High tech and gadgets galore on VW Passat CC

With over 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range with a third dimension: the Passat CC, an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé simultaneously.

In Europe the 4.8-metre Volkswagen will be offered with two direct-injection gasoline engines (TSI and V6) as well as a turbo-diesel (TDI).

The Passat CC also boasts a host of new driver assistance systems, including the 'lane assist' lane-keeping system and new DCC adaptive chassis control. Other high-end technologies include 'park assist' and 'ACC automatic distance control' with 'front assist' for braking distance reduction.

There is also an electrically actuated panorama vent sunroof. The transparent roof is 750 millimeters long and 1,120 millimeters wide and covers the entire front section up to the B pillars.

There's even a list of small details with impact, such as the unique guide system for the side windows in the frameless coupé doors, which do not offer any surfaces for the wind to catch hold. The climate control feature for the car's seats (active climate seat) until now was only fitted on the Phaeton luxury sedan. Also new is the entire climate control system and visualisation is now integrated in the display of the radio and navigation systems. There is also a new layout and design of the instruments with chrome bezels. Similar to the Phaeton, instrument markings and numbers are not backlit in blue; rather they glow in a white light.

The 'mobility tire' from Continental is being introduced on a Volkswagen and is standard equipment on every Passat CC. 'ContiSeal' is a system that enables continued driving despite penetration by nails or screws: a protective layer on the interior surface of the tyre tread area immediately seals holes caused by penetration of foreign objects. That way, no air can escape. The sealing process works for nearly any leaks caused by objects up to five millimetres in diameter. About 85 per cent of typical flat tyres can therefore be avoided.

The Passat CC - which is intentionally offered in just one luxurious equipment variant - is positioned in the premium range of mid-class cars. Its standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels ('Phoenix' type), chrome accents (interior and exterior), four ergonomic sport seats (individual seating system in rear), a new three-spoke leather steering wheel design, climate control, ESP electronic stabilisation programme, and automatic headlamp switching.

The Passat CC 1.8 starts at €44,000. For more information visit the showroom in Princess Margaret Street, Msida, or call 2347 6314 or 9943 3330 for more information.