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Passats have been around since 1973. The first, second and fourth generations shared much with contemporary Audi 80s and A4s. The third iteration was mechanically more like a big Golf, as is the current one.

This new four-door Passat coupé seeks to ensnare buyers who think the saloon a bit too minicab by looking dramatic and feeling like a properly premium product.

It’s clearly not a coupé-cabriolet, despite its name. Instead, it’s a “comfort coupé”, but it’s not called Passat...Read the full article

Kudos to VW for bringing the Passat CC to market although its name is probably the only thing I would change.

This is the best looking VW in a long time and the best iteration of the new nose design so far.  I also believe the coupe style sedan concept is fantastic.  If the rest of the mechanicals and chassis are bog standard Passat, then I think it should be about as solid as a tank. Were it not for the poor resale value of VW and Audi in my country, I would buy a Passat CC in a heartbeat.

I measure 190 cm in height and find myself fitting comfortably in the Mercedes CLS which is the car I would buy were it not quite so pricey.  For now, it's the boxy C-Class for me until used CLS' start popping up, that is.

Congratulations to VW on the Passat CC!

It's not a particularly well-resolved design, especially the rear end, with bulbous extremities joined together with bland swathes of steel. Typical VW really. There will be a rash of new, much better looking alternatives before long.

Also, I believe that the manufacturers who are doing these 'coupoons' or 'saloupes' or whatever you want to call them are seriously missing a trick by not offering a 5th seatbelt and a rear bench as an option. I've moaned about it before on a different forum but it really grates me. I don't care about headroom for 5 adults- my kids are all less than 4 feet high so they're not really gonna be bothered.

I have to agree with you on the 5th seatbelt, Kerrecoe.  Here in Asia, many adults are actually pretty petite in size and fitting 3 abreast in the back of a CLS or Passat CC would not raise any complaints whatsoever.

As for the tail design, you have to admit the Passat CC looks miles better than the Passat sedan.

I agree that more will follow. I am hoping that the new Peugeot 608 is a real looker although I am not sure what they can do about that 'distinctive' front snout that now graces every new Pug!  They should bring Pininfarina back as their design consultants.

So why is the electronic handbrake "overly complex"?