With a new R-Line trim adding to its sleekness, the low-slung 2013 Volkswagen CC is one of the better-designed midsize sport sedans sold in this country.
It’s styled like a coupe; in fact, Volkswagen calls it a Comfort Coupe, hence the CC model. It’s not a coupe, though, for it has four doors.
Current talk of four-door coupes apparently began with the arrival almost nine years ago of the sharp-sloped 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS500, and has been fueled since with such new models as the Audi A7 and BMW’s 6 series Gran Coupe.
The CC originated a few years back as part of the VW Passat line. Today, the CC is considered a separate, alternative model. While the CC has continued with the same platform, the Passat a year ago moved to larger architecture. With the CC’s raked roof and short rear deck, the ’13 model sits 3 inches lower than does the Passat, and is 3 inches shorter.
The CC R-Line trim adds a sporty front, large lower air intake, projector-style foglights, side skirts, R-Line logos on the front door sills and 18-inch Mallory alloy wheels with Continental 235/40R18 tires.
For satisfactory performance, it is important to keep this one revved fairly high. A 208-horsepower (207 torque), 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, strong in low-end torque, is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which seems to accentuate turbo lag at times. Optional is a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, which would more easily hold the revs to avoid the lag. A more powerful V-6 is available, too, at a price boost.
The CC’s taut suspension does a nice job of absorbing road imperfections. Adding some highway miles to the VW was a drive north of Fort Collins with Brent Wells for a visit to the Budweiser brewery; disappointing in that the famous Clydesdales weren’t in the barn, they’re on tour and won’t be back till late December.
The CC is of front-wheel-drive configuration, and is an outstanding handler, cornering smoothly. Seating is very comfortable, with cushy, well-contoured soft-leatherette seats.
A navigation system was part of the VW’s makeup, but it had no rearview camera, and what a bummer that was, for with the low roofline, narrow windows and high-riding headrests, it was difficult to see when backing or turning sharply.
There is room for three adults in the back seat, though headroom is somewhat limited by the roof slope.
Open the glove box door up front, pull an orange strap and a media play unit drops down for use with an iPod connector. Clever design, though not the most convenient of iPod placements. A switch in the back of the glove box can be turned to circulate cold air among the contents.
Pleasant sound is produced by the premium touchscreen audio with eight speakers. Also featured are adaptive bixenon headlights; activate them and the beam lowers, sweeps side to side, then lifts to normal height. The system will turn the beams up to 15 degrees around corners for improved visibility.
A trunk opening, narrowed by large LED taillamps, provides access to limited storage, 13.2 cubic feet. A handy passthrough is via the rear-seat armrest.
Sticker for the ’13 VW CC R-Line is $33,020. Among amenities, not already mentioned, are Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated front seats, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer and intermittent windshield wipers with rain sensor.
The turboed 2-liter and 6-speed manual provide an EPA-rated 21/32 miles per gallon estimate; my overall average was 25.7. The V-6/automatic transmission version is rated at 17/27. Premium fuel is recommended for both engines.
Notes from e-mail
Q: A valuable critique, Bud. I just had to write a (not very serious) rebuttal to your recent comment that the Jaguar X-Type was not a proper representation of the Jaguar mystique. “Au contraire,” thought I. Compared to the XF, the X-type has more traditional Jaguar lines outside and more sumptuous wood inside. Period reviews gave it rather high marks and praised its “Jaguarness,” despite its Ford parts- binning. To my mind, the X-Type was a worthy Jaguar and still the first AWD version. And lest you think I have an axe to grind, I don’t. Never owned a Jaguar, though I’d like to. I kind of think anything ever made by Jaguar is cool. – G.L.
A: Sorry, Geoffrey, I never grew fond of the X-Type, even after driving several at the ice track at Steamboat Springs. It was based on the Ford Mondeo. Like earlier Jags, the X-Type had plenty of mechanical problems; it seems to me they shared little else in attributes. Like you, though, I, too, have always liked Jaguars.
Saturday Drive can also be viewed online at DenverPost.com/budwells. Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
