New VW Passat CC moves upscale

More features will mark the second generation of Volkswagen's Passat-based four door coupe - although the Australian arm isn't yet sure just what they will be.

The internationall launch of the facelifted car marks a concerted effort to reposition the car more as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe rather than as a coupe variant of the Passat sedan on which it is based.

That's seen the name changed from Passat CC to just CC and the inclusion of a raft of new software-based systems, from a standard fatigue detection software to a boot-opening sensor that is activated by the keyholder waving their foot under the rear bumper and a combined side/lane warning assist.

VW Australia spokeswoman Nina Willoughby says the CC will continue to be sold as a front-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbodiesel and all-paw 3.6-litre V6 but will be better value than the existing $54,990/$64,990 pricing.

That should translate into more standard equipment with only minimial price rises — expect around $1500-$2000 as VW looks to hold its price edge over the Mercs and BMW's 3 Series.

"We're still finalising specification — the car won't go on sale in Australia until the second quarter," she says.

Using the C-Class Coupe as a benchmark, Carsguide expects VW will be looking at adaptive cruise control and as a standard feature, rather than the $2000 option on the current model.

The new dynamic lighting system is another potential addition to the regular features, as is satellite navigation (now a $2300 option). VW CC lead designer Urs Rahmel admits the focus was on lifting the vehicle's prestige look rather than a radical overhaul.

"It combines the functionality of a limousine with the emotional appeal of a coupe," Rahmel says. "There is more perception on a quality look, while including the new corporate look in the grille .... there is much more emphasis on horizontal lines and that helps make the car look wider than it is."

In terms of dimensions, the new VW CC is just 1mm shorter than the outgoing model — all other dimensions are the same.