Volkswagen Passat CC Review & Road Test

Pros: Styling; pricing; fuel efficiency; features

Cons: Boot hinges

By Paul Maric | August 21st, 2009

FIND DEALS

Price: $22,660 to $27,940

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	3.5
Comfort & Interior	3.5
Quality & Design	4
Value & Features	4
Safety	5
Green	3.5

2009 Volkswagen Passat CC 125TDI Review and Road Test

Not just a Passat with four seats…

Model Tested:

2009 Volkswagen Passat CC 125TDI; 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel; six-speed DSG; sedan – $54,990*

Options (As Fitted):

Metallic Paint $1000 (Autumn Brown); Rear View Camera $600; Satellite Navigation $2500

CarAdvice Rating:

By Paul Maric

If there’s one car company at the moment that is bouncing from strength to strength, it’s got to be Volkswagen.

Cars like the Golf GTI, Golf R32, Passat R36 and even the new Golf range still manage to give drivers that buzz that you only get when you’re steering something special.

While Matt Brogan has already tested the V6, all paw version of the Passat CC, I was relegated to the turbo diesel model.

Having attended the launch, I had fond memories of the all-wheel-drive V6, but didn’t spend all that much time in the diesel, so I was pleased to see what it was all about.

The Passat CC conveys a stylish and neat design, as such you wouldn’t expect it to be equipped with a diesel motor – after all, the tractor like tone and rumble of a diesel are far from appealing for those looking for a grand tourer like the Passat CC. More on the engine later though, the Passat CC’s interior is arguably the vehicle’s boasting point.

The doors open like a car double its value, leading to an opulent and utterly tasteful interior.

Figure hugging electric seats command an accurate driving position, perfectly distanced from the controls for long legged freaks like yours truly. Our test vehicle was also fitted with the optional cooled seats, an ideal combination for hot days and sweaty buttocks!

RNS510 is Volkswagen’s latest iteration of its multimedia control system. A hard disk based system allocates 10GB for storage for navigation map data, while 20GB is left for the storage of audio files. Users can download their audio CDs and memory disks to the vehicle’s hard disk for later use – negating the need for CDs which scratch easier than luxury cars at supermarkets.

If you’re like me and think that a decent sound system is a prerequisite to any car purchase, the Passat CC is bound to leave you impressed. While an optional DynAudio sound system is available, the standard system will eternally impress most drivers.

Deep levels of bass and high frequency tweeters allow the system to cover the entire spectrum for every type of music, ranging from classical right through to panel shaking techno.

While the Passat CC only seats four passengers, the cull of one seat means there is no discomfort between rear passengers as would be the case if five seats were on offer.

Volkswagen makes no apologies for this vehicle only being a four seater. They say that drivers can opt for the regular Passat if they’re in need of five definitive seats.

Rear seat leg room is very impressive. There’s enough space to stretch out, while a useful cubby between the rear passengers allows storage space for odds and ends. The only downside to the Passat CC’s profile is the sloping rear roof line, which doesn’t do any wonders for tall passengers.

Comfort inside the cabin is helped by an impressive suspension arrangement. The subtle ride soaks up bumps and gashes in the road, while also remaining flat through bends. The adaptive suspension adjustment allows the driver to select between a comfort and sport mode at the push of a button, with changes felt instantly.

The boot offers ample storage space, 532-litres to be specific. It does concern me that some cars are still using archaic and intrusive hinges that run into the boot when opening/closing, opposed to the hydraulic arrangement that uses far less space in comparison.

The vast improvements in diesel technology make the 2.0-litre TDI in the Passat CC something of a modern marvel. Producing 125kW and 350Nm of torque, the four-cylinder turbo diesel motor is mated to Volkswagen’s renowned six-speed DSG. The official fuel consumption figure is 6.3-litres per 100km – easily achieved on test.

