The second new car I ever purchased was a VW Jetta. Why? VW makes fun-to-drive cars with great reliability and excellent design. So, I was excited to road test VW’s all-new 2009 CC.
Based on VW’s Passat platform, the 2009 VW CC is a super stylish mid-sized sedan both inside and out. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so impressed with performance.
Plus, if you are seeking at least five seats in your new car purchase, beware. The four-door 2009 VW CC seats only four passengers.
2009 VW Passat CC Performance
The idea of this “comfort coupe” (yes, that’s what the CC stands for) is a good one. It’s too bad VW didn’t outfit the CC with a killer engine. On my road test, I drove a six-speed manual transmission version and was not impressed with the anemic acceleration. Perhaps this is because I was driving the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turborcharged engine and not the 2009 VW CC’s more performance-minded VR6?
I mean, the 2009 VW CC looks so great on the inside and the outside that it can compete with other mid-sized sedans like the Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Chevy Malibu. But the performance can’t match any BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi. I’d be really interested in trying out an automatic transmission model of the 2009 VW CC as perhaps the acceleration moves more quickly and smoothly.
Still, all the other driving dynamics on the 2009 VW CC are more than excellent. I was impressed with the taut torque, spot-on braking, tight suspension and fun-to-drive handling.
2009 VW Passat CC Exterior
Now here’s where VW got everything right on the newly-designed CC. This car may run on a Passat platform, but the exterior looks like a racy and sexy Euro sedan. The rather pointy nose, handsome grille, taut side lines, super cat-like window gallery and round back side all work together to create a surely pleasing-to-the eye sports sedan.
2009 VW Passat CC Interior
CC stands for “comfort coupe” and inside is where VW really added some sporty luxury. First off, the two-tone seating catches your eye. For some reason, the black-on-white colors, great textures (soft black leather and soft creamy suede) and overall comfort of the cross-stitched seats in this car are exceptionally luxurious for a VW vehicle.
Plus, VW gave the 2009 VW CC an overall killer interior package. The two-tone dash works flawlessly, the instrument gauges please greatly, the swooping minimalist central console is fluid love and even the cup holders and niches for mobile devices are ergonomically clever.
Again, remember the back seat on this mid-sized sedan only has seats for two passengers. Fortunately, this allows for a cool central panel (and long pass through) for back seat guests, which includes a deep storage pocket, two cupholders and two mobile device niches. The back seat, with the same two-tone cross-stitched seating as in front, is super comfortable and the leg room is rather good.
This fully-loaded 2009 VW CC also included some cool tech like audio controls built right into the steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. My sapphire-colored road test model did not come with an in-dash navigation system, so I can’t report on VW’s MDI infotainment and navigation systems.
2009 VW Passat CC Safety
The 2009 VW CC has lots of safety features, including advanced air bags, tire pressure monitoring electronic stabilization, anti-lock brakes, anti-slip regulation, brake assist and electronic differential locking. I’m not sure what all this means, but the 2009 VW CC did get four star driver and five star passenger crash test ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
2009 VW Passat CC Trim Levels & Packages
The 2009 VW CC is available in just two trim levels: S and VR6 Sport. The S base model comes standard with power front seats (driver memory and lumbar), fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, leather-looking “leatherette” upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, tilt-telescoping steering column and an eight-speaker audio system with six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack. The “luxury package” on the 2009 VW CC features dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, front and rear park assist, automatic wipers and satellite radio. The VR6 Sport has VW’s V6 engine as well as all of the “luxury package” offerings. Plus, the VR6 Sport comes with bi-xenon head lights, steering wheel paddles, rear power sun shade, 18-inch wheels and a 10-speaker, more premium sound system.
Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.
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