2009 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0T TSI Highline Review
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2009 Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0T TSI Highline Review by Rob Rothwell / Auto123.com |
If there were a reality-based makeover show for cars, the Passat CC would surely take top honours as the ‘most improved’ given its moxie over the regular version of VW’s mid-size sedan. Based on the conservative Passat Sedan, the CC (or Comfort Coupe as defined by VW) is an outstanding example of modern automotive architecture.
CC is an AA in styling The fact that Volkswagen, a company known for its soft-spoken styling practices, produced a 4-door car capable of imparting visual arousal normally associated with premium brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, is a redefining shift for the people’s car company. A glance at the car’s side profile and crescent roofline communicates a decidedly un-Volkswagen-like image of daring and sophistication. My hat’s off to VW for making it so. My hat’s also off inside the CC thanks to what greets therein; unfortunately, iffy headroom in the rear is part of that greeting. This shortcoming is imposed by the sleek roofline that I so admire but hey, who cares if the height-endowed among us complain of messed coifs? They should have exercised the foresight to sit in the front. Doing so would have also provided them with an improved panorama. The roof’s dramatic cut-line interferes somewhat with visibility out the side windows. This becomes more apparent in parking situations but it’s not beyond manageable thanks to broad side-view mirrors. Superb seating limited to four In addition to plenty of exterior appeal, the cabin is exceptionally well built and solid in true Germanic style. The dished-out thorax-restraining optional leather sport seats in my tester supplied plenty of overall support, accentuated by deep side bolstering. In addition to their form, the ribbed perches showed themselves off with white stitching contrasted against a charcoal background. It’s important to note that some cabin functionality has been dispensed with in favour of form. Rear seating in the CC is comprised of two sport seats divided by a sliding cover that conceals cup holders and small-item storage. Wisely, the 60/40-split seatbacks can be dropped to expand cargo capacity.
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