While the Passat CC weighs in at 1526kg, the 125TDI fitted to this variant of the Passat CC seamlessly moves the Passat CC. There’s still the trademarked Volkswagen DSG stutter off the line, but once moving the turbo diesel engine does away with turbo lag and that tractor like sound often associated with diesels.

The quiet TDI motor, although front wheel driven, offers bucket loads of torque in any gear. Despite the front end grappling for grip in the wet from a standing start, once moving there seems to be an endless supply.

The super fast shifts of the direct shift gearbox mean that gears are snapped up as soon as they’re offered. This arrangement works wonders when mated to a diesel engine, which always needs to be on boost to be effective.

The Passat CC isn’t strictly a performance car but with a few mountain stretches on offer, the Passat CC ploughs through corners with little relent. Body roll is seemingly oblivious to speed and tilt. The steering feedback is also worth a mention. The adequately sized steering wheel is great to grab hold of and communicates impressively with the chassis and wheels.

Let’s talk pricing. When asked about the Passat CC, Volkswagen’s General Manager of Press and PR, Karl Gehling, told CarAdvice “while there are no direct competitors, we see the Passat CC as being unique in its positioning in the market place. We see there are a lot of vehicles which compare against the Passat CC in terms of direct pricing…”

At $54,990, there are indeed plenty of vehicles which compare against the Passat CC in its price bracket. However, if you look past its price bracket and more in terms of physical competition, you will immediately focus on the Mercedes Benz CLS. At triple the price, you have to ask yourself if there is really that much difference between the two.

While it may not carry a Mercedes Benz badge, or a Mercedes Benz price tag, Volkswagen’s Passat CC is a really good thing. In my opinion, it’s a flawless cruiser. Four seats are there if you ever need to carry excess passengers, while the rest of the time you can get around in luxury and with style that is unmatched in this price bracket.

Getting 1000km from a tank of fuel, with normal driving; experiencing one of the best sound systems in the business; marvelling at the stunning design and still being able to carry an arsenal of passengers and luggage, now that’s what I call a car.

At $54,990*, I challenge you to find me another car that surpasses what the Passat CC has to offer, and I’ll even send you a CarAdvice sticker for the achievement!

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:

How does it Drive:

How does it Look:

How does it Go:

Owner reviews of the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Add a New Review

2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 125 TDI HIGHLINE
By Trevor Bartlett

V DUBBED

V DUB Keep doing what your doing number 1 car maker in the world!!!!!!!!!
Simon

If you aren’t used to the turbo/DSG lag from standstill this is a little disconcerting. You put the foot down and nothing happens momentarily until the turbo spools and there is an over aggressive launch. This is the critical area for VW to refine in an otherwise brilliant car.
I’m disappointed to see they still use the chrome coloured plastic surround around the gear leaver. Often when the sun is high it has a mirror effect and can make driving dangerous. A minor complaint perhaps, unless it causes you an accident.
They use the brilliant continental tyres designed to “heal” themselves. Although the standard Passat tyres, being over $400 each, I’d cringe at the thought of replacing one of these!
Can’t say I like the tail lights on the CC.
Reckless1

Superb car. You can buy plenty of tyres with the money you save by not getting the Merc. $400 for a performance tyre is not expensive, it’s a mid-range price.

Focussing on a tiny reflective surround is weird – if that’s going to stop you buying a car, well and good. I’d place some film over it if it annoyed me that much.

The car looks fantastic in the flesh.
Alex II

Great looking car, fantastic features and price, Korean build quality. It’s time for Volkswagen to lift it’s game.
Mal

Can anyone tell me if the ride is noticeably better than the bread & butter Passats?
Simon

Reckless1
Thanks for your thoughts.
As a Passat owner I can contribute from a long term perspective. This may not be meaningful to you, but if someone was looking to buy a CC or Passat, I’m sure they’d appreciate knowing whatever bugbears other owners have experienced. Once they are aware, they can make their own mind up.

