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* New 2.0 TDI 140 Volkswagen CC driven * On sale now * Priced from 25,535...

byEuan DoigPublished15 June 2012Car reviewsView all new car reviews

The Volkswagen CC is an updated version of VW's four-door Passat-based coupe. It has been given the company's latest corporate face and various other minor tweaks. Here we're testing the entry-level diesel for the first time.

What's the 2012 VW CC 2.0 TDI 140 like to drive?It's a bit of a mixed bag, really, so let's start with the good bits.

The 2.0-litre diesel engine is an absolute peach, pulling strongly from low revs and revving quickly and with almost no vibration.

The six-speed manual gearbox is accurate and light, but can be slightly notchy when you try to hurry changes.

Meanwhile, the steering is light and evenly weighted as you turn the wheel. It makes parking a breeze, too.

2.0-litre diesel engine pulls well from low revs with little vibration

The ride is altogether another matter, with a decidedly disjointed feel. At low and medium speeds, the suspension allows too many bumps through to the occupants. However, up the pace, and the body control is so soft that the body pitches and wallows as soon as the car encounter bumps or undulations.

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There's also far too much wind and road noise, which completely negates any benefit of the engine being so smooth and quiet. In fact, there was so much wind noise on our test car that we were moved to make sure the windows were all properly shut.

What's the 2012 VW CC 2.0 TDI 140 like inside?It's a VW, so you can take it as read that it's well made from decent materials. The problem is that it looks almost identical to the interior in the regular Passat, which is a full 4k cheaper; for something that looks so glamorous on the outside, the interior is a bit of a visual disappointment.

Interior doesn't live up to the exterior's classy looks

Space is reasonable, although you might want to double-check the headroom if your height begins with a 6'. The thick, angled windscreen pillars hamper your view out, too.

There's a decent amount of equipment, though, with climate control, electric windows all round, electrically adjustable door mirrors and Bluetooth as standard. At this price, it'd be good to see cruise control fitted, though, especially in a car that's likely to spend a lot of its time on motorways.

Should I buy one?For those who place style ahead of humdrum practicality, the CC makes a fine choice. It has reasonable space for four people and will take their luggage, and it'll make you look good while doing so.

However, we'd save the cash and take the regular Passat instead. It's more spacious, easier to use and slightly better on the road. The 4k you'll save buys an awful lot of diesel.

This is the engine we'd go for, but still think the regular Passat is a better car

Either that or spend an extra 1500 and get a BMW 3 Series, which is the best compact executive machine of all, and well worth the extra.

Read the full What Car? Volkswagen CC review

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