Used 2010 Volkswagen CC

Based on the popular Passat platform, the 2010 Volkswagen CC "four-door" coupe casts off the stoic styling of its older brother, adding a sporty and elegant appeal to a functional four-door sedan. Unlike the Passat, the CC can still be had with a choice of four or six-cylinder engines, a manual or automatic transmission and front or 4MOTION all-wheel-drive. Of course, traditional sedan buyers probably won’t be happy with the un-sedan like rear seat accommodations, lack of a folding rear seat and four-passenger seating, but, as Billy Crystal once mused, "sometimes, darling, it’s better to look good than to feel good." Bearing more than just a passing resemblance to the ultra-luxururious, ultra-expensive Mercedes-Benz CLS, the 2010 Volkswagen CC plays more in the same league as the Nissan Maxima, Acura TL and Chrysler 300.

The 2010 VW CC is a wonderful driver’s car. The steering is precise without too much assist, the suspension strikes just the right balance between comfort and performance handling and the interior sound levels at speed are remarkably minimal. The standard six-speed manual seems in character with this sporty sedan, but it’s the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic available only with the 2.0-liter turbo that really makes this car a delight to drive. For the money, the 200-horsepower turbocharged engine has plenty of power to move the CC, and its fuel economy figures rival some compact cars. Moving into the VR6 brings more low-end torque for faster starts and passing, but the six-speed Tiptronic automatic’s slower response time just doesn’t inspire the kind of fun-to-drive playfulness found with the DSG automatic.

The 2010 Volkswagen CC’s interior is, in a word, gorgeous. Although the dash and console are typical VW fare, it’s the interior fabrics, colors and seat sew patterns that draw one in. Ribbed stitching on the seats, a choice of solid or two-tone perforated leather (leatherette is standard) and a rear seat split in two by a roll-top center console and folding ski pass-through comprise the most striking design elements. Front seat passenger will feel completely comfortable, but rear passengers measuring six-foot or better will find headroom is anything but plentiful. The C-pillars also have such a prominent inward slant that our rear passengers reported them uncomfortably close to their head.

Volkswagen calls the CC a "coupe" – despite its four doors and four-passenger capacity – because of its coupe-like profile and sharply tapered rear C-pillar. Although based on the Passat platform, the CC sits lower to the ground and is both longer and wider than the Passat; it is a handsome design that can definitely turns heads. Unique to the CC are its frameless doors (the window glass has no frame surrounding it), a feature that, with age, can sometimes lead to wind and moisture intrusion. Upper-end VR6 models are fitted with Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, while all models include fog lamps and standard alloy wheels.

Six-Speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
Employing two clutches, one holding gears 1, 3 and 5, the other assigned to 2, 4 and 6, the DSG automatic can make instantaneous gear changes allowing it to outperform even the best manual (and its operator).

12-way Adjustable Seats
Seat comfort is paramount to long drives and the CC’s 12-way power adjustable heated driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar support is among the best in the business.

The base 2010 VW CC Sport features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment include 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar support, heated front seats, CLIMATIC single-zone automatic air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible six-disc CD changer and auxiliary input, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, automatic headlamps, heated side mirrors, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls and 17-inch alloy wheels. The VR6 adds a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, leather seating surfaces, adaptive Bi-xenon headlamps, 12-way power passenger seat, power rear sunshade, dual-zone climate control, 600-watt Dynaudio sound system and 18-inch alloy wheels. Standard safety equipment on all models includes front side and full-length side-curtain airbags, electronic traction and stability control and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS).

Options for the Volkswagen CC vary by trim and engine choice. The Sport can be equipped with a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmission (standard on Luxury trim), rear side airbags and an iPod interface. Stepping into the Luxury trim adds the DSG transmission, a panoramic power sunroof, three-position memory for driver’s seat and side mirrors, leather seating and Park Distance Control ultrasonic park assist. Options for the VR6 trim include 4MOTION all-wheel drive and 19-inch wheels, while all but the Sport trim can be equipped with touch-screen DVD navigation and rearview camera.

2010 VW CC owners have a tough choice on their hands. The Sport and Luxury trims are outfitted with Volkswagen’s award-winning 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the VR6 and VR6 4MOTION have the equally legendary 3.6-liter VR6 six-cylinder powerplant. With 200 horsepower, the 2.0-liter turbo provides plenty of go power with no sign of turbo lag or annoying vibration. The VR6, on the other hand, offers 80 more horsepower and a big boost in torque, making it well suited for the extra weight added to the 4MOTION trim.

2.0-liter in-line 4, Turbocharged
200 horsepower @ 5100-6000 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 (manual), 22/31 (automatic)

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
265 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27(FWD), 17/25 (AWD)