2014 VW CC R-Line
2014 Volkswagen CC R-Line Review
VW's former Passat trim line comes into its own.
Web2Carz Contributing Writer
Published: November 7th, 2013
Volkswagen is the quintessential German brand. It represents efficiency and discipline and a somewhat off-putting lack of good humor. It's not that VW lacks personality; it's just that the characteristics of that personality are not betrayed by outward appearance. With the CC (shorthand for "comfort coupe," even though it's a four-door), Volkswagen cracks a bit of a smile. The CC R-Line is far livelier than its somewhat austere appearance suggests.
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On the Road
It's amazing how much fun can be squeezed out of 200 horsepower when you add a turbocharger. We haven't driven the non-turbo versions of the CC R-Line, but we can't say why anyone would ever want any less speed than the 2.0T delivers.
Like the CC's looks, the performance is understated but more than capable. It doesn't scream "FUN!" but that doesn't mean fun can't be had. -
Exterior
VW describes the CC as a "head-turner," which is a bit of a stretch, but it is a nice looking car. It has the classic coupe curves even though, as we've said, it's a four-door, which breaks the rules of coupe-ness a bit. But we're all for the four-door coupe. If a car is going to have a back seat, there should be four doors. If the CC proves anything, it's that you don't have to sacrifice the sleekness of a coupe just because you want to make it easy for people to get in and out of the back seat.
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Interior
The inside of the CC retains the typical VW interior look - meaning more minimalism. There are nice touches in the CC - the nicely styled rear-view mirror and the optional stitched leather seats, for example - but if you don't like VW interiors, this one isn't going to convert you. We like to think of the CC's style as understated and not ostentatious rather than boring, but others may disagree.
The most annoying aspect of the CC is the iPhone connector, which is in the glove box. We appreciate the attempt at forcing people to put their phones away while they drive, but we commute in pure stop-and-go traffic, and with more than enough down time on the road to safely glance at our phones, we don't like having to stash them in the glove box when we need them hard-wired. The R-Line doesn't have a moon roof (you have to step up to the executive trim for that option), but otherwise it's a clean, comfortable interior, with back seats that are fit for people over 10 years of age. -
Conclusion
The CC is neither the sportiest coupe on the market, nor the prettiest, but it's not really trying to be either. The R-Line is neither a head-turner nor a neck-snapper, but it strikes a nice balance between sportiness and luxury at a price that won't break the bank. It's better looking and more fun than the Passat, without sacrificing much in the way of roominess or luxury.
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Features & Prices
Engine: 2.0 L -inline 4-cylinder TSI
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power Output: 200 hp / 207 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 22 city / 31 highway
Price: $33,025 (base price)
Features: LED running lights, adaptive front-lighting system, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, iPod cable, 8-speaker sound system, touch-screen navigation system.
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2014 Volkswagen CC, click here: 2014 Volkswagen CC.