14 Jan 08
Here's Volkswagen's answer to the Mercedes-Benz CLS: the Passat CC. It's a four-seater four-door, to be sold as an upmarket alternative to the mainstream Passat saloons and estates.
Engines for the range will be 1.8 TSI (160bhp/184lb ft), 2.0 TSI (200bhp/206lb ft) and 3.6 V6 FSI (300bhp/223lb ft) petrol units, or the 2.0-litre diesel (140bhp/236lb ft or 170bhp/258lb ft). Volkswagen's new seven-speed DSG gearbox will be optional with the 1.8 TSI engine, and an auto's on offer with the 2.0 TSI. The 3.6 V6 FSI comes with six-speed DSG and 4Motion four-wheel-drive.
Performance will be strong: even the entry-level 1.8 TSI can do 0-60 in 8.6 seconds, and the 3.6 V6 has a 0-60 time of just 5.6 seconds and top speed of 155mph. The 140bhp diesel does 132mph and 0-60 in 9.8 seconds, and the 170bhp version 140mph and 0-60 in 8.6 seconds.
A little longer (31mm) and wider (36mm) than the standard Passat, yet 50mm lower in height, the Passat CC is sleeker and roomier. It will come with a full complement of multimedia functions, gadgets and safety equipment, including parking sensors and an optional Lane Assist system to help prevent drifting out of lane on the motorway. The smart cabin shows a new steering wheel and instrument layout, ambient lighting, touchscreen sat nav and new trim finishes: wood or aluminium will be optional, as well as new items such as seats with integrated heating/cooling. Stability control and up to eight airbags will be fitted, and further options will include three-mode Dynamic Drive Control with adaptive dampers.
The redesigned front end, new twin-lensed taillights and restyled roofline preview the whole new Passat family, revised in line with the recently-launched Audi A4. The new Passat will be a little roomier than the current car, and sportier: as with the A4, it'll get a longer wheelbase but reduced front and rear overhangs, completely redesigned suspension and steering, and improved weight distribution.
Saloon models will be launched early next year, with estates coming towards the autumn. UK sales of this coupe start late summer.
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