The swaggerlicious 2010 Passat CC Sedan

Despite the obvious challenges of a stuttering economy and a declining new vehicle market ahead, Volkswagen franchise CMC holdings has unleashed the much awaited Passat CC, and has high hopes for the brand in 2010.

Designed and directly aimed at the stunning Mercedes CLS, the all new Passat CC integrates sleek coupe-like structure, incorporated into a comfortable four-door saloon.

Having spent a couple of hours behind the wheel in both the diesel and petrol variants of the outgoing Passat, I have happy things to report about the all new vehicle; its more refined, has an impressive drive and, is very appealing 'in the metal'.

Exterior

Its wide low stance, sweeping roof line, rising shoulder and 'duck-tailed' boot lip, give it a strong, individual and athletic presence.

A black panoramic glass roof panel, pronounced crease-line and wide frameless doors also enhance the CC's lean and nicely integrated lines.

Interior

It's smart inside too! Particularly appealing is the stylish brushed metal panel - canted away from the driver - running the full width of the dashboard and inside the instrument binnacle. With soft Nappa leather seats and trimming, an un-fussed centre console and interior layout, the first impression is of 'a class act'.
Impressively for a 2x2 car with deeply contoured seats, the rear seats can be folded down to increase boot space and while the ambiance in the car - front and back - lives up to the marketing hyperbole, it's also obvious that the vehicle's designers put form before function.
The Power

Under the hood lies a choice of advanced engines that have the capability to humble the chattering classes; powered by a choice of two potent engines, the 1.8 turbo petrol unit that churns a healthy 163 bhp, with 250Nm of raw torque at the disposal of your right foot.

For those who savvy excess torque, the 125 TDI with six-speed DSG and 2.0 litre common-rail turbo diesel, is the one for you. It churns out 125kW and 350Nm. This diesel is no slouch: it's good for an 8.6 second 0-100km/h dash and returns a miserly 6.3 l/100km on the combined cycle.
Both engines are mated to the revolutionary twin clutch gearbox code named DSG (direct shift gearbox) that has two clutches and reduces shift shock, for a much relaxed drive.


Handling
With a host of nanny aids at its disposal, the Passat CC handles the roads like a dream. It comes with Adaptive Chassis Control, which, at the touch of a button, adjusts the damper characteristics of each individual wheel between Normal, Comfort, and Sport settings.
A front wishbone and rear multi-link suspension system plants all four wheels firmly on the tarmac, as your safety is guaranteed by the electronic stability program (ESP) and brake assist, that comes as fully standard in the CC.
Safety
With all these impressive stats, the Passat CC has to be on top of its game when it comes to safety; for the active safety, the ESP takes centre stage, coordinating all electronic nanny aids into one unit. Just in case all hell breaks loose, passive safety measures e.g. multiple airbags, seat pretension and crumple zones present in the CC reduce and protects the occupants from the risk of serious injury.
Verdict
The Passat CC embodies the future of the automobile; tons of gadgetry, bold and provocative design theme are the hallmarks of this marquee from Wolfsburg. Simply put, the CC represents the future of the automobile. I rest my case.