Volkswagen CC doubles down on style (pictures)

The CC is an oddball in the Volkswagen lineup, pricing substantially above the Passat sedan but sized slightly smaller.

This grille is a generation behind Volkswagen's current corporate styling. The R-Line CC adds a more aggressive fascia below the bumper.

As a four-door sedan, the CC makes for a good commuter car and errand-runner.

Volkswagen fits the CC R-Line with this 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for 200 horsepower. A V-6 is available at a higher trim.

Where the CC really stands out is its styling, the graceful roofline extending back toward the trunk lid.

Even though the roof has an almost fastback design, the rear seat is comfortable.

The front-wheel-drive CC features a comfortable ride, but lacks the sporting character the R-Line badge might suggest.

At 13.2 cubic feet, the trunk lacks the carrying capacity of many midsize sedans, although this vehicle is technically rated as a compact.

The seats have minor bolstering and power adjustment on both sides in front, but no memory function.

Leg room is good in the rear seats.

The cabin design is simple and clean, but the materials don't feel up to the price tag.

Electric power steering is tuned very light, although it firms up at speed.

The instrument cluster also shows a clean, watchlike design.

Voice command in the CC R-Line only controls the phone and allows music pause and skip functions, but no navigation control.

This six-peed manual lacks the precision of other European cars.

Dual-zone climate control is nice as a standard feature, but the CC lacks heated or cooled seats.

This infotainment system is Volkswagen's RNS 315 unit, offering basic navigation, phone and audio functions.

The semi-circular menu design is easy to use, with fast response.

The hands-free phone system includes phone book syncing.

Audio sources include Bluetooth audio, satellite radio and Volkswagen's proprietary connecter in the console, which requires an adapter cable for USB or iOS devices.

Presets are available on the semicircular menu.

Satellite radio channels can be browsed by category, making it quicker to find a station.

Volkswagen includes an SD card slot, letting you keep a library of MP3 tracks in the car.