Volkswagen CC launched in Australia

Volkswagen Australia has launched the second-generation Passat CC four-door coupe with a starting price of $54,990 for the diesel. This time around the Germans have gone for a simpler naming convention by removing the Passat badge and sticking with just Volkswagen CC.

The previous generation Volkswagen Passat CC found around 320,000 buyers worldwide with more than 2,700 of them in Australia. The new Volkswagen CC continues the theme and overall appeal of its predecessor with more standard features, better fuel efficiency and a modernized look.

Built in Volkwagen's Emden plant in Germany (where the Passat sedan and wagon are also produced), the new Volkswagen CC embodies what the German company refers to as "style with substance". Essentially an attractive yet defined and purposeful design.

The new Volkswagen CC carries over the previous-generation's list of standard features, which included 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, automatic climate control and heated seats but adds new standard equipment such as Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and a much-needed satellite navigation system (RNS510).

The CC is available in two model variants: a 2.0-litre turbodiesel front-wheel drive 125 TDI and an all-wheel drive (4Motion) 3.6-litre V6 FSI with a $10,000 price difference between the two. As the name would suggest, the 125 TDI puts out 125kW of power accompanied by 350Nm of torque, the 4Motion V6 petrol matches the torque figure but improves the power rating by 95kW.

Both engines are coupled to Volkswagen's six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) with no option for a manual. The diesel sprints from 0-100km/h in a respectable 8.6 seconds and uses 5.7L of fuel per 100km whilst the petrol does the same dash three seconds quicker but sips 4L/100km more fuel.

Volkswagen Australia will offer the CC in eight exterior colours, with brown having a larger than normal over-representation given the current European trends. Buyers will also have a choice of two interior colours. Options include 19-inch wheels, sunroof, uprated sound system and interior enhancements.

CarAdvice is currently at the launch of the new Volkswagen CC in Tasmania so check back soon for a full review.