Cheers.
Don

My only minor complaint is that I wish they had given it a different name something unique for this unique model. Adding ‘CC’ to the word Passat to me dosnt give the car its own identity, as it just sounds like its a Passat.
JEKYL & HYDE

alex the second,

surely you mean thai build quality,not korean…
The Realist

How can you compare this to a CLS?? Huge difference in performance, quality, and luxury.
Elitist

I love when aussies review Euro/Jap cars they pick on something so dumb like “boot hinges”…
For Holden’s etc they mention bad things like fuel economy, bad design, rubbish interior…
Then that year it wins CAR OF THE YEAR motor magazine…
Grumpy01

I’ve had a TDI 125 CC for about six weeks now and am still really impressed. I”ve gone from filling twice a week to twice a month and thats been mainly town driving versus my normal highway focus so it can only get better. Coming out of an upspec ford to this car has been a revelation in terms of build quality – Alex II’s comments make no sense to me – in my experience. Issues – not being able to buy a bog stock one in WA. the options I ended up with were walnut trim (meh.), active cruise (excellent!!) and park assist (frankly a gimmicky wank – but it does work). Having averaged 45,ooo kms a year for the last decade with an average of 2.5 cars per year this would be the best overall package I have had. I did look at the c220 TDI Merc but the dollars just didnt add up over a 2 year ownership cycle…oh and $15k difference in initial price sort of contributed…
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

Car makers need to address there design ethos as most have top of front headlights and grille running simply too horizontal right across full width of the car and it looks boringly devoid of design thought (go look at current Falcon and how its headlights swoop further up side of car flanks and looks more fluent). And the droppy headlights looks too Transformers Robots in the Sky and doesnt overly look correct from design principle.

Like dont get me wrong the car is stunning as still and heralds a new wave of VW catching up to becoming Number 1 car seller worldwide sooner rather then later!
mk2

bang for your buck, you can’t beat this car. upcoming part acquisition of porsche is only going to be a positive for VAG.
Rick

Hey Paul – I’ll take up the challenge – my champion is the Skoda Superb TDI elegance $5K cheaper with probably even better build quality. Only drawback is iffy resale value!
Jenkins

just a little thought, if this car is a 4 seater, why not make it a true 4 seater by having a centre console in the back seat? The concole could have HVAC controls, cupholders, armrest etc. Look up interior images of the VW Phaeton with the 4 seater package, talk about luxury.
zahmad

@Jenkins…that would take away sales from the Phaeton…which it is doing in Germany, if you watched driveit! by DWTV…
…This or a Calais?…My answer is you’ve got to be a pretty diehard fan to buy the commy…
Fernando

Nice looking car. However, whenever I think of VW I’m concerned about reliablity issue. Plus I don’t agree this car is bang for the buck. I believe European cars are overpriced for their qulaity & durablity.
Golfschwein

Qulaity is such an easy thing to slip up on.
Frenchie

Very nice car, however I fell it is alittle under powered. Then again you can’t argue with its fuel economy/emmissions.
J

G6ET – so do I get my sticker now?
niski

i’ve seen one yesterday, how come this styling worked with merc cls and this passat and not with ford (futura, falcon au)?
Mazdaman

how is this value when most of the technology is available in golfs or polos at half the price.
You might spend more up front for the Merc or BMW but take in account resales value and the 2 premium germans will probably cost less overall.
VW has taken a big beating over its quality and reliabitiy levels in recent years that has to affect resales.
If VW are just trying to offer a ‘discount’ C class or 3 series alternative they need much better value than this over priced model.
Golfschwein

Don’t I know it, Mazdaman. Ask me about the woes in my Golf…
TickTock

Have to agree on the Falcon G6ET, one of the most exhilirating cars I have ever driven with enough luxury and comfort to never want to get out. It is almost laughable how they underquote the power figure on the Ford G6ET so as to not to upset the V8 buyers. 270kw.. Yeah Right! I have driven 300kw + cars and the G6ET feels about that. Hmmmm Passat CC or G6ET? Both beautiful cars with their own niche, gee we have it good in Australia!
Golfschwein

