Road Test - Volkswagen Passat CC GT 3.6 V6
Author: Ian Strachan
It looks like a Mercedes. It sounds like a Mercedes. It drives like a Mercedes. - But it’s not a Mercedes. It’s a Volkswagen Passat.
Volkswagen's Wolfsburg-based designers have been a bit cheeky.
In the Passat CC coupe they've looked at coupes produced by their
Stuttgart rivals with the three pointed star and produced something
that looks pretty much the same - but costs a lot less.
The Volkswagen CC has the sculpted lines, the long bonnet, the
narrow windows and the high back of its country cousin. It has a
roomy and well-appointed interior, and the 3.6 V6 version I drove
handles effortlessly, with impressive performance.
In fact the only downside I could find was that the radio can't
get long wave so I missed much of the cricket on Test Match
Special. Volkswagen isn't alone in this mortal sin, but if the
Germans are serious about selling cars in the UK, they must catch
up on their local market knowledge quickly, and understand that to
the cricket-enthused Ashes-winning Brits a car without long wave is
like a car without a steering wheel.
Shame about the radio because, that apart, this coupe is pretty
damn near perfect. The Passat just keeps getting better and better
anyway, but this coupe moves it on considerably, setting new
standards in the sector.
The exterior design has completely thrown off any staid images
which the Passat may have conjured up in the past. This bigger
version has much better looks. With a high boot, deep grille, sleek
profile and Phaeton-style trim details it is far more
distinctive.
And you only have to get in the car to realise that this Passat
is all about understated refinement and quality.
That's not to mention performance. I test drove the excellent
and gutsy 300 horsepower 3.6 V6 petrol variant which has all the
power you need while being quiet and unfussed. It's at its best
when married to Volkswagen's smooth six speed automatic
gearbox.
The refined and responsive engine -one of the best in its
class on the market for my money - lacks for nothing and delivers
power pleasantly. This is an enjoyable car to drive, although fuel
consumption of 28 mpg in mixed driving isn't that great.
Handling is excellent and the car feels rigid and stable even
when being pushed hard around corners. Road holding is sure footed
and the ride is comfortable in the extreme, helped by Volkswagen's
4Motion all wheel drive system .
Inside, the car is roomy and well laid out, with extremely
comfortable, easy to adjust partly-powered seats. My test car had
black seats and black trim, making it feel a little functional and
austere, but that apart there has been a lot of attention to
detail, with automatic boot opening, well positioned grab handles,
a centre driver's armrest and controls which fall easily to hand,
and an automatic park brake.
The boot is huge with class leading height and depth and a lid
which opens fully upright to make loading easier.
Standard features includes very nice alloys, ABS with
electronic brake pressure distribution, leather upholstery,
all-round airbags, cruise control, electronic climate control,
electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, adaptive halogen
headlights and tyre pressure monitor. My test car was fitted with a
touch screen satellite navigation system at an extra £1915,
CD autochanger at £235, park assist system with front and
rear parking sensors (£525) and metallic paint
at £365.
This is a thoughtfully put together package. It looks great and
will give you comfortable and effortless business travelling. And
at £31,145 on the road it comes in less than the equivalent
Mercedes.
Road test by Ian Strachan Communications
Ltd
Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR
consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949
202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk