Mired in the shadows of the more commonly known Passat->ke224, the Volkswagen CC is actually a much better option to consider for interested buyers.

That might be a bold statement, but it doesn't come with any tinge of hyperbole, either.

There's a lot to like about the CC. It's body dimensions convey the look of a luxury car->ke505 and the interior does its best to make you feel like you're in the same environment. It also has a choice of powertrains that you can pick depending on your preference.

And best of all, you know that you're not going to burn any holes in your pockets by buying one. Sure, getting the top-of-the-line 3.6 VR6 4MOTION Executive might be a stretch at $42,895, but all other models fall in the range of $32,000 to $38,000.

At the very least, you know you're getting a ride that's worth the money.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Volkswagen CC.

2014 Volkswagen CC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volkswagen CC
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 200 @ 5100
  • Torque: 207 @ 1700
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While the Volkswagen Passat gets more of the mainstream attention, it can be argued that the CC deserves its own turn in the spotlight. We like the Passat, we really do; it's just that when comparing the two, the CC's elegance stands out more than anything else.

Its shape is what could be best described as in constant motion, seamlessly integrating the flowing roof with cuts and edges that convey shapely class and luxury. And speaking of class, the CC also benefits from getting a variety of fancy equipment, including the exterior lights that feature bi-xenons, LEDs, and LED daytime running lights.

CC R-Line models take the whole sportiness of the CC to the next level. It comes with a new body kit, side skirts, large fog light housings and of course, a new set of 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

2014 Volkswagen CC - Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

106.8 in

Front Track

61.1 in

Rear Track

61.4 in

Length

188.1 in

Width

73.0 in

Height

55.8 in

Ground Clearance

4.9/4.7 in


2014 Volkswagen CC - Standard Exterior Features

- Fully galvanized sheet metal

- Front and rear body-colored bumpers with chrome accents

- Heat-insulated glass

- Tinted glass

- Chrome front grille surround and louvers with chrome accents

- Bi-Xenon high-intensity headlights with low-speed corner-illuminating feature

- Automatic headlights with Coming Home feature

- Halogen reflector lens foglights, integrated into front bumper

- Headlights-on warning tone (tone sounds when driver's door is open and ignition key is removed)

- LED taillights

- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)

- LED license plate lighting

- Center high-mounted stop light above rear window

- Power-operated side mirrors with integrated turn signals

- Chrome window trim

- Chrome-plated side protective strips

- Space-saving spare tire

- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Interior

For what you get on the impressive exterior of the CC, it's interior isn't too far off, either. High-quality materials adorn the cabin, no more distinguishable than the metal trim accents, the leather trim, and plush and comfortable seats. The center console is a little too simple for its style, but we're going to let that pass.

What really bothers us about the CC's cabin are the rear seats, which feel a little cramped compared to what you're going to get with the Passat. Trunk space is also compromised, although that could be easily remedied by just folding the rear seats to expand the cargo area.

If anything, the interior of the CC doesn't lack in features. On the technological end, specifically, customers will get the treat of discovering that the CC is Bluetooth capable, has a * SiriusXM Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription, has AUX-in for portable audio players, and a Media Device Interface (MDI) with an iPod cable.

2014 Volkswagen CC - Interior Dimensions

EPA Class

Compact

Seating Capacity

Five

Passenger Volume

93.6 cu. ft.

Cargo Volume

13.2 cu. ft.

Front Volume

50.4 cu. ft.

Front Headroom

37.4 in

Front Shoulder room

56.0 in

Front Legroom

41.6 in

Rear Volume

43.2 cu. ft.

