remains one of the most entertaining powerplants in the marketplace. Offering 200 horsepower (although the GTI community can show you how to spool it up...) and 207 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0T works well with either transmission, and affords the close-coupled CC with a responsive – albeit efficient – driving experience.

2.0-liter in-line 4, turbocharged
200 horsepower @ 5,100-6,000 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 (manual), 19/29 (automatic)

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
265 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

Pricing Notes

Volkswagen value is best evident in the lower ranges of the CC menu, with the entry-level Sport available for under $30K, while the top-of-the-range in 2.0T variants remains at just $35,000. And to its credit, even the luxuriously equipped VR6 4Motion Executive remains in the low $40s, while a comparably equipped BMW 3 Series or Audi A4 can quickly jump into territory some $10,000 more expensive. Given the dramatic reduction of the new Passat's pricing in 2012, there may be fewer interested in the CC at its much higher relative cost. Prices consumers are actually paying may vary; check our New Car Blue Book Value price to see what others in your area have paid for their CCs. Projected resale values for the 2012 Volkswagen CC over four years are in line with the Lexus ES 350, while below that of the Hyundai Sonata and above (actually, well above) Suzuki's Kizashi.

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2012 Volkswagen CC Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 121 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.6/10

Best Sporty Car...Best Comfort!

By Brat (FL) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Pure Class, Sporty, Reliability, Comfort, Mileage"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Was going to buy a Mercedes C Class...then compared the CC. CC beat the Mercedes hands down. Great German Engineering....Classy Sports Car....Great Mileage....Superior Comfort....! I have back problems and this car has both driver and passenger power lumbar seats that position right where you need it...up down & in and out. Always getting compliments wherever I go. Absolutely Think This Car is GREAT!"

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great vehicle, great looks, good ride, comfortable

By BK (FL) on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Looks, ride and more standard features than others"

Cons: "Transmission, touchscreen more difficult than 2010"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Had a 2010 and loved it. 2010 got better highway milage (36 -37), 2013 gets 29 -30 mpg. We bought a Black 2013 CC Sport Plus which looks and handles better than the 2010. The 18 inch wheels and tires make a big difference, quieter and smoother. Both had 2.0 200 HP Turbo. Plenty of power in the city and highway. Love the new Bi-Xenon self leveling headlights and LED tail lights. Headlights turn up to 15 degrees with the steering. Wife drives it 22 miles each way to work daily and she loves it. She said it is the nicest car she has ever owned. The CC ride is a little stiffer than my 2000 BMW 5 Series but the handling is almost as good. It takes turns like a sportscar. Not real happy with the 6 speed DSG auto transmission w/ Tiptronic. Sometimes it seems not to know what to do. The car comes with everything including auto windshield wipers, self leveling Bi-Xenon headlights, anti slip, anti lock brakes, Electronic Stability Control, 18" alloy wheels, touchscreen nav sys. and audio sys. Heated front seats, heated mirrors, tire pressure monitoring, anti theft alarm with immobilizer theft deterrent and more. Only thing I wish it had is memory seats. Wife is 5'2" and I am 5'11". After she drives I cannot get into the car without adjusting the seats. The car has power front seats not like Japanese cars. Passenger seat adjusts as many positions as the driver seat does. A friend of mine has a CL Benz which I think the VW copied the shape. The front doors in the Benz are much smaller than the CC. I have trouble getting in and out of the Benz but not the CC. The car feels much more expensive than it is. It feels like a sister to the Audi A5 which costs about $12,000 more."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Love the car?! I'm too short; difficult backing up

By Rider of the Black Stallion (RI) on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Engineering excellent! Super driving; comfortable"

Cons: "gas milagae; obstructed vision"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is one GREAT CAR! Could ride in it forever. I am short and have a lot of difficulty backing up. Sadly My Stallion has had 2 accidents: it was hit on the right side (no frame damage incurred) and I drove it into a flooded street and the engine seized. Each time the insurance company fixed it COMPLETELY. It's missing the rear cap to the tow hook. I plan on purchasing a 7 year extended warranty. Gas milage for city driving is OK. Approximately 30 mpg in highway. If you love the power of a turbo charged engine and have long daily commutes, this car is for you."

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CC VR6 could be 'poor man's' A7

By Devils (NY) on Wednesday, February 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Unique styling; Amazing in S mode; Great sound sys"

Cons: "Vibration fr gas pedal; need more supportive seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"PROS- Eye catching inside and out/ Great power in S mode/ Awesome sound system/ Impressive handling/ Good car for family with small kids/ Spacious trunk CONS- Vibration/feedback from gas pedal (had a BMW 330ci with 18" rims as well and didn't have that annoyance)/ Could use more side support on drivers seat/ Back up camera not as wide a visual zone as my previous 2009 Maxima/ No sliding sunroof (almost didn't buy car for this reason) (Previous cars Saab, BMW, Maxima as my basis of comparison)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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2013 CC LUX--Euro Attitude & Road Feel

By LACarGuy (CA) on Sunday, January 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "DESIGN, ROAD FEEL, FIT & FINISH, INTERIOR QUALITY"

Cons: "NO REARVIEW CAMERA EXCEPT ON V6; TRICKY VISIBILITY"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am a former owner of Audi and Subaru, and this is my first non-AWD car in a long time. After two test drives, the great road feel of the CC sold me. It feels like at Audi but costs thousands less! Unique exterior contours and styling, solid ride, quiet cabin, crisp acceleration, and a sporty drive feel with nicely tuned suspension and a taut German attitude give this car a unique personality. It has an elegant, simply designed interior, zero wind noise and it corners like a sport sedan costing thousands more. Superb looking Euro-designed two-tone upholstery (tan/black) with great back/lumbar support and bolsters, seat heaters and 12-way power seats...although they're not real leather. (At first, I was a little disappointed.) Well-thought out engineering and design features throughout, from the VW CarGo trunk organizer option to the chiller in the glove box and the mini glovebox to the left of the steering wheel (both standard). Simple but easy-to-use navi system, Bluetooth and a decent standard stereo system. I'm 6' feet tall with very long legs and there's no shortage of room for me. Rear a/c vents help cool/warm comfortable rear seats. One thing I wish I could have gotten but couldn't get without upgrading to the unnecessary V6 and that's a back-up camera. This car does present some visibility issues given its low roof line, high trunk, wide center pillar and steeply raked rear window. I've gotten used to it but it is a challenge until you do. I have absolutely no regrets about this purchase. I look for every reason to go for a drive...the longer, the better. Don't even think about buying an A4, a 3 series, a TSX or a G37 until you drive the CC for comparison's sake. (By the way, I didn't rate reliability because I haven't owned the car long enough to know...but so far, so good.)"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Lovely affordable sport/luxury car and good on gas

By Rob (CT) on Sunday, January 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great car! Best I've owned so far. Lovely affordable sport/luxury car and good on gas. The way it looks is sleek, dynamic and hot. The 2.0T motor mated to the 6-speed DSG tranny is really dynamic. Corners well, quiet inside, nice options. Truly a great car. Drawbacks: although the sound system is decent to good, I would've preferred the "Fender" sound system, but this is not offered as a separate option. Also, the 2 seats in the rear are sporty and has a nice console in the center, but should probably have 3 seats in the backseat(s)."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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