I mean, the stuff that’s gone wrong in 75,000 kilometres, sheesh!
Gerrard

Dont really see what the fuss is about, the Passat CC drives just like a Passat but with less headroom. It feels a little nose heavy and has the heavy front-wheel-drive trait of roll in understeer. To be honest I actually would prefer the rear-wheel-drive Calais with its 50:50 weight balance, a stunning car to drive on a windy or fast country road. Heck I would almost take a Lada with all the troubles I have been having with my BMW 530i.
Golfschwein

It’s been a complete outrage. Firstly, the cruise control switch and a faulty intake flap that caused a slightly harsh shut-down had to be replaced under warranty and, if that’s not enough, the bottom edges of my trip computer numerals are starting to fade!!

HRRRMMPH!!!

I dread to think what else can go wrong in 75,000 kms!
Underling

CC = Crap Concept,why make a car you can’t see out of?Hay elitist hows your punto going? LOL
Alex

Underling, you’re exactly right. What’s the point in making the Lamborghini Murcielago? Or the Porsche Carrera GT? Or the Lotus Exige? Or any of the worlds truly brilliant cars, because you can’t see out of most of them.

This is a great car. It’s a luxury car for the people on a budget, but special enough that it doesn’t look cheap. Or feel cheap. Or drive like a cheap car. And at the end of the day, despite the fact that it’s front wheel drive, it gives us a far more sensible alternative to the rather unimpressive 320i and it does look very good. Well done Volkswagen.
Underling

Making a 2 door sports coupe is one thing,this is a different kettle of fish,its a try hard or poor mans CLS,unpractical except for showoffs and poofs.
Jake02

I like everything except the rear-end. The taillights are waaay too long (why not just make them join? it’d have the same effect!) and are devoid of character. Interior is nice, but to Passat-ey (eg abit old and not very exciting) but its a good car. BUT, and as Rick said, I’d have a Skoda Superb TDI (or the V6 which is only $2k more than this CC V6) and just option it to the CC spec and it’d still be less. Th Superb is a fantastic car, it must be said. Building on the Passat’s great base with extra flair and value!

VW, keep taking over the world as I’d much rather a company with nice interior plastics and the smarts to invest in Diesel taking over than Toyota…:D
Alex

OK, I won’t argue with you. The simple fact that you use the word poof to describe the type of person that you think will buy this car tells me that you’ll never listen to another point of view anyway.
However, if this car is such a try hard then why would show offs buy it? Surely show offs would want a better badge?
And it’s only impractical if you can’t afford to have furniture delivered. Basically everything else would fit in the boot and most people would never have more than four in the car anyway. I’m not sure if I’ve ever had more than four in a car.
May I suggest that you wait until there’s a few on the road before you decide what sort of people by them?
Alex

Jake02, I mostly agree with your comment, though could you please explain how the Superb has more flair than the CC? The Superb is a great car, but there’s no hiding it’s frumpiness and lack of all that’s sleek.
Jake02

Alex:
OK, maybe not flair but I don’t find the Superb as boring as the Passat. In person the Superb has attitude and is somewhat muscly. The Passat is too wussy (it looks at you like you’re gonna hurt it) in my opinion. The Superb is proud to be itself, the Passat not so.
Alex

You might say the Superb is for dog people and the Passat is for cat people. I do get what your saying. The Superb does look more butch, not to mention I mostly see Passats being driven by middle aged women. But I’ve yet to see a CC on the road so I don’t know who will drive them. Something tells me it will be lawyers and bankers.
observer

Jake 02
Do you have to make a reference to Skoda on literally every post?

