VW Passat CC 1.8 TSi

Traditionally, buying a coupé has meant sacrificing practicality for style. With the arrival of the Mercedes CLS and BMW X6, however, things are changing. And VW is joining the revolution with its Passat-based, four-door Comfort Coupé (CC).

We were impressed by the range-topping GT (New Cars, Issue 1,008), but does the entry-level 1.8 TSI retain the glamour of the more expensive versions? To find out, we drove the first CC in the UK.

The low-slung coupé profile is similar to that of the sleek CLS, while the nose has a bold grille and swept-back headlamps. Pillarless doors and LED rear lights add extra class.

The beautifully built cabin, meanwhile, resembles that of the saloon, although it’s more sophisticated here. Fresh-look dials, plus a new steering wheel and switchgear, add to the ambience. There are two individual chairs in the back, making the Passat a strict four-seater, and despite the rakish roofline, only those over six feet will feel cramped.

On the road, however, the VW struggles to match more sporting, prestige-badged rivals like Audi’s A4, even with suspension that is stiffer and 15mm lower than the saloon’s. Nevertheless, the Passat is a great motorway cruiser.

The turbocharged 1.8-litre powerplant is a highlight. Punchy and smooth, it gives the car a decent turn of speed, while returning a frugal 37.2mpg.

At £21,040, the CC costs nearly £2,000 more than the equivalent saloon. On the other hand, it’s half the price of the similarly styled CLS. As a result, the CC could almost be considered a bargain.

Rival: Audi A4 1.8 TSI
The A4 can’t match the CC’s design, yet it’s still a fine-looking car, with even better build. A sharper chassis makes it more fun to drive.