Although a stand-alone model, Volkswagen’s CC is based on the Passat, but has a gorgeous body to call its own – one that looks like it’s doing a zero-100 run just standing in the driveway. The lines look good from any angle, front, back, three-quarters, but especially in side profile. Performance of this hardtop, that becomes a convertible at the touch of a switch, isn’t quite as good as the lines suggest; power is a relatively modest 125kW but the turbocharged engine flicks 350Nm off the flywheel anywhere between 1750rpm and 2500rpm. It runs 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds through a six-speed DSG transmission but, more important, is impressively flexible. Light, responsive and a pleasure to drive on the open road, the CC’s engine is always ready to provide the right torque-kick for overtaking. Ride is good, even with the shocks set to sports mode, by tapping a console button. For those into saving fuel, the CC’s BlueMotion technology is your friend. Among its party tricks is engine stop-start with one of the most seamless restarts found on a diesel. Although the cabin doesn’t match the ambience of some rivals, don’t take that as a criticism; it’s just different – Volkswagen’s minimalist take on interior design. Nor are the cabin’s lines a match for the body’s; they’re conservative, but characterised by exemplary fit, finish and use of quality components. The leather seats are comfy, quite supportive and make the CC’s occupants feel at home, particularly in the front. After all, CC does stand for Comfort Coupe. The rear seating is okay, but more okay if two, rather than three, people are sitting there.

Good features
Compact, economical

Not so good
Cramped with full passenger load

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