Yes we get it your a Skoda man and proud of it but every other car review comment doesnt have to be benchmarked against a Skoda.
jon

Underling is obviously an uneducated bigot. I suppose you think all gay men are hairdressers too.
Underling

Sorry jon didn’t mean too offend,should have said gay men and i don’t think all gay men are hairdressers,some are flight attendants.
Jake02

Observer (well-picked name, nothing anyone does on the site goes un-observed),
I was just agreeing with Rick (above about 25-30 comments) and wasn’t introducing the Skoda topic to this post. I don’t ever say it until someone else has and in this case it has some relevance as the CC and Superb are closely related (as I’m sure you know) and that Paul Maric asked for a better 54k car than the CC (which the Superb is, and was previously pointed out by Rick). Hmmmm did you observe that?
Henry

Jon says ” Underling is obviously an uneducated bigot.”

So what does that make you from your previous Holden Ford comments then ? Seems you have your own hate problems dude!

Jon Says:
January 17th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Haha, either a Holden or a Ford. I mean you guys surely recognise who you are, its not that hard your driving a glorified Taxi, oops sorry a Commodore or a Falcon
jon

Oh for the record Underling we happen to be Tradesman and play football too. Its just when it comes to cars we have taste.
jon

Btw Henry I do have my own hate and your spot on, its Holdens and Fords.
Nick K

VW have good great drive trains with their diesels, DSG boxes and Turbo petrol engines. The cars also look and feel expensive… only problem is (and I’ve has 3 VWs so far) is real world reliability and quality… Toyota kills VW in this area. If only VW could get their quality and reliability up to Japanese car levels.
Stevefreestyle

At least with 350 Nm, it has more Torque than a Commondoor V6 – although thats not saying much!
Swagger

The AU Falcon was criticsed for poor door head clearance epsesally on the rear doors which was an unintend design trate.VW delibratly builds a car intentionaly with poor door entry clearance and gets all this praise,because it looks good,tossers,what about function.look at the pic of the rear seat,a larger dude would need the jaws of life to get out.
http://Caradvice.com.au Baddass

Naughtius, do yourself a favour and look up Talbot Tagora on google images. Now that is boring!
max

so are you happy or unhappy with your car Golfschwein?

wanna trade notes with a jetta dsg owner?

did you enjoy the cost of the 60k service!
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

BADDASS……your comment is irrelevant, your input as exciting as watching grass grow as its just not happening.

Like my earlier comment does ring some truth as simply put have a look across most cars front on and you will see it (that horizontal look of grille and headlights at top). The VW’s and Triton in particular have got it.
Golfschwein

My tongue was firmly planted in my cheek, Max. Essentially, I’m slagging off at people who say VWs are unreliable when they’ve never had one. It’s a myth, just like the Toyota reliability myth. There will always be cars that defy the myth, in personal experience.

I’ve had two Camry company cars (are there any other sort?) and one was rubbish. The other got to 100,000 kms with nothing more than a faded radio backlight and a dead alternator near the end of my tenure to sully it. It was the most boring car I’ve ever had.

The Golf’s been a brilliant car. As for the 60,000 km service, it was going to be a $690 shocker, but I went to Ultratune for $200 less.
- http://Subaru afwefewe
  
  Can you please remove yourself from the gene pool? Preferably in the most painful and agonizing way possible? Retard
  
  Die painfully okay? Prefearbly by getting crushed to death in a
  garbage compactor, by getting your face cut to ribbons with a
  pocketknife, your head cracked open with a baseball bat, your stomach
  sliced open and your entrails spilled out, and your eyeballs ripped
  out of their sockets.
  
  I really hope that you get curb-stomped. It’d be hilarious to see you
  begging for help, and then someone stomps on the back of your head,
  leaving you to die in horrible, agonizing pain.
  
  STFU, before you get your face bashed in and cut
  to ribbons, and your throat slit.
http://. Naughtyius Maximus

I agree Golfie mate!

I now people who have newer VW’s and they love them and ultra reliable.

