Review: Volkswagen Mk.6 Passat CC (2009-12)

Review: Volkswagen Mk.6-I Passat CC (2009-11)

Overview

Released in February 2009, the Volkswagen Mk.6 Passat CC was a four-door sedan with a coupe-like profile. Manufactured in Emden, Germany, the VW Passat CC was available with either a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (the ‘125TDI’ variant) or a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine (‘3.6 FSI’). Both engines were solely available with a six-speed double clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s DSG).

125TDI and 3.6 FSI engines

For the Passat CC 125TDI, the 2.0-litre diesel engine had a grey cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, fracture-split forged steel connecting rods, two counter-rotating balance shafts, common-rail injection (operating at 1850 bar), double overhead camshafts (belt and gear-driven), a variable geometry turbocharger, four valves per cylinder, exhaust gas recirculation, a diesel particulate filter, compression ratio of 16.5:1; and,

For the Passat 3.6 FSI, the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine had a grey cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, direct fuel injection (Volkswagen’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’, or FSI), double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing, and a compression ratio of 11.4:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volkswagen Mk.6 Passat sedan on which it was based, the Passat CC was 31 mm longer (at 4799 mm), 36 mm wider (1855 mm) and 50 mm lower (1417 mm).

Suspension

The Passat CC had MacPherson strut front suspension (with lower A-arms) and independent, four-link rear suspension. As standard, the Passat CC’s suspension featured electronically-controlled dampers (Volkswagen’s ‘Adaptive Chassis Control’) which enabled the driver to select from Comfort, Normal and Sport programs – this selection also affected settings for the electromechanical power steering.

4-Motion all-wheel drive system

While the Passat CC 125TDI was front-wheel drive, the Passat CC 3.6 FSI was fitted with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The system consisted of a Haldex coupling mounted in front of the rear axle differential, with the input shaft separated from the output shaft to the rear axle differential. As such, 4-Motion system provided front-wheel drive in normal conditions, but utilised hydraulic and electronic systems to detect a loss of traction at the front wheels. The clutch plates would then engage to direct up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen Passat CC included dual front airbags, side airbags for front and rear occupants, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front seatbelt load limiters and front and outer rear seatbelt pretensioners.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2005 VW B6 Passat sedan with a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine (not available in Australia) received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.99 out of 37. Volkswagen provided evidence to ANCAP that the Passat CC could be expected to provide comparable protection to the sedan tested by Euro NCAP, such that the sedan’s results were extended to the Passat CC. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious leg injury for the driver due to contact with the steering column and a slight risk of serious chest injury for the front passenger. In the side impact and pole test, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Passat CC 125 TDI and 3.6 FSI included 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player and auxiliary inputs, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control (with speed alert), Nappa leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, directional bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, power-operated park brake, tyre pressure monitoring, 12 volt power outlets, trip computer, a motion-sensing alarm and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Specifications: Volkswagen Mk.6-I Passat CC (February 2009)

Review: Volkswagen Mk.6-II Passat CC (2011-12)

Overview

Released in June 2011, the Volkswagen Mk.6 Series II (Mk.6-II) Passat CC introduced fuel-saving technologies and a subtly updated interior. Specifically, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine had a Stop/Start function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic. Furthermore, both the 125TDI and 3.6 FSI variants received ‘brake energy recuperation’ systems which inversely varied alternator output according to engine load.

While external styling was unchanged, the Mk.6-II Passat CC interior was updated with chrome highlights and a dash-mounted analogue clock.

In July 2012, the Passat CC was replaced by the Volkswagen CC – this model has been reviewed separately.

Safety equipment

Compared to its predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen Mk.6-II Passat CC was improved to include a driver fatigue monitoring system. Optional safety equipment, however, was extended to include lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and automated braking.

Features

Standard features for the Mk.6-II Passat CC were extended to include and Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming.

Related links

• Specifications: Volkswagen Mk.6-II Passat CC (May 2011)
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen Mk.6 CC