Test drive Volkswagen Passat CC

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This is exactly what the Volkswagen folks had in mind: this CC unmistakably looks like a member of the Passat family, but at the same time is very different from it. He has no role model; the idea was implemented in our time by the Stuttgart CLS, but in a different size and in a completely different price range. Consequently, CC also has no direct competitor and therefore if we interfere a little in the strategist space, it does not have a typical buyer. Now.

However, it has a Cece coupe-like side silhouette, and while we are talking only about the main characteristics, the CC seems to be the result of the classic design school: a low and sloping roof at the back, frameless door windows, elegant design. and dynamic appearance, more sporty appearance overall.

Following these recommendations, a body was created that is 31 millimeters longer than the Passat limousine, 36 millimeters wider and 50 millimeters lower, and the tracks are correspondingly wider? 11 millimeters at the front and 16 millimeters at the rear. So far, the transformation of a limousine into a compartment is known, and hence the transformation with a defect: this compartment has four doors.

Why not? Many are not ready to give up the comfort of a four-door at the expense of the appearance and image of a coupe. With the exception of the number of doors, the CC is a true four-seat coupe in every way down to the smallest detail. Including more aggressive nose and butt strikes, both times with subtle spoilers.

There are much fewer changes in the interior, but they are still noticeable: the front seats are slightly shell (and with the possibility of heating and cooling), there are only two seats in the rear, as well as with pronounced lateral support (and with the possibility of heating), door trim has been changed, the outer one is new. appearance of the control unit for serial (automatic) air conditioning, new appearance of the sports three-spoke (leather) steering wheel and new appearance of instruments and their lighting. what is there (including multifunction display)? white again!

Most of the "classic" Passat is hidden under the skin, starting from the platform and therefore from the chassis and powertrain. But even here CC is somewhat idiosyncratic; A brand new and so far only Volkswagen electromechanical steering wheel (the Passat has a Zeef) and for the first time some Passats could have a DCC system? electrically adjustable damping system also used by Audi for the A4.

In terms of technology, the CC is the first VW to feature Lane Assist, while Park Assist and ACC are also on the list of optional features (see box). A skylight measuring 1.120 by 750 millimeters, occupying almost the entire front half of the roof, is also available at an additional cost.

It is probably no coincidence that the Volkswagen Passat CC will premiere in the US, although I seriously doubt Americans will be more enthusiastic about it. No doubt about it: CC seems to be written in the skin of Americans, although it's not hard to imagine on (western) European roads and, of course, on the roads of Japan. Given its unique design, which is technically the same as the Mercedes-Benz CLS, it will be interesting to see which customers it can convince.

At the same time, the remark of some journalists during a trip to the christening that there were an incredibly large number of Ceeles with a Stuttgart registration in this area at the same time seems completely inappropriate.

Then the look and the technique. This CC does not carry any shocking innovations, with the exception of a four-door coupe body. This is already an area of ​​the third dimension of the Passat, which needs to be confirmed by buyers. What about? after a brief technical and practical acquaintance with this car? we have no doubts.

engineering

Parking assistant: The parking assistant itself turns the steering wheel to park the car sideways. The driver simply adds gas and brakes.

ACC: automatic control of the distance to the vehicle in front when the cruise control is operating from standstill up to a speed of 210 kilometers per hour. The optional Front Assist subsystem even prevents some head-on collisions; under certain conditions, it puts the brakes into standby mode, in dangerous cases it emits visual and audible signals, and in exceptional cases even brakes the car to a complete stop.

Lane Assist: At speeds over 65 kilometers per hour, the camera monitors the road lines, and if the car approaches these floor marks, the steering wheel turns slightly in the opposite direction. The driver, of course, has full control and can cross the line, the system works at night, and it is disabled when the driver turns on the direction indicator.

DCC: Flexible damping works on the simple principle of varying the flow cross-section of the dampers, and it is all about the individual control of the dampers using six intelligently located sensors and especially in the software of the control electronics. The system has three levels: normal, comfort and sport, and in the latter case, it also affects the performance of the steering system.

4Motion: the famous all-wheel drive system in the case of the new generation Passat CC, with the addition of an electric pump for the central multi-plate clutch in an oil bath and with the possibility of transmitting torque to the rear wheels upwards. almost 100 percent. This rear-wheel drive activation system no longer requires a difference in wheel speed between the front and rear axles. So far it is (standard) only with a six-cylinder petrol engine.

Gearboxes: Weaker engines have a six-speed manual, while V6s have a DSG 6; With the expansion of the offer, DSG transmissions will also be available for other engines (7 for 1.8 TSI 118 kW engines and 6 for TDI engines) and classic automatic transmissions (6 for 1.8 TSI 147 kW).

Vinko Kernc, photo :? Vinko Kernc