2012 Volkswagen CC Lux Limited

Volkswagen CC

The Volkswagen CC features VW's Dynamic Drive Control adjustable suspension that offers Normal, Sport and Comfort modes. Lane Assist and Automatic Distance Control

ACC Automatic Distance Control automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range input by the car driver beforehand. As long as the driver does not deactivate the system, Lane Assist starts at 40 mph.

The 2012 Volkswagen CC is a four-passenger sedan available in six trims: 2.0T Sport, 2.0T R-Line, 2.0T Lux, 2.0T Lux Plus, 2.0T Lux Limited and VR6 4Motion Executive. The 2.0T and VR6 indicate the engine type.

The Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front seats with lumbar adjustment, premium vinyl leatherette upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with a touch screen interface, HD radio, auxiliary audio jack, an iPod interface and satellite radio.

The R-Line adds 18-inch wheels, special front bumper and side-sill designs, fog lamps and dark taillights. The Lux adds to the Sport different 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, heated washer nozzles, dual-zone automatic climate control, a navigation system (deletes HD radio) and brushed-aluminum interior trim. Volkswagen CC Lux Limited gets different 18-inch wheels and adaptive xenon headlights.

Stepping up to the VR6 4Motion Executive adds to the Lux Limiter’s equipment a V6 engine, all-wheel drive, headlamp washers, parking sensors, steering wheel shifter paddles, a power rear sunshade, driver memory functions, leather upholstery and a 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

The 2012 Volkswagen CC 2.0T models are front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on the Sport and R-Line, while a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (DSG) is available on those trims and standard on the Lux trims. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined with the automatic. A conventional six-speed automatic is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 17/25/20.

All Volkswagen CCs come standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability and traction control, hill-hold assist, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. The VR6 stopped in 124 feet.

From the base Sport model to the top-of-the-line Executive trim, the 2012 Volkswagen CC shows off the luxury amenities and workmanship normally associated with premium luxury brands. The front seats offer a plethora of adjustments to fit nearly any body type. The split-folding rear seats feature a center pass-through to add to the 13 cubic feet of trunk space, which is a bit small for a midsize sedan.

Compared to more traditional sport sedans, the Volkswagen CC exhibits more body roll, but handling is admirable nonetheless.

Hmm, let's see: Here we have a stylish, coupe like German four-seat sedan, but this 2012 Volkswagen CC Lux Limited only carries a $35,485 price tag. The car is seriously well planted, especially for a front-driver.

Inside, the Volkswagen CC is as elegant as you're going to get without upgrading to a luxury car, with four picture-perfect bucket seats beckoning occupants. DIGITAL EDITOR ANDREW STOY: My favorite cars to review are the ones I'd seriously (and realistically) consider calling my own. That pinched rear-door trailing edge is a door-ding weapon par excellence.

I've always been a fan of VW interiors, but the CC's seems perfect for a car in this segment, with the color combination of vanilla and black working well together.

The exterior doesn't hurt this car, either; it has a streamlined look, giving a feeling of movement without sharp lines. The Volkswagen CC handles well, but more power would be welcome. NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: I like this 2012 Volkswagen CC Lux Limited. It's well executed inside and out, and the risk-taking, swoop styling makes it a halo sedan of sorts for the brand.

I'll second Andy's Audi comparison. I love the raked roofline in back and the gorgeous lights front and rear. The seats are comfortable, supportive and sharp, with stitching and color combinations used in excellent fashion.