Pros
- Acceleration
- Interior materials
Cons
- Automated-manual-transmission performance
- Road noise
Acceleration
7/10
Only 4-cylinder models have been made available for testing so far. Following a brief delay, the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder moves with impressive pep from a stop and delivers decent mid-range and highway-passing power. The manual transmission has a crisp, sporty feel. The delay in power delivery is more pronounced with the automated-manual transmission. It also lacks smoothness compared with most premium-midsize rivals.
Fuel Economy
7/10
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission 2.0T averaged a thrifty-for-the-class 26.7 mpg. With the automated manual and 2.0T we averaged 24.5 mpg. Volkswagen recommends premium-grade gas for all CCs.
Ride Quality
7/10
CC is very solid and stable at highway speeds. Only sharp pavement imperfections come through as overly harsh.
Steering/Handling/Braking
7/10
CC feels well composed, with good grip and minimal body lean in turns. The brakes deliver smooth, strong stopping action.
Quietness
7/10
Wind rush is well isolated, but road roar and tire thrum are evident at higher speeds. The 4-cylinder growls appropriately under brisk acceleration but is nearly silent at all other times.
Controls
8/10
Climate dials are reasonably large, clear, and simple to operate. Luxury models have dual-zone climate controls that are well-lit and also intuitive to use. The available navigation system works well but could be set higher for easier reading. The navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but doesn't overly complicate them.
Details
7/10
Padded surfaces abound. Top-quality materials create an attractive, comfortable, well-made cabin. Sport's leatherette seats and faux-metal plastic trim are credible imitations and still feel class-appropriate. Luxury's leather surfaces, brushed-metal trim, and chrome accents convey a classy, up-market look and feel.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (Front)
7/10
Good headroom and legroom. The bolstered seats are supportive and road-trip pleasant. Comfort is further enhanced by a standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel and the Luxury's power driver and passenger seats. Visibility to the rear is impeded by a raked rear window and high rear deck.
Room/Comfort (Rear)
6/10
CC's back seat provides decent legroom for the average-size rider and has space for two in supportive seats. Taller passengers may need more headroom, a concession to CC's rakish roof line.
Cargo Room
3/10
The trunk's load height is low enough for easy loading, but the opening is small and its hinges intrude into the cargo space. For more cargo room, the 60/40 rear seat folds almost flat with ease. The cabin is filled with small-item storage cubbies that include a deep front center console, a smaller rear center console, and a large latched bin to the left of the steering wheel.
Value Within Class
10/10
The Volkswagen CC appeals for its strong and refined turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, impressive ride and handling, top-notch interior design, and standout looks. Good 4-cylinder fuel economy is an added bonus. If you're willing to sacrifice 5-passenger versatility for the sake of style, check out this Best Buy.
Highlights
The 2010 Volkswagen CC is largely unchanged following its introduction for the 2009 model year. This premium-midsize car has a coupe-like roof line and seating for 4. CC is available in Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport, and VR6 4Motion trims. Two engines are available. Standard on Sport and Luxury models is a 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. In Sport versions, it teams with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission that behaves like an automatic. Luxury CCs come with the automated manual only. Powering VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion versions is a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 paired solely with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The automated-manual and automatic transmissions can be manually operated using the floor shifter in 4-cylinder models or via steering-wheel paddles in V6 versions. Most CC models are front-wheel drive. The VR6 4Motion has all-wheel drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front-side airbags, and rear-side airbags. Leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof are standard on all but the Sport. A navigation system is optional on all but the Sport.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium-Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium-Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37, Jaguar XF, and Volkswagen CC. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A6, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo V70.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, Infiniti G37 convertible, Lexus ES 350, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Cadillac CTS gains a 4-door wagon body style for 2010.