I love how it looks, both inside and out. It also scores high on performance.
The engine range here includes a powerful and efficient 2.0 TDI diesel with 140 or 170hp common rail diesels, both in Tax Band B, and all derivatives have Blue Motion Technologies as standard. There is also the option of a DSG automatic at just north of €41,000 and a 4WD version for a bit more. There are no petrol options.
The test car is the CC Sport 140hp model, in Band B of €225 per annum for tax purposes.
This sexy stunner is built on the same platform as the VW Passat, but that car never looked this good.
At the front, the new radiator grille has strong horizontal lines that show the brand's new design DNA. It's flanked by new bi-xenon headlights and topped with a new bonnet. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake and silver coloured 'winglets' that frame the fog lights.
Frameless doors are carried over from the previous model, and there are chrome strips on the side windows. Tall people, though, should mind their heads when getting in and out, particularly in the rear, due to the coupe shape.
While 17-inch Spa Alloys are standard you have the option of 18-inch alloys in different styles to suit your own taste.
The rear bumper has also been totally redesigned, with more emphasis on horizontal lines. The chrome strip has also been reworked and looks really well. Tail lights are new also, not just in their more dramatic design, but in their use of LEDs.
As in the previous car, the VW logo doubles as the handle for the boot. Now, though, there's the option of having a rearview camera in this handle. The boot is huge, and there's a spare tyre below the floor.
Dials are nice and clear and easy to read; but the trip computer can also display your current speed in large, digital numbers for ease of viewing. It also shows your average fuel consumption (5.2 L/100km/h in my test car).
On the road, there's lovely acceleration when you put your foot down, great for joining the motorway or for overtaking, or just simply enjoying the drive.
The standard spec on this car includes half leather seats, heated front seats, parking sensors, air conditioning, cruise control and hill hold, a touch colour display, Isofix child seat anchors, ESP and a host of other safety items. The review car also had brushed aluminium inserts on the dash.
You can get into the entry level CC for €34,910; the Sport test car is €37,565; however the price of this car as tested is €41,644 excluding delivery and related charges. This takes account of the numerous optional extras on board which came to €4,079. These included 18-inch alloys, a navigation system, Bluetooth, anti-theft alarm and metallic paint. A number of optional packs are available to personalise your car.
The CC has been very popular here since its launch back in 2008; this latest version arrived in March. While it may be too expensive for many families, and there are cheaper options, I believe the CC will also appeal to many savvy business people for whom image is important.