Rear Headroom

36.6 in

Rear Shoulder room

54.7 in

Rear Legroom

37.3 in


2014 Volkswagen CC - Standard Interior Features

- Climatronic® dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter

- Anti-theft vehicle alarm system

- Immobilizer III theft-deterrent system

- Cruise control

- Front and rear floor mats

- Speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip odometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, clock, and outside temperature

- Multi-function trip computer

- Emergency key (stored in key fob) 2 key fobs with lock, unlock, rear trunk release, panic button, and selectable access valet key feature

- Three 12V power outlets: 1 in front center console, 1 in center console for rear seating positions, and 1 in cargo area

- Interior front center dome light with time delay and two reading lights

- Remote releases for trunk and fuel filler door with valet lock out, located on driver's side door

- Radio remote controlled central locking operated from inside

- Automatic locking feature (doors lock when vehicle reaches 8 mph, unlock automatically upon airbag deployment)

- Self-dimming rearview mirror with on/off switch

- Driver and front passenger visor vanity mirrors, sliding, illuminated and with covers

- 8 speakers

- AUX-in for portable audio players

- Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable

- Bluetooth with audio streaming

- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 3-month trial subscription

Drivetrain

The 2014 Volkswagen CC is being offered with two unique engines: a 2.0-liter, in-line-four, turbocharged engine and a bigger 3.6-liter, V-6 engine. The former produces 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 rpm while the latter delivers 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque.

Performance numbers for both engines haven't been announced, but we anticipate the 2.0 to be able to sprint from 0 to 60 in eight seconds with a top speed of 120 mph while the V-6 should hit 60 in a little over seven seconds with a top speed of about 135 mph.

CC 2.0 T

CC V6 4Motion

Type

2.0L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, TSI

3.6L FSI, 10.6° VR6, 6 cylinder, 24 valve with direct injection

Bore

3.25 in

3.5 in

Stroke

3.65 in

3.8 in

Displacement

121 cu. in.

219.0 cu. in.

Compression Ratio

9.6:1

11.4:1

Horsepower (SAE) @ rpm

200 hp @ 5100

280 hp @ 6200

Maximum torque, lb - ft @ rpm

207 lb-ft @ 1700

265 lb-ft @ 2750


Suspensions and Brakes

All 2014 CC models come equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, including a strut-type suspension with coil springs and telescopic dampers, low-mounted lightweight forged-aluminum control arms, and an anti-roll bar in the front and a compact multilink coil-sprung suspension with upper and lower transverse arms, and a longitudinal link on each side to control wheel location at the back. It sounds complicated to think about, but the whole setup allows for a more comfortable ride that should sit well with drivers and passengers.

As far as brakes are concerned, the CC features an anti-lock braking system with a special wiping component that allows for quicker response on wet roads. The Sport and Lux CC models are fitted with 12.3-inch vented discs up front, and solid 11.1-inch rotors for the rear, while the VR6 model moves up to 13.4-inch vented discs for the front and 12.2-inch solid rotors at the back.

Prices

Beginning at $31,795 for the base CC 2.0T Sport manual model, the CC's price tag goes all the way up to $42,895 for the top-of-the-line 3.6 VR6 4MOTION Executive model.

Model

Price

Volkswagen CC 2.0T Sport manual

$31,795

Volkswagen CC 2.0T Sport automatic

$32,895

Volkswagen CC 2.0T R-Line manual

$33,025

Volkswagen CC 2.0T R-Line automatic

$34,125

Volkswagen CC 2.0T Exclusive

$37,395

Volkswagen CC 3.6 VR6 4MOTION Executive

$42,895


Competitors

2014 Infiniti Q50

One of the toughest competitors for the Volkswagen CC is the recently launched Infiniti Q50. Notwithstanding the fact that its completely new and comes with a boatload of new technological gizmos and gadgetry, the Q50 also has some plushness and style to it that makes for an ideal combination of visual appeal and top-grade performance.

Speaking of performance, the Q50 is powered by a 3.7-liter, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

The Q50 is priced from $36,700.

2013 Lexus ES350

The Lexus ES350 is another car that's worth your attention if you're looking for one in this segment. It is powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine with Dual VVT-i combined with a six-speed automatic electronically controlled transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). This system delivers a total of 268 horsepower.

The ES350 is priced from $36,370.

Conclusion

Taking everything about the CC into consideration, we're surprised that it's not getting nearly the same amount of publicity as the Passat. But this jewel in Volkswagen's lineup is ready to hit prime time, folks. And if you know what you're looking for is a somewhat luxurious midsize sedan, you need to give the CC serious consideration.