Beyond The Mainstream - The New VW Passat CC
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MELBOURNE, Australia – February 10 2009. The all new Passat CC is both an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé and now available in Australia. The concept and design of this new Volkswagen model are defining fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has individually contoured seats throughout, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle in this market segment.
The 4.8 metre long Passat CC is available with two engine variants– the frugal 2.0 TDI and the dynamic 3.6 V6 FSI. The petrol engine outputs 220 kW and the turbo-diesel develops 125 kW. At this power level, the Passat CC 125 kW TDI consumes just 6.3 litres diesel. The Passat CC V6 FSI consumes an average of 10.5 litres. The new generation of 4MOTION full-time all-wheel drive is standard equipment on the top V6 FSI model.
Just as innovative as the powertrain technologies is the driver assistance system of the Passat CC. Being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen, is the new “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” with Front Assist for braking distance reduction. Other highend technologies include the “Park Assist” parking assistant and “Adaptive Chassis Control”.
Furthermore, the Passat CC offers a range of solutions contributing to driver comfort and convenience. Newly developed, for example, is an electrically actuated Panoramic glass roof. The transparent roof is 750 millimetres long and 1,120 millimetres wide. This means that it covers the entire front section up to the B pillars. In this case, the cross-beam above the windshield is also in black. The electrically powered Panoramic glass roof can be pivoted upward by 30 millimetres.
Worth noting is the unique guide system for the side windows in the frameless coupé doors, which do not offer any surfaces for the wind to catch hold. Extremely effective is the optional climate control feature for the car’s seats (active climate control front seats). In summer months the active climate seat provides for noticeably improved comfort on long drives. While the entire climate control system visualization in the Passat CC is now integrated in the display of the radio and navigation systems. There is also a new layout and design of the instruments with chrome bezels and when the ignition is started, the instrument pointers all brief ly peg to their maximum positions.
The radio system features a newly developed optional Media Device Interface (MDI). This USB interface can be used to integrate iPods and many other current MP3 and DVD players in the particular audio system installed on the Passat CC. The USB port is located in the glove box. Control is via the radio or radio-navigation system. Title information is also shown in the display.
Another prime example of attention to detail is the mobility tyre from Continental being introduced for the first time on a Volkswagen; it is standard equipment in every Passat CC model. The German tyre producer developed this technology, called ContiSeal, as a system that enables continued driving despite penetration by nails or screws: A protective layer on the interior surface of the tyre tread area immediately seals holes caused by penetration of foreign objects. That way, no air can escape. The sealing process works for nearly any leaks caused by objects up to five millimetres in diameter. About 85 percent of typical f lat tyres can thereby be avoided.
The Passat CC, which is intentionally offered in just one luxurious equipment variant, is positioned in the premium range of mid-class cars. Its extensive standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels with size 235/40 tyres, chrome accents (interior and exterior), four ergonomic sport seats (individual seating system in rear), a new three-spoke leather steering wheel design, climate control, ESP Electronic Stabilisation Program and automatic headlights.
The car’s new Adaptive Chassis Control system by Volkswagen combines the sportiness of a coupé with the comfort of a luxury sedan in one car. In parallel to tuning of the suspension’s damping characteristic, the power steering system is controlled too. Adaptive Chassis Control offers the three programs “Normal”, “Sport” and “Comfort”. Decisive here is the fact that the suspension system is constantly adapting to the roadway and driving situation and therefore continually improves comfort and dynamic properties.
Two other leading technologies available are the Park Assist parking assistance system and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Park Assist automatically guides the Passat CC into a parking space at the push of a button. The driver no longer needs to steer in this case, but instead just accelerates and brakes. When ACC is activated, the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range input by the driver beforehand.
Thanks to the integrated Front Assist, the system can also prevent some cases of frontal collisions. In advance of certain situations, the system preventively puts the brakes in a preconditioned state, thereby functioning as a stopping distance reduction system. Front Assist also warns the driver of hazardous situations by visual and acoustic signals.
However, it does not relieve drivers of their responsibility and lets them intervene in the process at all times.
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