Seeing is believing

The Volkswagen CC was launched at the 2008 Detroit Motor Show as the world's first four-door coupe in the US$30,000 to US$40,000 class. The CC (for Comfort Coupe) was sold to nearly 270,000 people around the globe, Volkswagen says, because it had the luxury and drive of luxury makes, but at a more competitive price.

Positioned above the Passat saloon and below the plush Phaeton used by local government officials, the CC proved a smart executive ride.

Dealers Volkswagen Hong Kong offers two cars: a 210-horsepower, two-litre version for HK$399,800 and a 300hp V6 with 4Motion four-wheel drive and a DSG double-clutch gearbox for HK$518,800. The models promise more luxury, with a new grille, a more powerful-looking bonnet and an extra air intake beneath the body-coloured bumper, like the Phaeton. The CC also has a new rear with a modified wrap-around chrome strip.

The VW logo again serves as the opening handle for the boot lid, and it can also integrate a camera for the optional Rear Assist parking aid. The rear LED lighting system design has been revamped too. The new CCs also have new 17-inch alloy wheels, new bi-xenon headlights and new facilities as standard. Interior updates include an analogue clock like the one in the Phaeton and the option of brown decor.

The CC also has dual tailpipes, an auto-hold function, hill start assistant, automatic control of running lights, automatic boot-lid opening from the interior, and dynamic chassis and stability controls with six airbags.

Smart options include a seatbelt status indicator in the multifunction display of the instrument cluster that reveals whether the rear passengers are strapped in. Side Assist Plus including Lane Assist warns of vehicles in blind spots and intervenes in the steering to avoid an accident.

Other fittings include automatic main beam control and a camera-based traffic-sign detection system. The marque also offers a 'climate seat' with an integrated massage function, a transparent panoramic sunroof, radio navigation and sound systems, hands-free telephone units, multimedia interface, garage door opener integrated in the sun visor, and a tyre pressure-monitoring system with indicators for each wheel.