I agree on Camry comment as I know 4 people who have em and one in particular said it had no soul with reliability issues. 3 others like em and bear in mind 2 of those I go rowing with and they are much older then me…and probably drive slower then a snail! Another 2 rowers have a Hyundai i30 diesel and they both love em as faultless, rattle free and totally reliable and both now have over 55,000kms. Its only stale set who get stuck in this criticism that goes back few years ago who rubbish Hyundai and ridicule VW and their reliability. What I do know is Kia and Hyundai have some amazing looking cars and they are very active in updating to a chic real swish swoopy look and others appear to be not as active (i.e. Toyota, Holden and Ford to lesser extent). Ford have been active but they are similar to Peugeot and Mazda in that one frontal snout look on cars fits all (which is overdone and tends to become stale and crasse cheapish old hat) and to me the CX7 looked unreal before and now with smiley face it looks good – but less appealing then initial model!
- http://Subaru afwefewe
  
  Die painfully okay? Prefearbly by getting crushed to death in a
  garbage compactor, by getting your face cut to ribbons with a
  pocketknife, your head cracked open with a baseball bat, your stomach
  sliced open and your entrails spilled out, and your eyeballs ripped
  out of their sockets.
  
  I really hope that you get curb-stomped. It’d be hilarious to see you
  begging for help, and then someone stomps on the back of your head,
  leaving you to die in horrible, agonizing pain.
  
  STFU, before you get your face bashed in and cut
  to ribbons, and your throat slit.
mb

CC in its current form is just bland and is a poor mans CLS. However Passat in R36 guise looks and sounds great….VW please bring out a R36 Passatt CC
- David
  
  I think it is great.
  Many of us believe scaffolding on the boot, loud exhausts and “in-ya-face” styling detract from a car rather than adding to it. Like comparing an M3 to a Corvette. One is stylish … the other, well…..
  The CC is as fast as the R36 and looks far better – case closed.
http://www.hidxenonlights.com Cary HID Lights

It is just like a dream car. But, again the same problem ‘budget’. It cannot be afforded by a middle class people. I think other than the price, it has no other negative point.
Numbat

“opulent and utterly tasteful interior”.Sorry CA but that is the very same interior anyone can find in the not so attractive Passat,Touareg or Tiguan.It doesn´t feel so up market now.
Shak

Numbat you mean in any Volkswagen. its like a new corporate interior. Not that they dont look good, but you gotta have some differentiation in the interior’s from povo packs to luxo barges.
max

Hey Golfie

for the 60k service in the petrol turbo $1100.00 about 450 of that was for the DSG service. I noticed that the new Golf has a dsg set up which is dry, so that cost is now gone.

Brilliant car to drive, great motor 147kw turbo, just purrs. Fuel economy was outstanding on long trips with the car driven sensibly.

Just before my warranty expired, the electronic door module died, fixed no problems, apparently this is a common problem however.

Just out of warranty was getting sensor warnings, off and on, car ran smoothly, so this was a electronics problem, replacement cost was approx $1400, then the oil light started coming on randomly…

Been a great car but that was enough for me, sold it.

Minor issues were road/tyre noise, dash rattles, sweet jesus they were annoying and wind noise from the external mirrors at times, go figure.

Generally service costs were pretty reasonable, the car never left me stranded, and for the first 2.5 years, the only issue I had was with the remote fuel release.

Would never have a problem buying a NEW VW, but would never buy a s/h VW or any other Euro car for that matter.

Overall, a good experience, as long as they are new and under warranty. Build quality diappointed, rattles, NVH levels, gaps etc. Got a new Honda Euro and you could sense the build quality improve straight away, tho the motor is not as much fun!

Glad yours continues to trat you well
max

NM, you really shouldnt have many problems with a newish car at all.

I agree with Golfie to a certain extent that some makers are viewed harshly with regard to reliability issues while some are getting a dream ride(Toyo) at times.

However, there is a reason VW and others are frequently at the bottom of vehicle surveys, the cars have problems, not all VW’s, but a good sample of them. Most German and French cars are a potential disaster outside of warranty.
Same could be said of some Jap models as well, no doubt about that. Lets not even talk about ITALIAN CARS!

