2014 Volkswagen CC Expert Review

Vehicle Overview

The Volkswagen CC is the German automaker's flagship car in the United States. Short for Comfort Coupe (the latter of which this four-door sedan most certainly isn't), the CC is a well-equipped, affordable entry-lux car. The 2014 CC is available with two different powertrains. The base engine is the GTI hot hatch's 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, which makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, and is paired with either a six-speed manual, or Volkswagen's lightning-fast DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic. For those who want more power and all-wheel drive, VW also offers a 3.6-liter V-6 making 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, which is paired with a traditional six-speed automatic and Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system.

Based on the Euro-spec Passat, the 2014 CC doesn't give up much to the current-generation North American-spec Passat. In the canyons "it manages dips and bumps wonderfully, but the ride gets busy when the street surface is pocked, characteristics that are actually very comparable to our Jetta TDI." The interior of the last CC we tested a base CC Sport also blew us away, "The cabin is spectacular. The entry-level Sport's powered leatherette seats exude higher quality and are softer to the touch and nicer to look at than the leatherette seats in MT's long-term Jetta TDI. The interior color pattern, which combines neutral beige and classy black, plus silver from the brushed aluminum accents, drew praise."

This year the 2014 VW CC gets minor changes, including a new mid-level CC 2.0T Executive trim and the availability of the automaker's Car-Net system across the full 2014 VW CC lineup.

New for 2014

The 2014 Volkswagen CC gets a few minor trim changes this year as VW focuses on updating the engine lineups of its volume sellers. The 2014 VW CC 2.0T Executive is new this year, and it features standard navigation, sunroof, leather seats, a rearview camera, as well as special 18-inch wheels and an available brown interior. Other 2014 CC changes include the availability of VW's new Car-Net system in the car.

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