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Volkswagen models, news & reviews
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Performance
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Readers' rating
By Anthony ffrench-Constant
First Drives
11 April 2008 22:58
No, the VW Passat CC isn't a folding tin-top elder bother for the Eos... Nomenclature connotations of Coupe/Cabriolet are entirely misleading. CC first stood for Concept Coupe when the show car was revealed and, as the real deal hits the streets in summer 2008, actually stands for, um, Comfort Coupe. Only in Germany…VW has done to the Passat exactly what Mercedes did to the E-class, the difference being that the latter acquired a standalone badge - the CLS - whereas this new VW must struggle through life burdened with all the attendant baggage of the Passat name. Personally, I’ve always found the Passat saloon to be an entirely worthy proposition, but I seem to be in a minority amongst my peers.Ultimately, I suspect, your views on the CC will largely depend on whether you consider the Mercedes CLS to be quite the best-looking thing on the road, or merely mutton dressed as a banana.There seems to be more than a hint of Phaeton about the front end…Indeed. And those of us who’ve always felt that the current giant grille treatment meted out on one unsuspecting Audi after another makes them all look like inflatable dolls wearing chrome lipstick will be delighted to see that Walter de Silva’s recent efforts to subject Volkswagens to the same fate have, in the case of the CC at least, been mercifully shunned.In the metal, the CC is an entirely handsome car which artfully melds oven-melted Passat saloon styling cues with an aggressive new hooter and a coupe roofline. Interestingly, unlike the CLS, the CC doesn’t appear to be colour sensitive, and even looks pretty sharp coutured in the new black, white.Click 'Next' to continue reading CAR's Passat CC first drive
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croutszong says
RE: VW Passat CC CAR review
I have owned a 2007 passat and I got the first one in my area in October 2008 and for the past year and the years with the previous car. The same problem arises. Every 3000 miles the car runs out of oil. The carefree maintenance program in the United States covers only 7 oil changes 1 oil change every 5,000. Problem is I keep running out of oil at 3,000 and its 80.00 US dollars for an oil change. So this over priced car really needs to be rethought or discontinued. Future buyers beware Volkswagen only cover your oil changes not the other things you need. What about lubricating tire rods, ball joints. What about coolant and engine flushes. Air filters and everyhting that need to be changed? I call my local service department and they dont even have prices for those items if I wanted them done. THIS CAR SUCKS...AND I'M STUCK WITH IT
I have owned a 2007 passat and I got the first one in my area in October 2008 and for the past year and the years with the previous car. The same problem arises. Every 3000 miles the car runs out of oil. The carefree maintenance program in the United States covers only 7 oil changes 1 oil change every 5,000. Problem is I keep running out of oil at 3,000 and its 80.00 US dollars for an oil change. So this over priced car really needs to be rethought or discontinued. Future buyers beware Volkswagen only cover your oil changes not the other things you need. What about lubricating tire rods, ball joints. What about coolant and engine flushes. Air filters and everyhting that need to be changed? I call my local service department and they dont even have prices for those items if I wanted them done.
THIS CAR SUCKS...AND I'M STUCK WITH IT
08 October 2009 01:14
kkirkou says
Definatelly not a CLS
This is not a cut-price alternative to the CLS. It's an expensive pile of ugly metal. Cars like this should not have front wheel drive because the position of the engine and wheels have ugly results. And to top it all, it's full of chrome, like a fat American woman with cheap golden jewelery. Maybe if it didn't have all that chrome it could have disguised all that ugliness.
23 April 2008 11:44
Johann says
Oh please don't egg him on...
I like this car. I saw it in Geneva and it impressed inside and out. That it will sell in fairly niche numbers appeals to me even more. (It also sports a huge sunroof that can't fully open, BUT can be left on tilt to keep your car cool when parked, so for that thank you VW. So much better than these other stupid fishbowl sunroofs that just let the heat in and no way to let it out without use of the AC.) Mr ffrench-Constant: you did write a good article here, but only because you got your use of hyperbole under control. In your latter days writing for CAR magazine proper it became exceedingly difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction in your tiring writing. Good writing like this is lovely. But as it was before it was not fit for a car magazine at all and can be kept for the Which Literarily Review magazine thank you. But as I said if you can keep your use of hyperbole under control: keep it up!
14 April 2008 14:29
Brand0 says
Nonsensical range
VW continues with its drive to have every one of its products battle it out with an internal sibling. This car, VW will argue, has no direct competitors, but it has - proper coupes, and of course the 3-box Passat itself. Call me naive, but I feel that by using this model to entirely replace the standard saloon, but offering the commodious estate version for those who want the space, would make far better sense. Perhaps, with the 3-box having been around for such a long time, VW are testing the waters to see if it is indeed a viable option.
14 April 2008 10:34
jacomoseven says
Delighted to see you back, Anthony!
This charming review is a nice reminder of your abilities with a pen... more please! As for the car, it looks quite alluring in these beautifully produced publicity shots, but the proportions remain ungainly - big overhangs on a too-short wheelbase. Thanks, but...
14 April 2008 09:58
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