Overall rating:

Expect a sea change over the old model, and the new Volkswagen CC will likely disappoint. However, enter the partnership with your eyes open and you'll find a car that is indeed better than its already impressive predecessor.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volkswagen CC 2.0 TDI BMT 140
Pricing: £25,345
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: four-door 'coupé'
Rivals: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
CO₂ emissions: 125g/km
Combined economy: 60.1mpg
Top speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 9.9 seconds
Power: 140hp at 4,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750rpm

In the Metal:

Not much of the major sheet metal has changed from the old car, the doors for example being fully retained. However, some clever changes to the front and rear, with sleek new lamps and Volkswagen's horizontally dominated family face make a refreshing update, and it retains the previous model's neat stance, proportions and sense of style.

It's a similar story inside with the architecture if not quite all of the fine details shared with the Passat saloon and estate models. It's incredibly well constructed, easy to use and thanks to the standard rear bench and 452-litre boot plenty practical as well.

Driving it:

It's the 140hp 2.0-litre TDI engine that will remain the big seller in the UK, partly due to this model's low emissions and purchase price making it incredibly popular with fleet buyers. But we can see why private buyers would be impressed as well, with performance that feels stronger than the on-paper figures suggest and a free-revving power delivery.

Of course the 170hp model gives more punch at the top end, but for us the cheaper, lower output diesel is where we'd put our money. We also tried a 2.0 TSI petrol model in GT trim, which comes with effective adaptive damping as standard, and is an option worth having.

It's a relaxed and refined car at all speeds, while town driving is made easier thanks to the light gearshift, excellent ergonomics and decent visibility. But while the steering weight is consistent, there isn't much feel to the helm. There's also no vast chasm of difference between a Passat and the CC in terms of driving dynamics, which means, while it's overflowing with competence, this is not a car for those seeking driving thrills.

What you get for your Money:

It's actually pretty well-equipped, with base models featuring satnav, DAB digital radio, iPod connection, Bluetooth, climate control, 17-inch alloys and bi-xenon headlights as standard. All diesel models receive standard stop-start to increase efficiency.

Meanwhile, opt for the GT model and you can add heated leather seats, that adaptive chassis, cruise control, parking sensors and larger alloys to that list. Prices start at £24,200 and finish at just over £30,000, and until March 2012 Volkswagen is offering three years servicing for a very reasonable £349.

Worth Noting

Whatever you do, don't call this car a Passat. Yes, like the last model it shares plenty with the not-so-rare rep-mobile, including much of its underpinnings and interior. However, Volkswagen is keen to push the model upmarket, hence the standalone name, with suggestions that the CC should be viewed as a younger brother to the Phaeton luxury model rather than a posh Passat. And with 270,000 examples of the old model sold worldwide so far, it's a trick it hopes can only bolster the car's appeal.

Summary

If you're in the market for a four-door saloon, but would happily make a small sacrifice in practicality for a large leap in desirability, then the Volkswagen CC could just fit the bill. Not only does this impressive all-rounder look great, but with the frugal and efficient 2.0-litre TDI 140 engine it drives well too.