First Drive: 2013 Volkswagen CC
If you're disappointed in the Americanization of VW's Passat, you'll want to read my take on the updated 2013 CC for Toronto Star Wheels. Full article after the jump.
By John LeBlanc
NICE, FRANCE — Is Volkswagen adopting a two-tier marketing strategy? With the introduction of its redesigned CC sedan, it seems so.
On one tier lay European-built cars like the CC, Golf/GTI, and Touareg.
On VW’s other “tier” sit the North American-made Jetta, Passat and, within the next few years, the next-generation Tiguan. And VW’s two-tier strategy is a “get what you pay for” proposition.
“Premium” Volkswagens, like the European Passat-based CC, are for the VW faithful — customers who don’t mind paying extra for typical VW qualities such as high-quality interiors and engineering details like engine hoods raised by gas struts or concealed trunk hinges.
The new “mainstream” Vee-Dubs, like the Mexican-made Jetta and U.S.-built Passat, are targeted to a new type of customer, one that values some extra elbow room, doesn’t care where their car is made, and is quite happy with build quality comparable to the top Asian mainstream brands.
Customers may see the same VW badge on all its models, but there’s a huge difference between these two tiers when it comes to pricing.
For instance, pricing for the compact Jetta four-door sedan begins at $15,875, while a compact two-door Golf hatch starts at $19,975.
The Passat midsize sedan starts at $23,975, compared to the current 2012 CC midsize sedan that starts at $33,375.
VW’s “two tier” strategy is no accident. It’s the automaker’s way of keeping older customers happy while at the same time bringing in new customers to showrooms.
And, so far at least, the plan seems to be working.
VW Canada had its best year ever in 2011, selling more than 52,000 cars here (16 per cent better than the year before) with over half those sales came from the best-selling Jetta.
Admittedly, with only a little over 1,500 CCs sold in 2011, VW is hoping these mid-cycle changes for 2013 will broaden the car’s appeal.
Launched in 2008, the CC (which stands for Comfort Coupé) is VW’s take on the increasingly popular “four-door coupé” segment created by the Mercedes-Benz CLS in 2004.
Just as the ‘Benz “coupé” is based on a midsize sedan (the E-Class), the CC is based on the European-market Passat sedan.
Like the current 2012 lineup, the 2013 models will continue with two trim lines and carryover powertrains.
The starter CC will be the front-wheel-drive Sportline. It comes with VW’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Next up is the CC Highline, where you gain “Nappa” leather seating surfaces and a panoramic roof.
As is the case today, the top-line 2013 CC will be the Highline V6.
In addition to adding luxury equipment like a 600-watt Dynaudio sound system with navigation and a 30-gigabyte hard drive, the top-rung CC is powered by a 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine.
It adds 80 horsepower and 58 pound-feet of torque to the 2.0’s respective 200 and 207 ratings, plus traction to all wheels via the familiar six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.
VW Canada will announce 2013 CC pricing closer to its on-scale date this May. But with the addition of more standard equipment (bi-Xenon headlights; dual-zone climate control; rear-view back-up camera; etc.) expect a small increase on 2012 pricing that starts at $33,375 for the base Sportline/6M to $46,375 for the range-topping Highline V6.
Admittedly, the changes for the 2013 models are mostly cosmetic.
Dimensionally, inside and out, the car is identical. But the original CC wore clothes from the previous, more rounded VW look. This new one now sports more chiseled lines to bring it more in line with the rest of the lineup.
It certainly looks more stylish than the current Passat, which reminds me of a Chevy Impala from some angles (not a compliment).
Despite its “coupé-like “ styling, the biggest differentiator between the Euro-inspired CC and our North American Passat was in the back seat, where one could only find two thrones.
No more.
For 2013, VW has re-contoured the CC’s rear seat setup, and added a third seatbelt.
Other than that, the differences become thin compared to the CC that’s been on sale since 2008. But in some areas — like the interior, and the way the CC goes down the road in a controlled yet athletic fashion — that’s a good thing.
I’ve always found the CC’s upscale cabin one of the most enjoyable to spend time in. All its controls are logically laid out. And the fit-and-finish is comparable to cars costing twice as much. Plus, my average-sized proportions seem to like the VW’s seats, even if they could use some additional side support during spirited driving.
Although enthusiasts will prefer the six-speed stick, and those who are afraid of driving when it snows will opt for the AWD Highline V6, of the various powertrain choices, the 2.0-litre/dual-clutch transmission combo will more than likely be the most popular CC—and for good reason.
Despite being down on power, the smaller engine and dual-clutch gearbox are well-mated. Gear changes are sharp and quick, and the car doesn’t feel like it needs the V6’s extra juice.
Plus you’ll save more at the pumps.
Based on 2012 figures, the four-cylinder CC scores 10.0L/100 km city, and 6.7L on the highway, compared to the V6’s 12.7L and 8.3L numbers.
In the end, though, I imagine most prospective CC buyers won’t give a hoot about such trivial details like fuel economy ratings.
As with any of these “four-door coupés”, the decision to buy will come down to the size of your wallet and your lifestyle.
If you value looks over practicality, and don’t mind paying extra for the CC’s European (i.e. “top-tier”) qualities, the new 2013 version delivers on all these accounts.
2013 Volkswagen CC
EST. BASE PRICE: $35,375
ENGINES: 2.0 I4/3.6L V6
POWER/TORQUE: 200/280 hp, 207/265 lb.-ft.
TRANSMISSIONS: Six-speed manual, dual-clutch automatic/automatic
EST. FUEL ECONOMY L/100 km: 10.0 city, 6.7L hwy/12.7 city, 8.3L hwy.
COMPETITION: Audi A4, Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti G, Lexus ES 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
WHAT’S BEST: Premium styling; upscale interior; available all-wheel-drive.
WHAT’S WORST: Less room overall than the Passat; a lot of money for a VW.
WHAT’S INTERESTING: The CC is based on the same European Passat chassis VW sold in Canada between 2005 and 2010.