The 2013 Volkswagen CC is based on the Passat family, yet it's different enough to warrant separate crash tests from the major agencies; and when this review had been posted, those results simply weren't available yet. In front, the seating position is just a little odd. The buckets themselves are comfortable, but the seating position is rather low, and headroom is just adequate for taller drivers, who will find themselves up by the windshield header.

The 2013 Volkswagen CC sacrifices some practicality in the name of fashion, and feels like a luxury car in many respects.

The Volkswagen CC has agile driving dynamics and a choice of peppy four- and six-cylinder engines. However, it ranks near the back of the luxury midsize car class due to its tight rear headroom and merely average reliability rating.        That said, the CC has a pretty good record for safety and has performed well in the past according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety—and structurally, it hasn't changed for 2013.

The Volkswagen CC has two engine options: a turbocharged four-cylinder with 200 horsepower and a V6 with 280 horsepower. The turbo-four is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The V6 has a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available for V6 models only.

The Volkswagen CC is a four-door sedan that seats five. The front seats are soft, supportive, and provide ample head- and legroom. Our favorites of the CC lineup remain those with the base turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.