VOLKSWAGEN CC Review

Since we didn’t go for the more powerful diesel, which has its 170 hp channeled through an XDS electronic system that mimics a limited slip differential, we though that we could try to see how much fuel would the 140 horses of our test car ask for taking us to... anywhere far, so we can enjoy the trip.

Many decent overtaking manuevers, confidently-tackled corners and relaxed driving moments later, we arrived back with a “highway” efficiency figure of 4.5 liters per 100 km (52.3 mpg). While this is extremely close to VW’s official figure, it wasn’t hard to achieve and even if we had been careless about wasting fuel, we’re pretty sure that the car wouldn’t have added more than a liter (42.8 mpg) to that.

Being so relaxed, we decided it was time for... bed. And we did go to sleep, but only to be able to be fresh in the morning, so we can throw the CC into the urban jungle. The excellent soundproofing keeps you relaxed, just like on the highway, and the precise six-speed gearbox means that the gear changing process never becomes unpleasant, not even when the traffic lights seem to have a problem with you.

Here, in the crowded urban environment, the on-board computer whispered that the car needs almost 7 liters for supporting our bottoms for 100 km (33.6 mpg), which does exceed VW’s figure by a noticeable margin, but is still an excellent value for a car of this size.

And while you get pump-repelling figures, you get to enjoy a relaxed, safe and elegant drive. Even when you borrow the helmet from a motorcyclist you find at the traffic light, you don’t get punished. The car just ignores you, it holds on the road, albeit using wider trajectories and it takes you where you want to go.

But where does all this fuel-burning phobia come from? The little BlueMotion technology badge, which is standard, offers the explanation. This means that the 2.0-liter TDI diesel gets to form a team in order to counter-attack the gas stations.

The 1,968cc 140 hp unit works with a start-stop system, as well as with a kinetic energy recuperation one that transforms braking energy into electricity, which goes straight into the battery. A few aerodynamic tweaks here and there, a long sixth ratio for the gearbox and ta-daa, your wallet stays in your pocket.

As for the comfort, this comes from two main sources. First of all, we have the suspension, which makes use of aluminum at the front to reduce unsprung mass and comes with a custom design and a separated subframe that uses rubber-metal bearing at the rear. All these allow it to take the punches for you and also listen to the steering wheel, even at high speeds.

Of course, you must’s expect too much feedback, but, especially in the case of the 140 hp diesel, this is not the idea of the car. And then there’s the excellent soundproofing, which does isolate you from the exterior, an asset that could’ve also been a drawback in a sporty car, but here that’s just fine.