2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line

This week’s test drive in an iron-gray, metallic CC R-Line with a black V-Tex leatherette interior and 18” alloy wheels took me from Northern Utah through the great state of Wyoming, all on the two-lane Highways of 89, 30, 189, 191 and 352 ended up in Cora, Wyoming at New Fork Lakes. On the way back, a road closure due to an accident extended the return trip through Idaho on Highways 30, 36- then finally the home stretch on Highway 91 back to the Logan area.


This 6-speed manual transmission is powered by a 2.0 turbocharged TFSI engine and provided plenty of power and great fuel economy for the trip. The 200 horsepower was complimented with the fuel mileage of 32 miles per gallon while cruising at about 70 MPH at 2,100 RPMs in 6th gear. From a complete stop, I could get to cruising speed by 3rd gear and still have three more gears to shift through for optimum fuel mileage. The horsepower from the turbocharged engine held 6th gear while the cruise control was set over a variety of grades and mountain passes.

The Volkswagen CC R-Line is the latest addition to the CC lineup and it received a sportier front bumper with a large lower air intake along with classy, projector-like fog lights and R-Line side skirts. The coupe shape on this sedan made for a fun and economic ride. The glow of the automatic Bi- Xenon headlights, LED driving lights and rain-sensing windshield wipers in addition to Volkswagen’s “Coming Home” feature- which illuminates nighttime surroundings- adds a hint of luxury to the CC R-Line model.

Being detoured due to an accident can make one reflect on the safety features of the car being driven. The CC comes with driver and front passenger airbags, head and thorax side airbags. supplemental restraint systems, side curtain protection head impact airbags for the front and rear and head restraints for all vehicle occupants. Front and rear power assisted disc brakes and anti-theft alarm with an immobilizing theft deterrent system help ease the mind while traveling.

Compatible phone integration, overall sound and navigation system controlled through the leather wrapped, multi-functional steering wheel controls, voice command and color touch screen make for a convenient and entertaining driving experience. I found that the turn-by-turn directions provided by Volkswagen’s navigation system are very accurate, even on rural countryside highways through Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. Connecting my phone via Bluetooth to stream music was an easy process and Volkswagen provides a media device interface with an iPod cable located in the glove compartment.

Finally, I was impressed with the availability of trunk space without sacrificing legroom for the rear occupants. The estimated 8-hour drive time that turned into a 12-hour round trip mini-vacation was very comfortable in this sporty and spacious sedan. Visit a Volkswagen dealer and ask them about a similar driving experience.

Base MSRP: $32,195
Price as Driven: $33,020