There are plenty of people who want to buy the Passat CC and refreshed CC. However, very few want to pay for a brand new model. As such, Volkswagen USA has streamlined the lineup for the 2017 model year.
As you'd expect from a company struggling with the financial and image burden of a major emissions scandal, VW's CC four-door coupe looks pretty much the same in 2017 as it did for the 2016 model year.
But the execs have deleted several trim levels, including Trend, R-Line 2.0T, and V6 Executive. What are you left with? Well, the 2.0T Sport remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the 2.0T R-Line Executive adds Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
Prices start a $34,475, which falls in line with the smaller but more popular Mercedes-Benz CLA 250. The most expensive CC you can buy is the one in the video, costing $37,820.
For 2017, the only engine available is the 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI four-cylinder that generates 200 horsepower on premium gasoline. It drives the front wheels via a standard 6-speed DSG automatic transmission with a Tiptronic function to permit manual gear selection. EPA numbers remain unchanged: 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
One reason not to buy the 2017 might be the interior, which remains rooted in the late 2000s. While the updated Passat has a much better dash and steering wheel, the CC is stuck with the old stuff.
The CC is looked at as a tired old Volkswagen in Europe as well. But the strange thing is that it's been deleted from the official configurator in Germany. Other countries still have it, but Deutschland always sets the pace in this industry.
It's not all bad news, though. If our spyshots are any indication, there's going to be a brand new CC as early as next year. It's going to be big, a lot more technologically advanced and more efficient.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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