Driven: 2012 Volkswagen CC

It is back. The slightly restyled Volkswagen CC. We still consider this to be one of the most beautiful cars in the compact sedan segment. Our 2009 Volkswagen CC has not skipped a beat since our purchase and continues to be an absolute joy to drive. Everyone who has seen, driven or been driven around in this sleek sedan raves about it. And for good reason.

We wondered if it would be possible to better the already superb looking CC and it looks like the engineers at Wolfsburg have heard us. There are no changes under the hood between the 2009 and 2012 models and there are only subtle changes in the interior and exterior body work. On the inside, the only changes the CC receives this year is a new analog clock (inspired by a Swiss timepiece) that VW placed above the radio controls and a new wood trim. Outside, the CC Sport gets 10-spoke, 17-inch wheels, while the R-Line gets 18-inch wheels that are shared with the CC Lux. The CC Executive gets unique 18-inch turbine-blade wheels. The R-Line also comes with the factory body kit which gives the CC an aggressive stance on the road. Engine options still remain the same with with turbo-charged 2.0L I4 that puts out 200 HP and 207 lb-ft of torque and the 3.6L V6 that puts out 280 HP and 265 lb-ft of torque. So how is it?

Plus: It is a beautiful car which is further accentuated by the affordable price. It is really planted on the road and comes alive when you hit highway speeds. Driving around the city is also very easy. Great visibility from inside the cabin. The mid-range power is fantastic and comes in very handy when trying to overtake. Good resale value.

Minus: Mash the gas pedal from a dead stop and you might encounter some torque steer in the FWD model. This is to be expected with the power the motor in this car produces. Try it with the all wheel drive version and you are off like a rocket! If you are too tall, say over 6' 3", the rear might feel a little too low with the sloped roof. Trying to fit more than 2 adults in the back means the person in the middle will have a very uncomfortable ride considering there are only two rear bucket seats with the hand rest in the middle. Then again Volkswagen markets this car as the perfect ride for 4 adults, and we agree.

Overall: As with the previous version, this car does not disappoint. It has a great blend of looks, comfort and performance along with an affordable price tag (~$28,000 for the base model to ~$41,000 for the fully loaded version). It is a damn shame this car is not available in India. We will have to make do with its brethren, the Passat. Not that it is a bad thing.