VW's new 4dr 'Comfort Coupe' arrives

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Just landed in SA, the new Volkswagen CC has features that may put you to sleep and then wake you up again.

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CC usually means 'coupé cabriolet' in the world of automotive abbreviations, but the VW CC is actually a coupé-like four-door sedan. And surprisingly enough, its name stands for Comfort Coupe rather than Completely Confusing.

Think of it as something of a poor man's Mercedes CLS; although with prices starting at R373 800 for the updated model, poor is clearly a relative term.

The makeover comes three years after the CC was first launched in South Africa and the most apparent change takes place at the front end where the sedan swops its smiley face for the less distinctive but neater default VW front.

Here you'll see a new chrome grille with three cross fins and redesigned bumper, bonnet and standard bi-xenon headlights with static cornering lights. Standard on the V6 model, optional on the rest, is a set of bi-xenons with 15 LED daytime running lights.

Though the rear end still has a very familiar look about it, VW insists it's been redesigned with new rear lights with LED elements and restyled back bumper.

THREE ENGINES

Three engine options are available, all of which are mated to VW's six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Bottom of the pile is VW's 2-litre TDI engine with 125kW and 350Nm available. VW claims combined consumption of 5.5 litres per 100km and an 8.6-second zero to 100km/h sprint.

The petrol range kicks off with a 155kW/280Nm 2-litre TSI turbopetrol motor with direct injection and there's a very credible performance option in the form of VW's naturally aspirated 3.6 FSI V6 with 220kW and 350Nm on tap. The latter is the only all-wheel drive model in the range. Expect the 3.6 to take just 5.5 seconds to get to 100km/h, making it 1.8 seconds quicker than the 2.0 TSI.

All models come standard with VW's XDS transverse differential lock, an extension of the electronic diff lock that's integrated into the ESP stability control system. XDS improves traction by compensating for understeer during hard cornering.

FANCY A MASSAGE?

Small changes abound in the cabin, where front occupants will get to enjoy new sports seats and those buying the V6 model receive active climate control (optional on other models). This flagship can also pamper the driver with a massage and both front occupants have seat ventilation.

AND A WAKE-UP CALL?

A more refined experience is also on the cards thanks to improved soundproofing and if the experience proves so serene that you start falling asleep, the standard fatigue detection system, which detects your level of concentration, will alert you with a five-second acoustic warning.

The standard features list includes 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, hill start assistance, air conditioning, tyre pressure monitor and a 300W audio system. But you'll need to pay more if you want an electric panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, satnav, iPod/iPhone adaptor cable, Bluetooth preparation, rear-view camera and electric seats.

That's just the tip of the gadget iceberg.

Delve into the options list and you can have a Light Assist system that (from 60km/h) automatically switches between main and dipped beams when a car is approaching, a Generation II Park Assist that can automatically detect and steer into a parallel or perpendicular parking space and an Easy Open system that allows key-holders to open the boot with a kick-like motion.

THE DAMAGE

2.0 TDI DSG (125kW) - R373 800

2.0 TSI DSG (155kW) - R395 950

3.6 V6 FSI 4Motion DSG (220kW) - R469 405

Included is a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan and three-year/120 000km warranty.