New 2010 Volkswagen CC Sips Gas at Top of Upscale Class

Drivers looking for a stylish entry-luxury sedan that offers both functionality and fuel-efficiency would do well to look into the new 2010 Volkswagen CC. Introduced last year, the VW CC (Compact Coupe) still has a ways to go in terms of name recognition. However, this vehicle's impressive good looks and excellent road manners make the 2010 CC an attractive alternative to other well-equipped mid-size cars.

New 2010 Volkswagen CC Styling

Though built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Passat, one look at the Volkswagen CC and you'll quickly realize which of the two models is the Jan and Marsha of the family. The sleek, coupe-like silhouette of the four-door Volkswagen CC exudes elegance and is guaranteed to stand out next to the conservative designs of other mid-size sedans.

Inside, a pleasant two-tone color scheme and a spattering of high-quality materials help make the vehicle a great place to spend your daily commute. Leatherette and faux-metal helps deliver a luxurious feel while keeping price to a minimum. While the CC shares a similar aesthetic to the interior of the Volkswagen Passat, a few extra embellishments help give it a personality all its own.

The base Volkswagen CC comes standard with cruise control, automatic headlights, heated power front seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, satellite radio and an eight-speaker stereo. Seating is plush and comfortable. However, the choice to incorporate rear bucket seats results in a maximum occupancy of four - one less than most sedans.

New 2010 Volkswagen CC Performance

The Volkswagen CC comes outfitted with the same base engine as the Passat. This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers crisp handling and an impressive 200 horsepower. Despite the zippy performance, the VW CC offers some of the best fuel efficiency in the upscale sedan class with 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway (25 mpg).

For those who want an even more exhilarating drive, an available 3.6-liter V-6 ratchets up the fun with 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. Gas mileage for the V-6 drops to 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (21 mpg combined). Opt for the four-wheel drive, and those numbers will drop a bit more.

New 2010 Volkswagen CC Safety

Front-seat passengers are well protected with front, front-side and side curtain airbags. Four-wheel antilock brakes, brake assist, stability control and traction control also come standard. Rear side airbags are available as an option. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2010 Volkswagen CC a best-possible rating of "Good" in all crash test categories.

New 2010 Volkswagen CC Pricing

The 2010 VW CC comes with a base price of $27,550. This price helps make the vehicle an attractive alternative to such luxury models as the Infiniti G37, Audi A4 and Lexus IS. If you like the price and style of the Volkswagen CC, then the new 2011 Buick Regal may also be worth a look. Upper-tier models of the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima also slot close to the CC in terms of price and pampering.