Introduction

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen CC is called a four-door coupe, a contradictory description that didn't use to exist, but actually has some meaning nowadays. It's a sedan with a roofline like a coupe, a sedan that could pass as a coupe. If you want a Volkswagen Passat but also want stylish looks, the VW CC is your model. 

It's in its ninth year without changing its shape, but the Volkswagen CC still looks stylish. It competes with cars like the Nissan Maxima, Lincoln MKZ, Volvo S60, Acura TLX, and Audi A4. 

It was last updated for 2013, with revised styling and expansion of the rear seat to hold three people. For 2017, the models have been reduced from six to three, with the elimination of the V6 engine. It's a dated product due for a replacement. 

The only engine is a turbocharged 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter four cylinder, with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic-manual transmission. Its handling is crisp and its ride comfortable. 

With the manual transmission, fuel mileage is EPA-rated at 21 miles per gallon city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, on premium gas. With the dual-clutch automatic manual, a more appropriate transmission for this car, mileage is the same. There's also a PZEV low-emissions model. 

Lineup

The 2017 Volkswagen CC comes in Sport ($34,475), Executive, and R-Line Executive ($37,820), each with lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic crash braking, and adaptive cruise control. 

Walkaround

From profile view, with the tapered and curvy roofline and rare frameless windows in the doors, the Volkswagen CC almost looks like a slightly smaller version of swoopy coupes like the Audi A7 or Mercedes CLS. Its proportions suggest a rear-wheel-drive sport coupe. 

Interior

The Volkswagen CC has more luxury features than the more popular Passat. For 2016, the infotainment system was upgraded with a USB port. 

Passenger space is compromised for the sake of the CC's roofline. Not only rear headroom, but front head room is a bit tight, and the driving position is low. Entry and exit to both rows of seats can be challenging. But once the three rear passengers have climbed in, they'll find the seat comfortable enough. 

The roofline doesn't affect the rear deck, so the trunk is huge. 

Driving Impression

While the CC looks like a sports sedan, it doesn't drive like one, though performance is strong for the price. Refinement is the priority, not edge. 

Handling is crisp and relatively light and nimble, while the ride is comfortable. 

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine has more than enough torque at both low and mid range, with only a slight delay at the lowest revs. 

Summary

The Volkswagen CC has been an attractive four-door coupe. The 2.0 turbo with 6-speed twin-clutch transmission is a great powertrain. It's a lot of fun to drive, and the styling still holds up after nine years. 

Sam Moses contributed to this report.