2011 Volkswagen CC Total Car Score Analysis

The 2011 Volkswagen CC earned one of the highest Total Car Scores in the midsize sedan segment, despite reservations about the impact of the CC’s swoopy shape on its interior space.  
 
Most critics warned potential buyers that the sedan’s coupe-like styling cut into passenger capacity -- the CC holds only four -- trunk space and headroom, especially in the rear seat. But for buyers looking for a sleek alternative to some of the boxy sedans out there (and whose budget doesn’t quite reach the similarly styled Mercedes-Benz CL-class), those compromises may be a small price to pay.  
 
Where the CC earned enthusiastic praise was for its performance, particularly its handling, which is sporty without crossing the ride-quality line from taut into harsh.  
 
Of the two engines available critics preferred the turbocharged four-cylinder to the V6, saying the turbo four offered plenty of acceleration without having to drop big dollars for the big engine option, which is now only available paired with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. That the four gets better gas mileage is a plus, too.  
 
Introduced for the ’09 model year, the CC sees few changes for 2011 other than the loss of the front-wheel-drive VR6 model.

2011 Volkswagen CC Model Line-Up

The 2011 Volkswagen CC is a four-passenger sedan offered in six trim levels and with two engines.  
 
The base Sport model is well equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-speaker audio system with Bluetooth, heated front seats and a multi-function steering wheel on a tilt/telescoping column. The sporty R-Line rolls on 18-inch wheels and features aerodynamic bumpers and side skirts.  
 
The Lux trim brings automatic climate controls and a navigation system, the Lux Plus adds a sunroof and rearview camera, and the Lux Limited comes with HID headlamps.  
 
The premium Executive model features leather upholstery, 12-way power driver’s seat (with massage) and paddle shifters for the transmission.  
 
Sport, R-Line and Lux models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Sport and R-Line come with a six-speed manual transmission, while Lux engines have VW’s six-speed DSG automatic transmission (optional for Sport and R-Line).  
 
The Executive is fitted with a 3.6-liter V6 that sends 280 hp and 265 lb-ft to a six-speed automatic and all four wheels.  
 
EPA fuel economy estimates for the CC range from 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway/25 mpg combined for the 2.0-liter/automatic, to 17/25/20 for the V6 4Motion.

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