New or newish, no problem for me, out of warranty, furgedaboutitt!
http://Caradvice.com.au Baddass

I don’t know Naughtius, other people don’t have a problem with it. Maybe it is just you.
Golfschwein

The Euro’s a great car, Max, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I’d appreciate a Euro as well, but am probably more likely to line up a Mk6 Golf next year some time.
Lukaas

Just wondering how many people out there who drive european branded cars anc cringe at service cost (from dealerships or recommended places).

I dont particularly drive a euro car, but a couple of friends enjoy their VW and Beamer, but complain a lot on service fees. Specifically post 60,000kms, when it can become really expensive. An example was a BMW 320i, which was quoted to be around $4500 to “fix” and service at around 80,000 KM… and about $2200 for a Golf GTI at around 64,000 KM….

And I was complaining about my $300 60,000KM service…. geez.
MB

Lukaas

I complained recently about a sloppy 50K A service ($550)and got my next service for free. I have it in writing too.
The Realist

Lukaas Says:
August 24th, 2009 at 8:32 am
“Just wondering how many people out there who drive european branded cars anc cringe at service cost (from dealerships or recommended places).”

Approximately $400 for my BMW M5.

Lucky I had Krudd’s $900 to cover it.
Johnno

Paul – Alfa 159 2 litre diesel? Its more fun to fancy an Italian than a German! Comparable pricing and fuel efficiency with a feeling of being in something truly special
Rookie

It is with more than a little interest that I’ve been following blogs on the Passat CC and I’m absolutely amazed at some of the infantile remarks being made, particularly by those armchair critics who couldn’t afford a used 5 year old Passat, let alone a new one. Many of the bloggers can’t spell properly and as far as punctuation and correct English well, it’s unworthy even of comment.

I am a motoring enthusiast and have been for decades; not only can I afford most of the top-end cars, I’ve owned many, up to an including a Rolls Royce, which I still own. I buy at least one and occasionally two new cars per year for myself, my wife and my business. Always European for one very good reason: engineering. Say what you want about Toyota (boring!) or the other “happy Jappy’s”, in the end, they’re still Japanese-built, which means that their safety is bolt-on, not engineered in. Over the past 30 years, I’ve had – all bought new – 9 BMWs, 3 Volvos, 4 Benzes, 8 Audis, 3 Jaguars, 3 Peugeots, 8 Saabs, 4 Alfas (much better than most people give them credit for), 1 Renault (saved my daughter’s life), 1 Citroen, 1 Holden (Opel) Vectra, 10 VWs and 1 Lexus/Camry (my biggest mistake and couldn’t wait to get rid of it). Nothing, but nothing, beats European engineering or build quality.

Today, after a month of comparisons and test drives, I ordered a new Passat CC 125 kW turbo-diesel. I compared it to a range of cars and in the end couldn’t justify the C-class Benz which was my 2nd choice. The Passat’s build quality was at least equal to if not better than the C-class with significantly more equipment; better handling, better ride, better performance, better fuel economy. Why the diesel? For starters, I’m not running the Pennant Hills Grand Prix every day: if you want to be first to the next set of lights, be my guest. But when premium unleaded hits $2/litre (about this time next year) and you’re getting 550-600 kms to the tank, I’ll be laughing for the next 450 kms until I next need to fill-up. As for 5.6 secs to 100 kph, the Passat CC diesel does it in a still, very respectable, 8.6 secs and with Australia having the most draconian speed enforcement in the western world, who needs???

Poor-mans CLS? Not on your life; I can afford one, but why pay all that stupid tax. They say that a fool and his money are soon parted, and I’ve parted with plenty in my time in 7-series BMWs, S-class Benzes and top-end Jags. I made the decision a few years ago that I would never again buy a car over the luxury car tax of $55,000. If you don’t know why, check with your accountant: talk about getting nailed to the wall!

