Gizmos and glitter for VW's flagship

All three models come standard with 6-speed DSG transmission and there are no manual options.

In its favour is the fact that the added make-up and trim have not widened the price gaps between the outgoing and the new models too much and in the case of the top of the range petrol model it even remains unchanged - not that necessarily translates into not expensive: The models, with the old and new prices in brackets, are the 2.0-litre 155kW TSI (old: R385 450, new: R395 950), the 125kW 2.0-litre TDI (old: R363 300, new: R373 800) and the muscular 220kW 3.6-litre FSI (unchanged at R469 405).

As is the growing trend today the new CC (or Comfort Coupé, as it is known in Europe) is more environmentally friendly with lower emissions and more economical fuel consumption. The smallest petrol model uses 7.3 litres/100km and emissions are 182g/km; the diesel model sips only 5.5-litres per 100km and keeps its emissions down to 144g/km and as to be expected from a large engine the flagship 3.6-litre gurgles 9.3/100m and emits 215g/km.

Performance

The 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI kicks out 280Nm, does the 0-100km/h dash in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 220m/h. The common rail TDI pushes out 350Nm (available from a low 1750rpm), has a top speed of 220m/h and does the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds. This model is also equipped with BlueMotion technology with stop/start function and battery regeneration which recovers braking energy.

All three models come standard with 6-speed DSG transmission and there are no manual options.

There's a very long list of features. Enjoy!

click to enlarge

I drove the diesel model and the bigger of the two petrol versions at the Media introduction and a few things immediately impressed: VW's clever noise elimination, suspension tweaks and reducing weight by using lighter parts have certainly paid off because the ride is smooth and dignified, the cabin is comfortable and spacious and really well insulated against wind, road and engine noises.

The living quarters are simple but classy and the knobs, switches gauges and dials are neat and logically arranged which all adds to the feeling of upper crust and excellent build quality. Yes, it is instantly recognisable as coming from the Volkswagen parts bin but there is not much to fault there, although some might think it borders on bland. I like it for its neatness and simplicity.

The transmission is smooth and quite quick, the brakes are excellent without being snappy, all-round visibility is good and the car is well suited to long four-up journeys.

No opportunity to crack the whip

Regrettably we didn't have an opportunity to crack the whip to feel how the cars handle through the corners because our drive was mainly on highways and through built-up areas between Sandton and Vereeniging. It would have been interesting to see whether there is a bit more feedback from the electromechanical servo steering than on the outgoing CC and also to put the suspension to test and to get the feel of trailer stabilisation system which VW says works better than ESP.

Sleek lines; the upgraded four-door coupé looks smart and upmarket.

As to be expected the 2.0-litre diesel impressed with its surging torque virtually from go. It feels as though it is strong enough to pull a freight train. On the other side of the scale the Big Six almost begged to be whipped so that it could show with how much enthusiasm it would gallop to deep into big fine territory.

Like the VW Passat (on whose lower bits the CC rides), the upgraded four-door coupé looks smart and upmarket in the same understated way as an expensive tailored suit, monogrammed shirt and smart brogues.

Up front it wears a new chrome radiator grille, bi-xenon headlights a sleeker bonnet, a re-styled bumper and an additional air intake and along the sides more sculpted sills run from the front to the rear wheel housings and the tail end has also been given extra make-up including LED lighting.

I have a massage for you

Small changes they might be, but they certainly add to the car's overall gravitas which is further enhanced by the comfy interior: sporty seats up front, seating for five at the back and lots more leg room. On the V6 there is active climate control and the driver's seat is even equipped with a massage function. The interior also has a rather special ambience at night thanks to adjustable integrated light strips on the dash and doors.

Owners of boats, bikes, quads and other goodies that need to travel on trailers will also like the convenience of a swivelling tow bar.

The car also brims with new systems and technologies, much too complicated to go into detail here so rather get the VW dealer to explain it all, particularly the upgraded park assist system which can even park the car by reversing into a parking bay which is at right angles to the road, unlike the first generation of park assist which could only do parallel parking.

Another handy newbie is an easy open boot. All the driver has to do is to 'wave it all about" by executing a simple foot motion behind the boot and it will pop open... nice when you are carrying a case or two of beer or a couple of heavy shopping bags.

Owners of boats, bikes, quads and other goodies that need to travel on trailers will also like the convenience of a swivelling tow bar. Normally tucked in below the bumper it swivels into position simply by pressing a button inside the boot.

A long list... in fact, a very long list...

In terms of standard equipment the list is long... very long and features to tick of include 17-inch alloys, hill start assist, daytime running lights with "leaving home" and "coming home" functions, ESP electronic stabilisation programme, static cornering lights, a fatigue detection system, tyre pressure monitor, six airbags and a snazzy sound system.

The keyless boot-release feature is a nice touch.

As with the Big Three German brands the list of options is long and tempting but can do considerable damage to your bank balance. For example the 2.0-litre diesel I drove on the Media drive was padded with seven non-standard goodies which pushed the car's standard price of R373 800 up to R414 560.On the 3.6 FSI V6 I piloted at the launch drive the extras added another R35 540 to the price tag.

This is really the only criticism one could level at the CC - it's smart but expensive and when you start adding optional extras you could be in for ugly surprises.

Volkswagen's smart Passat and this coupe-sedan are hugely popular overseas but they just don't seem to ignite the fuses of the badge-snobbish local market (CC has sold 1 250 cars since they were launched locally three years ago) which is a pity because they are top notch cars and over and above the peace of mind of excellent German craftsmanship all CC's come standard with a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan, a three-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Specifications

2012 Volkswagen CC R-Line 2.0T Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour

Volkswagen CC - 2012 REVIEWED

2012 Volkswagen CC Interior Design