2013 Volkswagen CC (photos)

Volkswagen came out with the CC in 2008, launching the car as a luxury variant of the Passat. The CC stands for Comfort Coupe, as the car's design is based on the idea of a four-door coupe. Unfortunately for Volkswagen, the CC's specs line up with cars that are substantially less expensive.

Back to review.

For the 2013 model year, Volkswagen updated the CC's looks with the cross-hatched, three-bar grille it designed for the new Jetta and Passat, giving the model lineup a cohesive style.

Back to review.

Volkswagen also includes bi-xenon headlights standard on the CC, which show off a clear, white light in a very controlled pattern.

Back to review.

The CC gets Volkswagen's excellent direct injection, turbocharged 2-liter engine, which makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Higher trim level CCs come with a V-6. Each engine powers the front wheels.

Back to review.

The four-door coupe design gives the CC a very good-looking roofline. Another change for 2013 is a less contoured rear seat, making it possible to seat three across, rather than the two for the car's first generation.

Back to review.

The CC has a sunroof, but it only opens the trailing edge for ventilation. It does not slide back.

Back to review.

The suspension of the CC is not high tech, but good turning results in a very comfortable ride and stability when cornering. Most CCs are front-wheel drive, although the top trim is all-wheel drive.

Back to review.

The trunk does not have much vertical height, but it goes in deep. The rear seats can also be folded down, allowing an even deeper cargo area.

Back to review.

The interior of the CC is well-appointed, which partially explains Volkswagen's pricing strategy.

Back to review.

The rear seat area offers a decent amount of legroom and seating for three across.

Back to review.

Volkswagen sets its trim levels with standard equipment, rather than offering a palette of options for buyers to choose from. This Lux trim car is equipped and priced at the midlevel.

Back to review.

Volkswagen uses an electric-power-steering system, which is immediately apparent on turning the wheel. The feeling of the boost is different than with a hydraulic system, and there is a slight whirring sound from the electric motor.

Back to review.

The microphone button activates a voice command system, but it only controls the phone system. There is no voice command for the stereo or navigation.

Back to review.

The CC has basic, but elegant gauges. The monochrome display in the middle shows audio, phone, navigation, and trip information.

Back to review.

Volkswagen fits the CC with its Direct Shift Gearbox, a dual-clutch transmission with six gears.

Back to review.

This navigation head unit is Volkswagen's RNS 315. The maps are stored in flash memory and respond quickly. But the system does not show traffic data, a surprising omission for a car at this price.

Back to review.

This semicircular menu works very well, controllable with the center dial and through touch.

Back to review.

The onscreen keyboard also works well, with responsive keys and predictive text.

Back to review.

The navigation system includes maps in perspective and plan view.

Back to review.

The hands-free phone system is very good, including access to a paired phone's contact list and even a voice mail feature.

Back to review.

The voice command system lets you place calls by saying the name of a person in the contact list.

Back to review.

Along with terrestrial radio, the CC includes satellite radio channels.

Back to review.

The Bluetooth audio screen shows complete track details.

Back to review.

Other local audio sources include an SD card slot, CD slot, and the MDI port, which allows plugging in different types of adapter cables.

Back to review.

The iPod music library screen provides the usual access to album, artist, genre categories.

Back to review.

The MDI port is hidden away in the glove box, a position that makes it inconvenient to access from the driver seat.

Back to review.