As for Benzes, find out how cynical M-B is by checking out overseas Benz websites: they’re half the price with more equipment. Eg: how come the US and Canada get 7-speed DSG gearboxes in C-classes and we get the ancient 5-speed auto for only DOUBLE the price.

And no, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth; neither am I a poof or a hairdresser.
http://www.car-parts-accessory.com Frank

I think it looks very classy, maybe a bit like a benz. The headlights look very sleek.
!CarAdvice-a-VW Company!

” The first time I came here, there was a crack in the tarmac, and there was a little plant growing out of it, and I said to myself, ‘Tazio Nuvelari could well have driven over the great-grandfather of this plant’, and I pulled it out, and I’ve got it pressed in a Monza yearbook at home!”
~MURRAY WALKER
” I’m er I’m lost for words on that particular anecdote there Murray!”
~MARTIN BRUNDLE
Mr.Dobalina

~At $54,990, I challenge you to find me another car that surpasses what the Passat CC has to offer.

~VAG = CAR ADVICE

~WOW!

~Another VW Group product test, [NEVER one on a superior AlfaRomeo for instance!]

~The mail is Car Advice is on VW’s payroll!

~Don’t be to alarmed, Wheels is on Fords, Holdens, and Toyota’s

~”At $54,990, I challenge you to find me another car that surpasses what the Passat CC has to offer, and I’ll even send you a CarAdvice sticker for the achievement!”

~No problem, challenge met and beat:

AlfaRomeo 159
Citroen C5
Peugeot 407
Benz 180
BMW 3 series
Holden V8 Calais
Falcon GE6 Turbo

~And on and on and on…..

~Please send sticker ASAP!

~This odd bod smashed to pieces and king hit for 6!
Carfanatic

Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha. Dobolina you idiot. Alfa’s are aweful cars, Citroen build safe but hellishly unreliable cars, Peugeot aren’t far behind. Benz 180? who a pissy 4 cylinder with a belt driven hairdryer? Holden and Ford are far too common to be lumped a gainst the Passat, closest you came in that list was BMW 3 series, but even for 55 k you still only get a four cylinder.
Rookie

Well, I’ve now had my Passat CC turbo diesel for 2 months and 5,000 kms. Averaging 6.3l/100kms per tank of fuel with about 65%=70% city driving and the rest on the M7 or M2 expressway. Last week drove Sydney-Port Macquarie and back (789kms) on 5/8ths of a tank of fuel, averaging 5.3l/100km for the return trip at about 115kph average speed. One minor switchgear fault rectified quickly by the dealer (Central Coast Motor Group in Gosford: don’t go past them; they’re terrific). Thrilled with the car, its performance, comfort, build, stereo system and best of all, those SEATS, the DSG gearbox and diesel engine! Magic.If you’re in the market for a $60k car, this is one brilliant package.
- jon
  
  Congrats on the purchase looks like a great car. Good to see some honesty pointing out the good things and the bad. No car manufacturer is perfect when it comes to faults, but the majority of VW`s are all good. As a fellow owner of one I know first hand how good they are. Enjoy your future driving, I`m abit envious though.
Matt

I’m, not a hairdresser or a flight attendant, and have had the CC diesel for 8 months. I’m still blown away by the overall package, the economy, the sheer driveability and enjoyment. I’ve had 7 VW’s (in various parts of the world) without any reliability issues (one clocked up nearly 250,000km before selling), and this one looks to be following the mold. As for both purchase and servicing costs – Australia is very overpriced compared to the US market, but that’s the cost of living in a small volume environment. VW looks to be on a winning wicket here – and the new Polo will cement its march to the top. Go VW.
http://www.hid-china.com.cn Hid Headlight Conversion

Luxirous! I like the blue color.
Nasir111

I dont work especially the euro, but some friends and enjoy from VW Beamer, but many complain about service charges. Especially sending 60,000 km, it can be very expensive. Such as the BMW 320i, which was reported to be about $ 4500 to “fix” and more than 80.000 km … and over $ 2,200 for golf GTI around 64.000 KM ….