Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen CC GT 2.0 TDI

Handsome and well equipped saloon presents strong challenge to newcomer

THE CC is obviously closely related to the Passat, but in some ways that’s no bad thing. It means you get a spacious, high-quality interior that’s loaded with equipment, and it’s wrapped up in a more stylish body. All models are generously kitted out, and if you want to sacrifice performance for better economy, you can always go for the cheaper and lower-powered 138bhp 2.0 TDI version.

Advertisement - Article continues below

While a facelift at the start of 2012 saw the VW CC drop Passat from its name and sharpen the looks, it’s still obvious where the four-door coupé’s heritage lies.

The CC has the same wheelbase as the Passat, but it’s longer and lower than the standard saloon, and the overall design is more cohesiveand grown-up than the Mercedes CLA’s.

A wide grille wraps around the nose and flows into the headlights, while creases in the bodywork flow all the way to the back of the car. The CC is handsome rather than dramatic, but it’s easily one of the best-looking models Volkswagen produces at the moment.

Thanks to larger doors, the CC is easier to get into than the CLA, and once inside you’ll find the cabin very roomy. However, there’s no hiding the Passat origins. The dashboard is lifted straight from the saloon, and while it’s well built and easy to use, it can’t quite match the Merc’s more modern appearance.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

2 Series Gran Coupe

2024 BMW

2 Series Gran Coupe

79,979 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,500
View 2 Series Gran Coupe
Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

20,891 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,800
View Juke
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

40,305 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £18,500
View Model 3
Q3 Sportback

2023 Audi

Q3 Sportback

26,185 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £27,000
View Q3 Sportback

Unlike the CLA, the CC comes with heated leather seats as standard, and although it’s easy to get comfortable, it’s strange that VW persists with part-electric adjustment for the seats: the backrest moves electrically, but you have to slide and raise the base manually.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the back, passengers get a far better deal than in the Merc. There’s plenty of legroom for three, the middle seat is reasonably big and even though the CC has a low roofline, you’re less likely to hit your head getting out.

At the rear, the boot is slightly smaller than the CLA’s, but it’s a better shape, and a wider opening means it’s easier to access. Plus, there are levers at the bootlid that make folding the back seats a breeze. Add a through-load hatch, and the CC has a large practicality advantage.

Fire up the 2.0-litre TDI diesel, and you’ll immediately notice it’s smoother than the Merc’s 2.2-litre – but it can’t quite match it for performance. Our figures are for the older 168bhp 2.0-litre, yet VW quotes the same stats for the latest 175bhp TDI, and the CCwas slower than the CLA in all of our tests.

This is partly down to the fact it has a six-speed box, rather than the CLA’s seven-speed transmission. However, the VW never seems slow in isolation, and it’s also quicker to respond to throttle inputs than the Merc, so it’s more appealing and engaging to drive.

On the road, the CC feels more composed than the CLA. Our car had £850 optional Adaptive Chassis Control, which adjusts the dampers for comfort or handling, yet even in the stiffest setting, the VW has a softer ride than the Merc. Naturally weighted and direct steering completes the impressive dynamics.

With a price tag of £30,595, the CC is more expensive than the CLA, but it has more kit and offers fixed-price servicing. Yet even the revised engine pollutes more than the Merc’s, while the residuals are also weaker. Finally, VW’s dealers aren’t as well rated as Mercedes’. Will that cost the CC victory in this shoot-out?

Skip advert
Advertisement

More reviews

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,440
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,474 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand
Cyberster Black - front 3/4

New MG Cyberster Black is a dark sign of things to come for the brand

MG boss thinks special editions like this might be the ticket to keeping up demand for the electric sports car
News
10 Jul 2025