Published on July 22nd, 2012 | by Daniel Sherman Fernandez
0Volkswagen CC 1.8TSI Test Drive review
Volkswagen dealers in Malaysia will continue their great sales momentum of the Volkswagen CC (previously the Passat CC) as long as supply can meet demand. Why? Well the handsome looks of the CC (comfort coupe) continues with this latest offering and with a smaller capacity 1.8TSI engine, its selling price has moved down allowing for more Malaysians to enjoy curbside attention from all other car owners driving boring looking boxy sedans. From all angles this 4 door coupe is great looking and is larger than it looks.
This new VW CC is a mid-cycle update, so the revisions are relatively modest, particularly from a visual standpoint, starting with the sleeker headlamps, which are framed by a revised version of LED accent lights, a larger more prominent front grille and commanding bumper with larger fog and cornering lamps at the bottom corners. The grille now adopts the single frame design used on other recent VW vehicle updates. Rear changes are equally modest, with slight tweaks to the boot lid design and LED filled lamps and fascia.
Move inside this VW CC and the use of quality materials continues with a revised center console with a new analog clock on the top center. The Dynaudio system needs no upgrade and is easy to use and navigate. Like all other premium Volkswagens on sale, the CC has a long list of safety features.
Under the bonnet is where the biggest change to the VW CC can be felt. The 1st generation CC arrived in Malaysia with a 2-liter TFSI engine (shared with the Golf GTi). This new CC comes with a 1.8 TSI in-line four-cylinder petrol engine good for 160PS at 5,000rpm and churns out 250Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,200rpm. This CC accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 8.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 223km/h. The combined efficiency of this TSI engine is 7.2 litres/100km and its combined CO2 emission output is 167g/km (not yet applicable in Malaysia). This award-winning engine is mated to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and has an Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) unit.
On a daily office commute drive in city traffic, the CC provides a truly relaxing drive with smooth delivery of power and seamless gear changes. It almost feels like its more powerful brother the 2-liter TFSI. There may be 40bhp less under the hood the CC but this engine does not feel lethargic or out of breath when pushed to reach your destination in time. Using the adaptive suspension in ‘comfort’ mode offers a truly comfortable and firm ride. In ‘sports’ mode it keeps the front body lean to a minimum when cornering at high speeds and offers good performance driven handling.
A test drive is recommended to appreciate the value proposition of this VW 4-door coupe.
Volkswagen CC 1.8TSI
Capacity
1798cc
Engine
4-Cylinder Turbocharged
Horsepower
160hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque
250Nm @ 1500-4200 rpm
Transmission
7-speed DSG with paddle shifters
0-100km/h
8.5 seconds
Top Speed
223 km/h
Price
RM 225,888.00 to RM 243,888.00