2009 Volkswagen CC Review

MPG-o-Matic Volkswagen CC Review Summary: The four-door Volkswagen CC Luxury Sedan delivers a positively delightful fuel-efficient driving experience, with ample power and surefooted handling wrapped in a unique design.

The 2009 VW CC sport sedan is available in four models (Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport, and VR6 4Motion), with two different drive trains. Our CC Luxury test unit was equipped with the base 2.0-liter direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 200 horsepower (HP) and 207 foot pounds of torque. The CC Luxury’s inline four is mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is available in the Sport version.

While folks looking for the greatest amount of horsepower might opt for the naturally aspirated 280 HP 3.6-liter six in the VR6 Sport or VR6 4Motion models, we found the little turbo four banger to be quite thrifty, as it delivered excellent performance.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the automatic-equipped four-cylinder 2009 Volkswagen CC Luxury Sedan are 19 city / 29 highway miles per gallon (MPG). (The manual-equipped Sport offers the highest official ratings in the range at 21/31, while the all-wheel-drive VR6 4Motion is the most thirsty, at 17 city / 25 highway.)

We put over six hundred miles on the odometer of our Reflex Silver Metallic review unit and rolled past the official mileage estimates with ease, scoring an eye-opening average of 36.7 MPG on the Interstate highway and 29.5 MPG combined.

Test period temperatures ranged from the seventies through the low eighties. We found that the CC delivered slightly better mileage on the highway when driving with cruise control off and a light-footed technique.

Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, sunroof tilted open: 36.8 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, sunroof tilted open: 38.7 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, sunroof closed: 34.6 MPG

Given the results, the CC’s 18.5 gallon fuel tank capacity ensures a generous cruising range.

Despite the diminutive displacement, there’s plenty of punch under the CC’s hood. While the 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo four has 3,374 pounds to move, it’s up for the job.

For those that enjoy running through the gears, the automatic transmission’s Tiptronic manual mode is a boon for both sport-minded and fuel-efficient driving.

The CC delivers performance, ride and handling befitting an expensive European sports sedan. 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) are standard equipment, with power assisted vented discs up front and solid discs in the rear.

Trip computer features include:

• average trip fuel consumption
• average trip speed
• current fuel consumption
• digital compass
• gear indicator
• miles to empty
• outside temperature
• trip distance
• trip time

The Multi-Function Indicator provides the instant fuel economy (current fuel consumption) feedback that light-footed drivers crave. As always, we recommend driving with the current fuel consumption display active, in order to develop a more conscientious driving style.

The CC’s interior is impeccably designed, with the occupants snugly cradled in supple and supportive bucket seats. But be forewarned, the back seat only accommodates two. The front seats are heated and the 12-way power drivers seat provides excellent power lumbar support, in addition to three memory settings for the seat and rear view mirrors.

The back seat provides adequate space, with 36.6 inches of rear headroom, 37.3 inches of rear legroom, and 54.7 inches of rear shoulder room.

The CC provides 13 cubic feet of cargo capacity, with a 60/40 fold down rear seat that must be folded down from inside the cabin. A center pass through accommodates both skis and snowboards.

Our test unit had just two options: a Dynaudio premium sound system and the radio navigation system. Both performed well. Bluetooth and steering wheel controls are standard issue, as is a wonderful leather-wrapped steering wheel.

We weren’t as keen on the iPod integration. Although common input jack and USB fitting are standard issue, we found the USB integration to be less than stellar. While the jacks are well placed in the glovebox (USB) and center console (AUX), the system does not display USB device music by playlist, artist or album. The system does provides access to folders stored on a USB memory stick, but it does not work with music downloaded from the iTunes store.

12-volt outlets can be found at the base of the dash, inside the center console, and inside the rear cargo area.

Our only other gripe was with the generously sized, tilt-only sunroof, as we longed for the ability to slide the roof back for an open-air driving experience.

While visibility out the rear window was a bit limited, the flat screen display’s Optical Parking System eased the chore of maneuvering the CC in tight spaces. The optional rear-view camera would be a welcome addition.

All-in-all, we were enamored with the CC. Its head-turning styling and lack of badges had many folks asking, “what kind of VW is that?” This gorgeous sedan proves that thrilling performance can co-exist with frugal fuel economy.

Final Assembly Point:
Emden, Germany
Country of Origin:
Engine – Hungary
Transmission – Japan
U.S./Canadian Parts Content: 1%
Major Source of Foreign Parts Content:
Germany – 75%

– by Daniel Gray