Fridae

35 years of playing Mary Jane among cars. Sensible, solid and dependable have been major selling traits for the Volkswagen Passat. Hence the decision to add a coupe into the typically conservative Passat range, Volkswagen's latest Passat CC is a dramatic departure by any measures. The latest Passat CC has decided to jump into the style-conscious coupe buying market, with the must have fashion accessories among coupes these days, an additional pair of doors.

Volkswagen knows that by just accessorizing will not be enough to garner attention for it's second coupe in it's Singapore line-up. Hence, a strict gym routine has been thrown into the mix. The Passat CC looks certainly more muscular than the run of the mill sedan on which it is based on. Here, the Passat CC has put on some huge eye watering bulges by leaning all its lines forward. Little strokes, major motions; frameless windows, more prominent wheel arches, a muscular and well-developed shoulder that runs boldly across the body to the rear lights, a protruding front fascia and low hanging curvy rear lights.

The high waist band and relatively small side windows emphasis on the Passat CC's coupe silhouette, a similar approach undertaken by the Mercedes Benz CLS. Before we go further, CC here does not mean coupe-cabriolet from the likes of some French makes. CC stands for Comfort Coup�, which I agree whole-heartedly; as there is proper access to each seat via each door. For the four beautifully contoured individualized seats, headroom remains generous despite the lowered curved roof.

The optional two toned leather on the test car has lighten up the Passat CC interior's ambiance beyond what the S$130K price tag would lead you to expect. The new white lit instruments and smart dials are simply a delight to use as clarity and class is ouzzing in abundance here. To further reinforce the impression of being in a coupe, the driving position is lower than a cooking Passat sedan. Perhaps the only complaints from the driver's seat would be excessively thick A-pillar and cheap lower door trims. Singapore bound Passat CC 2.0 TSI (A) is equipped to the brim: highlighted by a huge standard paranomic tilt only sunroof.

Located next to the gearbox, there is a button labeled "Comfort" and "Sport", which is capable of altering the driving characteristics of the Passat CC. Toggling between the DCC adaptive chassis control, there are three modes of characteristics derivable; Comfort, Normal and Sport. Ever had to deal with body sores after a hard work out at the gym? That's when "Comfort" comes in handy. Finger light steering mated with a cocooned ride. On the other scale of things, "Sports" adds a healthy dose of aggression to the steering's reaction and suspension control.

In general, the Passat CC's steering response is light but accurate; which is in tune with the 2.0 litre turbo engine's behaviours, as the power is served readily through the smooth shifting six speed automatic gearbox. Oddly, no DSG wonder box is available for the 2.0 Turbo.

It must be mentioned that the Passat CC rides surprisingly well despite wearing huge optional 18" alloys. Not chasing BMW's theory of hard-riding and stiffly strung suspension set ups is rewarding for everyday use and the occasional mischief. For a car measuring 4.8 metres long, the Passat CC has never once let its physical size downplay the agility and nimbleness it possesses.

It is easy to fall in love with the muscular and well integrated lines of Volkswagen's new Passat CC. And embedded in this coppertone-resulted tanned brown, our press car looks like an Adonis. The Volkswagen Passat CC is handsome and a fine example of the new styling direction Volkswagen is heading: unfussed and timeless lines.

Undercutting the typical junior executive car choices by at least S$10K, the Volkswagen Passat CC cannot be ignored for its well thought-out package. This gym toned coup� punches the Mercedes Benz CLS (which starts at S$275K) at a time when the new black is being in the black.

	Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0 TSI(A)
Engine	1,984cc 4 cylinder 16V,Turbocharged
Transmission	6-speed Automatic
Wheels Driven	Front
Max. Power	200BHP @5100-6000rpm
Max. Torque	280NM @1700-5000rpm
0-100 km/h	7.6 secs
Top speed	232 km/h
Fuel Economy	8.5L/100km (combined cycle)
CO2 Emissions	199g/km (Euro IV compliant)
Dimensions (L x W x H)	4799mmX1855mmX1417mm
Price with COE*	$130,000

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.