THE WORLD of the four-door coupe is a relatively new segment that just happens to be filling up rather quickly with competitors, especially from luxury brands.
We’ve already seen the progenitor of the segment, the svelte Mercedes-Benz CLS, as well as the soon to be launched Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.
But if you want a smart-looking, four-door coupe without breaking the bank, a car like Volkswagen’s new Passat CC offers four-door coupe thrills for a fraction of the price of the aforementioned luxury models.
Styling
The key question though is whether the VW Passat CC is any good at what it is supposed to do - even if it drives perfectly, does it tick the right ‘image’ boxes?
After all, the entire point of a four-door coupe is to offer the good looks of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan.
Fortunately for the Passat CC, the car’s lines are very easy on the eyes.
It has a longer and wider stance than Volkswagen’s other mid-size models, and while there’s no mistaking it for any other brand, it sets itself apart from its more humdrum siblings thanks to eye-catching proportions and sleek appearance.
It’s been said before that the Passat CC’s appearance carries influences from the lines of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, but that’s a good thing.
The Passat CC’s swooping roof line, for example, looks very familiar when you first see it ‘in the metal’. But the seamless way the bonnet rolls into the slatted grille and the lipped boot at the rear adds individuality and gives the CC its own appealing personality.
The heavy crease along the entire side length of the car also makes a defining visual impact and adds particular strength to the CC’s lines.
In the styling stakes then, the Passat CC passes the test with flying colours. It looks solid, sleek and appealing, and more importantly it manages to offer the image of an expensive looking car without the exorbitant price tag.
InteriorThe interior of the Passat CC is one that perfectly suits its stylishly clean exterior.
The layout of the instrumentation and vehicle controls is simple and intuitive, and, with just two large dials in the display, you aren’t overwhelmed with needless information.
The elegant three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, the integrated center console and the Nappa leather upholstery all give the interior a definite premium feel. We especially liked the chunky gear selector, which felt solid and smooth.
The front seats are comfortable, even for extended periods, and provide good support to the love handles when cornering.
The rear seats are also comfortable, easily accessed behind the wide rear doors and offer ample legroom. There are however only two rear seats, separated by a wide console rather than a triple-seater configuration, and headroom in the rear is tight for adult passengers.
Passengers though should have no problem stowing away miscellaneous items as there is plenty of storage to be had. And, should you run out of room in the cabin, there’s copious space in the 532-litre boot.
Equipment and FeaturesThere is no shortage of technology and features in the Passat CC. It comes as standard with Bi-xenon self-leveling headlights, cornering lights and an automatic ‘kerb-function’ exterior side mirror when reversing.
For communications and entertainment, the CC comes with Media Device Interface with USB port and IPod connections, a touch-screen display, a CD and MP3 compatible stereo system with eight speakers and optional sat-nav.
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