2017 Volkswagen CC

The Volkswagen CC was one of the first coupe-styled four-door sedans to enter the US market. It's been around for a few years now, but its age is well-hidden by its modern, handsome exterior styling. Despite this, the Volkswagen CC sedan boasts an appropriate range of standard-fit features and a premium interior that should see it staying competitive with contemporary offerings in the class. For 2017, certain variants of the CC have been discontinued and the remaining trim levels have all received additional inclusive equipment to bolster their value proposition against competitors. The core competition includes other coupe-styled saloons such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, and Chrysler 200.

As with Volkswagens in general, the CC is an undeniably good-looking vehicle. Upfront, it carries the classic VW design language with its sleek hood completed by Bi-Xenon headlights integrated with LED daytime running lamps. These are underscored by halogen reflector lens fog lights. The R-Line boasts unique sport bumpers and side sill extensions, which give it a more aggressive profile. Completing the coupe-styled back end of both trims are LED tail lights and an integrated spoiler. The R-Line also features a power tilting panoramic sunroof. The Sport's 17-inch aluminum wheels are swapped out for larger 18-inch alloys on the R-Line. VW provides a paint palette of seven colors for both.

The CC's dimensions are mostly fitting for the classification, though its 189.1-inch length is quite extensive. The wheelbase is more commonplace at 106.7 inches. Height measures in at 55.8-inches in total and width at 73-inches. The lineup's base curb weight is 3,369 pounds.

For 2017, the Volkswagen CC is now down to a single engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) gearbox, this unit powers the front-wheel-drive CC from 0 to 60 mph in around seven-seconds or so, which is slightly below the class average. It's peppy nonetheless, and once on the go, the CC responds quickly to inputs and feels responsive enough. It does make a far better go of it when cruising on the highway, though. The dual-clutch gearbox is quick to respond to changes in speed and the turbocharged mill offers a smooth and strong power delivery without the slight hesitation it displays from a standing start.

The newest Volkswagen CC looks a lot more athletic than it actually is. Despite its low-slung body and substantial wheels, it doesn't have the handling balance and grip to rise above the segment average when it comes to challenging roads. While it does stay suitably composed at most times, it never inspires the confidence to floor it around bends at top speeds. There's certainly some body roll manifested through those corners, albeit minimal. Overall, the CC makes it known that it's been purposed for casual cruising.

It also doesn't quite live up to the aptitude of newer models in absorbing larger bumps and filtering out road noise. Its suspension is set a little firmer than warranted for a casual commuter, but it's bearable nevertheless.

The Volkswagen CC is only a moderately frugal vehicle for segment. It returns gas mileage figures of 22/31/25 mpg on the city/highway/combined driving cycles, respectively. Though that does seem like a decent showing, leaders are a lot more efficient. The CC is equipped with a 18.5-gallon fuel tank, which, when filled to the brim, should carry CC over around 460 miles before running empty.

Step inside the CC and the airy recesses and high material quality make for one of the more pleasant cabins in the class. A few hard plastic fit and finish items on the doors and center console are about as bad as it gets and all the apparatus and buttons fall easily to hand.

The driver and front passenger should have no trouble getting comfortable in their seats; the side bolsters are supportive and there's plenty of head and legroom. Taller occupants in the back will be less pleased with the lack of headroom, and the shallow door windows do have you feel a bit hemmed in. Cargo space is also compromised due to that curvy rear, at only 13.2 cubic feet, and some shoppers may prefer a more traditional sedan layout for its increased practicality.

Crashworthiness and safety reviews for the VW CC are about on par with the USA's current standards. Though it hasn't undergone review by the NHTSA at all, the IIHS's review of the Volkswagen CC turned out relatively well. Of the five evaluations the authority subjected the car to, it scored top results of Good for four, with the small overlap front: driver-side rated as Moderate. The 2017 CC has been subject to two major recalls since its debut, once for a faulty drivers-side airbag and again for having the incorrect head restraints installed during production. The car promises to deliver acceptable levels of reliability nevertheless.

Driver-assists and protective measures are plentiful for how much the CC is sold for. There's a touchscreen that displays crisp images, which is tethered to a standard-fit rearview camera for easier maneuvering. The R-Line obtains forward collision signaling, autonomous emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

There are two VolkswCC models presented for 2017, both of which share a single motor and transmission configuration.

The base Sport model comes with a comprehensive spec sheet by default. Outside specs include Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, power-adjustable and heated side mirrors, and 17-inch alloys. Moving to the inside sees a 6.3-inch touchscreen showing quality pictures and graphics, installed with VW's app-connect functionality and an onboard navigation system covering infotainment. A rearview camera is also provided for driver-assistance. Both the foremost seats feature 12-way power-adjustability and heating functions and all seats are upholstered in a leatherette material.

The top-tier R-Line Executive variant receives a power-operated panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, and leather appointments with memory functions for the pilot. Protection elements are augmented with forward collision and lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control systems. It also rides atop bigger 18-inch wheels.

Optional extras are limited to minor accent accessories and 19-inch aluminum wheels on the Sport.

You acquire a lot from the Volkswagen CC at its price and, while it is not outstanding in any one area, it doesn't exhibit any glaring faults either. The 2.0T Sport is presented with a base price of around $35,000, and the 2.0T R-Line Executive follows with its MSRP of roughly $38,000.

This may be damning it with faint praise but time has finally caught up with the CC and, in a market this competitive, looks can only get you so far. At the CC's fare, some competitors offer a little more in comparison. That said, if loads of rear passenger and cargo space are not a priority, the 2017 CC is packed with equipment and remains a good highway commuter, offering decent economy. But, don't just take our word for it, take it out for a test drive.