2009 Volkswagen CC Sedan Features And Prices

The all new 2009 Volkswagen CC (stands for Comfort Coupe) is actually a sleeked down and more stylish version of the Volkswagen Passat. It's so sleek, in fact, that it can initially be mistaken for a coupe, hence the name reference. But no, there are indeed four doors.

This new and very strikingly attractive design was created by taking the same wheelbase, powertrain and basic interior of the Passat, and stretching out the overhangs by 0.6 inch, lowering the roof line by 2 inches, restyling the front end, adding a dramatic side body line, and sloping the roof line.

The result is an excellent new sedan with head-turning design appeal that's also getting accolades for its powerful and efficient base turbo engine, its balanced ride and handling, its long feature list, and its beautiful interior.

Standard Features And Options:

The 2009 Volkswagen CC is offered in two trims: S and VR6 Sport, each corresponding to a different engine.

Standard features on the S model include 17 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, four door auto up/down windows, a tilt and telescoping steering column, power and heated front seats with lumbar adjustments, driver memory functions, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, split-folding rear seats, automatic climate control, a trip computer, foglights, and an 8-speaker stereo with a 6-disc CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Luxury Package adds a leather interior, front and rear park assist, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a large tilt-only sunroof, upgraded alloy trim and satellite radio (optional on the S).

As the name implies, the VR6 Sport trim level includes a V6 engine. It also adds all the S Luxury Package equipment, plus steering wheel shifting paddles, a power rear sunshade, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, 18 inch wheels, and a 10-speaker premium audio system (optional on the VR6 Luxury).

There's also a Technology Package, available on the S Luxury and VR6 Sport, that icludes navigation, digital music storage, iPod integration and a back-up camera.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

Powering the front-wheel-drive VW CC is a very capable 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. With this engine, Volkswagen estimates its 0 to 60 mph time at 7.4 seconds.

The CC VR6 Sport comes with a 3.6 liter V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, and is mated with the six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Volkswagen says this version of the CC goes from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

The EPA gas mileage estimate for the four-cylinder turbo CC comes in at a very respectable 19 mpg city and 29 mpg on the highway. For the VR6, gas mileage comes in at a still very good 18 mpg city and 27 highway. There's also an all-wheel drive version of the CC VR6 Sport, known as 4Motion, that's rated at 17 city and 25 highway.

Safety:

Standard safety features on all CC models include antilock disc brakes (ABS) with brake assist, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. In addition, rear-seat side airbags are an available option on all trim levels.

In government crash tests, the 2009 Volkswagen CC received four out of five stars for frontal crash protection for both the driver and passenger. In side impact testing, it received five stars for driver protection and four stars for passenger protection.

Interior:

On the inside, the 2009 VW CC is both feature-laden and beautifully finished, carrying over the Passat's high-quality materials and well-designed controls. The CC does have its own sporty contributions such as available two-tone seats, tan seat centers and door trim surrounded by black. The seats are also more supportive and feature cross-stitched upholstery.

Due to the sleeker design, the back seats accomodate two passengers in bucket seats. While these seats are extremely comfortable, this should be kept in mind as it is unusual for a sedan. Tall rear passengers (over 6 feet) will likely also be pressed for adequate headroom. That said, the overall style and feel of the CC's interior is lavish and comfortable.

Drive:

The CC accomplished its goal in striking a nice balance between ride comfort and handling. Even with its firmer sport-tuned suspension, the CC's solid construction provides a smooth and quiet driving experience that includes both some athletic performance capabilities along with the capacity to swallow up the bumps.

With plenty of low-end torque in the four-cylinder turbo, the CC provides some dynamic handling qualities not found in most domestic and Japanese rivals, yet still oozes with an overall feeling of comfort and refinement.

(Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Volkswagen Prices:

Following months of declines, VW sales were again down 18% last month versus 2008 levels, evidence of a continuing weak economy and an especially weak car buying trend.

A quick check at Edmunds.com just showed 110 CC models sitting on dealer lots just in my area alone. Volkswagen needs to move these cars and there's some good deals to be had right now in this very soft car market.

How To Buy A New Volkswagen CC At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 CC, here's a technique that will show you the best way to buy one at or below invoice, especially given the current slow economic environment.)

Price:

2009 Volkswagen CC Sedan:

S, manual: listed retail price: $27,100, invoice price: $25,252
S, auto: listed retail price: $28,200, invoice price: $26,351

S Luxury, auto: listed retail price: $32,350, invoice price: $30,197

VR6 Sport, auto: listed retail price: $38,700, invoice price: $36,074
VR6 4Motion, auto: listed retail price: $39,800, invoice price: $37,277

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2009 Volkswagen CC Features And Prices