VW 2,0 TDi CC

CC Signor, says Volkswagen 

My goodness, but Volkswagen certainly appear to offer the complete range of cars these days – 134 different models at last count. Are we spoilt for choice in South Africa … we certainly are!

In among that mix of fine cars is a triumvirate of them called CC, launched around the middle of last year. There are two petrol derivatives (a two-litre TSi (155kW) and a 3.6 V6 4Motion DSG (220kW) and a 125kW turbodiesel – but for me, the pick of the bunch is the two-litre TDi model with Bluemotion Technology and DSG that I was able to run around the Mother City this past week.

This model is equipped with Bluemotion Technology with stop/start technology, but this particular CC is certainly no slouch and can accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, while a top speed of 220 km/h is possible. VW claims fuel consumption figures of just 5.5 litres/100 km (144 g/km CO2).

The on-board computer carefully scrutinised while driving the car certainly came very close to those suggested factory figures.

 Hein Schafer, product manager for VWSA, told me at launch: “The CC’s redesign – which incidentally stands for Comfort Coupe – can be seen from the back to the front of the vehicle and represents a precise and ideal styling and now falls in line with VW’s instantly recognisable design DNA, such as the chromed radiator grille with its three cross-fins. Also to be found are a new front bumper and bi-xenon headlights.”

VW also reckon the TDi version is most likely to be the volume seller, with its common-rail diesel mill that pushes out a strong 350Nm of torque available from just 1750rpm. At launch I discovered that there is but a single gearbox across the range: the dual-clutch gearbox (DSG).

 Love it or hate it, this box certainly offers maximum economy coupled with seamless gear shifting. While it has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, it’s interesting to note, compared to an auto with torque-converter clutch, VW claims a fuel-saving potential of anything up to 20% – depending on your choice of engine.

The 2.0 TDI DSG sells for R387 600 
(at the time of going to press) and comes standard with a five-year or 100 000km AutoMotion maintenance plan, three-year or 120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Servicing is only required at 15 00km intervals.