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2014 Volkswagen CC 4Motion Executive Edition Review By John Heilig


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
2014 Volkswagen CC

THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig

Reviewed Model:

SPECS: 2014 Volkswagen CC 4Motion Executive Edition

Engine: 3.6-liter V R6
Horsepower/Torque: 280 hp @ 6,200 rpm/265 lb.-ft. @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic
Wheelbase: 106.7 in.
Length x Width x Height: 189.1 x 73.0 x 55.8 in.
Tires: P235/40R18
Cargo: 13.2 cu. ft.
Economy: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway/20.8 mpg test
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gal.
Curb Weight: 3,851 lbs.
Sticker: $43,310 (includes $865 destination charge)
The Bottom Line: Easily the best-looking VW. If only the interior could match the exterior. The CC has very good performance to match its looks, thanks to a strong V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

I have been in this business for a long time, so excuse me if I’m slightly jaded. But there are only two production cars that have absolutely stopped me in my tracks. The first was the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The other was the Volkswagen CC. Both adhere to the “coupe-like sedan” school of design and both do it quite well.

In both cars (and let’s exclude the Benz at this point because of the almost double price bogey) stand out with the way the roof line transitions into the trunk in a basically “three box” design. The transition is not unlike that seen on the Mustang fastback, but then the Mustang is a coupe. The CC adds another pair of doors. Consequently, the added length to the middle “box” of the design is what sets the car apart.

The downside to the CC is that once you get inside the car you’re faced with a fairly standard Passat interior, on which the CC is based. This is not to say that the interior is bad, except you’re looking fr a bit more pizzazz. If the VW designers could create something resembling the new Chevrolet Impala in two-tone, they would have a near perfect car, in my eyes anyway.

Under the hood is Volkswagen’s 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 280 horsepower. This is more than enough to propel the CC at illegal speeds anywhere you want to go. The engine connects to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, VW’s code name for a sequential manual shift using steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. I confess to having too much fun playing with the paddles on a nice uphill winding road I enjoy.

Another nice thing about the V6 engine is that it give the kind of performance you hope for with the exterior design and is enough to give passers-by the chance to say, “Wow!”.

Handling is very good on a wide assortment of roads, Interstate, rural, back country and maze-like parking lots. The ride is comfortable, although m y wife had some difficulty getting her (power) seat just right. My seat was very comfortable.

Facing the driver is a clear instrument panel with white-on-black round gauges.

For entertainment there’s an excellent audio system with the usual suspects of choices. The navigation system is easy to program and gives a clear map with good instructions to the programmed destination.

We drove the CC in late fall when the weather in Pennsylvania was cool to cold. The HVAC system provided more than enough heat.

Protecting the rear passengers is a power shade over the rear window.

The rear seats have good knee and head room. I was impressed with the amount of headroom, considering the sloping character to the roof. However, there’s a tall center hump in the rear that would preclude putting an adult passenger in the middle seat. Everyone hit their heads on the door n entry and egress.

In the back is a good trunk with releases for the seat backs located in the trunk.

An interesting tech feature is that there are two ways to start the CC using the pushbutton. There is a “standard” button on the transmission hump for start/stop. There is also a slot in the dash where you can store the key fob. Push the key into the slot and it also starts the car and, when you’re done driving, stops it. The latter is better because it also gives you a place to store the fob and keys.

I absolutely love the exterior styling of the Volkswagen CC. It’s dramatic and exciting. While I’m less in love with the interior, at least the performance of the car holds up its end of the bargain.

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