► Second-gen VW CC spotted
► Based on ‘B8’ Passat saloon
► Sharper looks and new tech
Remember the Volkswagen Passat CC? It was a four-door saloon, based on the Passat, with sleek coupe-alike styling. It wasn’t half bad, either, providing an affordable alternative to the likes of the Audi A5.
A mid-life facelift – and the deletion of ‘Passat’ from its name – in 2012 served to freshen it up a little among more modern alternatives, but it was undoubtedly beginning to feel a little dated on a few fronts.
Now, following the launch of the eighth-generation Passat in 2015, Volkswagen’s moving to roll out a new second-gen version of its CC – which is due to go on sale in 2017.
Tell me more…
These spy shots reveal the upcoming CC undergoing tests around the Nurburgring. Just visible in some of the pictures is a BMW 4-series Gran Coupe, against which it’s said Volkswagen has been benchmarking its four-door saloon.
Here’s hoping that VW manage to inject the coupaloon with some of BMW’s dynamic verve, as a result…
What do I need to know about the new CC?
It’s based on the eighth-generation Passat, so will feature MQB underpinnings. It’s also adopted the ‘B8’ Passat’s chiseled, cleaner lines.
More aggressively styled front lights give it a slightly menancing look, compared to the softer previous generation, while out the back you’ll find exhaust tip surrounds integrated into the rear bumper.
Presumably it’ll otherwise be just like the Passat?
Yes, so expect a range of petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions and a host of options.
Being based on the current-gen Passat also means a plug-in hybrid version – ideal for company car drivers and those in the London Congestion Charging Zone – could also be offered.
Expect to see more of the new VW in due course, ahead of it going on sale in 2017.
Read CAR magazine’s VW Passat reviews