CC the new Passat at Detroit

Volkswagen has chosen the CC tag for its new Passat model, but the car does not have a folding metal convertible roof as the name may suggest. Instead, the Passat CC unveiled at the North American International Auto Show is a four-seat, four-door coupé is aimed at tackling the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Based on the existing Passat's platform, the CC has a lower, more sweeping roofline that flows into the boot in a similar fashion to the Mercedes CLS's. A large panoramic sunroof adds to the CC's distinctive looks and gives the cabin an airy feel. There are also subtle changes to the headlights and rear lights of the CC to distinguish it from the standard Passat saloon.

Unlike the four-door Passat saloon, the CC has only four seats thanks to two individual rear chairs with a large centre section between them that holds a large storage cubby. In the front, the dash is much like any other Passat's, though there are new wood or aluminium trim options and revised buttons for the climate control. All CCs will come with eight airbags as standard.

The Passat CC will be available with VW's Dynamic Drive Control that offers three suspension settings - comfort, normal and sport - though this will be an option. Engine choices start with a 158bhp 1.8 turbo petrol that provides 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and a 137mph top speed.

There's also a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 197bhp for 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and 147mph, while a 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol tops the range with 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds and a 155mph top speed. This models comes with 4Motion four-wheel drive and a DSG sequential manual gearbox as standard.

Diesels are taken care of by 138- and 167bhp versions of VW's 2.0-litre turbodiesel and these are expected to be the most popular models when the Passat CC goes on sale in the UK this summer. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but VW says they are likely to start at around £19,500.

Alisdair Suttie