(continued from the previous page)

Interior Design

The CC continues to offer an incredibly stylish and luxurious interior that looks like it belongs in a much more expensive car. One improvement in the 2013 CC is that there is now seating for five, with a three-seat rear bench taking the place of two individual buckets. On VR6 models, engineered ebony trim replaces Zebrano to give an even more upscale finish.

Efficient and Sporty Engines

The CC will once again launch with the award-winning, 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI four-cylinder engine that generates 200 horsepower and the 3.6-liter narrow-angle VR6 engine that produces 280 horsepower.

All 2.0-liter models are front-wheel drive. The 2.0-liter engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. One new feature on the 2.0-liter models is the XDS cross-differential (limited-slip) system that electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the front wheel with the most traction.

The VR6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifting, driving either through the front wheels on the new VR6 Lux model or via 4Motion all-wheel drive on the topline VR6 Executive model, which is also equipped with paddle shifters.

Uncompromising Comfort and Safety

Standard CC equipment has always included such features as dual tailpipes, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, a multi-function steering wheel, chrome surrounds on switches and air vents, air conditioning, an electric parking brake with hill-hold control, rain-sensing wipers, a sport suspension, heated 12-way power front seats, Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, and, of course, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags.

This range of features has been extended in the new model. Standard exterior features that have been added include Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, LED license-plate illumination, and more prominent side-sill flares. LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) - which turns the beams by up to 15 degrees around corners for increased visibility - are optional on CC Sport and standard on all other models.

New standard interior features include front head restraints that adjust fore-and-aft as well as up-and-down. In this new design, the head restraint can be pulled forward and, because it lies closer to the head, helps reduce the risk of whiplash in a crash. Another new interior feature is remote latching for the rear seatback. Levers mounted under the rear shelf on the right and left sides of the trunk make it easy to unlatch both sections of the split seatback.

At launch, all CCs will feature the Climatronic automatic climate control system. Typical of the attention to detail in the CC, the system features a humidity sensor located near the rear-view mirror. This measures air humidity and controls the Climatronic system to help prevent condensation and maintain the relative humidity in the passenger compartment at a pleasant level. Another benefit of the system is that fuel consumption and emissions are reduced, since the humidity sensor permits operation of the air conditioning compressor only when needed.

Model Range

2.0T Sport

The 2.0T Sport provides entry to the 2012 CC model range. Standard equipment includes new 17-inch "Verme" alloy wheels with all-season self-sealing tires; Bi-Xenon headlights; LED taillights; LED license-plate illumination; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Climatronic automatic climate-control; heated 12-way power front seats; touchscreen Premium VIII sound system with HD Radio, eight speakers, and a six-disc CD changer; Bluetooth technology; iPod connectivity; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; and matte chrome interior trim. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual with the option of a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

2.0T Sport Plus

This is a new model in the CC lineup. It adds Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and the Adaptive Front-lighting System; stylish new 18-inch "Mallory" wheels with all-season 235/40 tires; and the RNS 315 navigation system. The six-speed dual-clutch DSG is the only transmission offered.

2.0T R-Line

The popular R-Line will again be offered, tailored to the new CC design, later in 2012. The 2.0T R Line takes the Sport features and heightens the CC's performance styling with stunning 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; lower extended sport bumpers; R-Line door sill plates; darkened taillights; and a leather-wrapped R-line steering wheel. Both six-speed manual and dual-clutch DSG automatic transmissions are offered.

2.0T Lux

The 2.0T Lux comes standard with the six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Its additional standard features over Sport Plus include new 18-inch "St Louis" five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels; brushed-aluminum interior trim; a power-tinted-glass sunroof; and ambient lighting.

V6 Lux

The V6 Lux is a new model for 2013, featuring the 280-hp, 3.6-liter VR6 engine mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Compared with the 2.0T Lux Plus, it adds a headlight washer system with heated nozzles; a rearview camera; the RNS 510 navigation system that features a 6.5-inch touchscreen; ventilated front seats; leather seating surfaces; "Interlagos" 18-inch wheels; memory seating and mirrors; and engineered ebony trim.

VR6 4Motion Executive

In addition to the features offered on the V6 Lux, the flagship CC adds 4Motion all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes polished 18-inch "Interlagos" alloy wheels; Tiptronic paddle shifters; a driver's seat with massage function; Park Distance Control with front and rear proximity sensors; Dynaudio Premium Sound System; and a power rear sunshade.

Volkswagen Passat CC V6: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications