Faults:

Timing chain tensioner failure. If the tensioner fails, the chain can jump and bend the valves, causing catastrophic damage.

The fuel doesn't clean the intake valves. This causes jerking when the engine is cold and a loss of power.

Water pump manifold and thermostat wear out and cause coolant leaks.

The turbocharger requires that the engine not shut off abruptly after being under heavy load. If the oil does not circulate properly around the turbocharger shaft, the seals will be damaged, causing oil consumption and blue smoke.

General Comments:

The CC is a work of art not because of its mechanics—which it inherits from the excellent Passat—but because of its sublime design.

One example of this is the front seats. They are gorgeous. The continuous, curved sections that frame the lower cushions are particularly bold compared to conventional car seats, and the seats as a whole are a great example of how interesting design doesn't have to compromise functionality or comfort; they achieve the perfect balance between sporty support and exceptional comfort for long journeys.

The two rear seats (this is a four-seater; for a similarly sized five-seater VW, you'd still have to go for the Passat) are attractive and separated by a console with two cupholders and a storage compartment that can be hidden under a roll-up cover. These rear seats offer good lateral support, long seat cushions, and ample legroom for average-sized adults. The drawbacks: headroom is nonexistent for people 1.83 m tall, despite the seats being mounted low, and when stretching your legs to take advantage of the thigh support, your toes bump against something under the front seats. The low roofline also makes getting in and out a bit difficult.

The CC looks fantastic, but it also drives beautifully. The 2.0-liter, 200-hp turbocharged engine is one of our favorites. This four-cylinder delivers its maximum torque of 207 lb-ft from 1,700 to 5,000 rpm, and we love the subtle whine—barely audible even with the radio at low volume—that it produces when accelerating and releasing the throttle.

It has a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. It has a manual mode, but the lever is on the right, making it difficult for the driver to access during sporty driving.

Starting with braking torque and stability control deactivated doesn't generate any torque effect in the steering, which is practically nonexistent when accelerating sharply out of a corner. However, it's when entering a corner that some of the CC's few weaknesses become apparent. Corner entry is slow—to be expected with almost 60% of the car's 1540 kg over the front axle—and the steering is rather vague, although precise.

Another drawback is the somewhat uneven handling on poor road surfaces, which is surprising given the relatively high profile of our car's Continental ContiProContact 235/45-17 tires.

However, these types of surfaces don't really affect the vehicle's behavior, and in any other situation, the handling is very controlled. Stability is impeccable even at speeds approaching 100 km/h.

The car has few negatives and many positives, even though it was made in years when VW's reputation wasn't the best. But they really hit the mark with this car.

Faults:

Radiator leak.

Suspension mounts.

Brakes.

Plus the usual wear and tear, car has been serviced on time, getting all belt and oil changes as applicable.

General Comments:

Volkswagen CC is a fantastic looking car. 4 door saloon but coupe like styling. I really like the look of this car in silver. Original VW alloys are also well suited.

Inside it is one of the most comfortable and spacious cars I have ever had. Soo many electric features and modern looking interior for a 2009 car. Faultless in regards comfort. I will say with certainty anyone will find any journey as a driver or passenger very comfy.

To drive the 1.8 petrol is punchy with the manual box, only does around 35 mpg and tax is expensive. Some repairs have also been expensive. But the performance is good, and the engine is smooth and quiet, and it very much feels like a luxury car. If buying again I think I'd go for the diesel 2.0 TDi for the sake of lower running costs, better reliability and better miles per gallon, but if you do a low annual mileage, this 1.8 TSi petrol will do you fine.

A great car with almost no negative points. I believe the "Arteon" was the successor, but it's a shame the CC is no longer made.