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Volkswagen Middle East ended 2008 with a remarkable regional launch of the Passat CC. This sporty, dynamic car represents a brand new segment in the automobile industry combining the rationality of a saloon and the emotional appeal of a sports coupŽ, a first for the motoring world.
Iris Kraska, of Volkswagen Middle East, said: "The launch of the Passat CC in the region is a perfect ending of another successful year of Volkswagen Middle East. The car is a true recognition of style, dynamism and performance which can easily be distinguished once the driver sits behind the wheel. It is the first time that Volkswagen brings together a concept combining both a coupŽ philosophy with a practical saloon, incorporating the best of both worlds. The coupŽ design is echoed in its progressive performance-orientated and dynamic equipment programme and the saloon is achieved by its four door concept, its four fully sized seats and a significant level of interior variability."
Kraska added: "The concept and design of the Passat CC defines fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream. Its fully independent body design, impressive powertrain systems and technological features worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle that is one of a kind."
The four-door coupŽ measures 4,796 millimetres in length, which is 31 mm more than the classic Passat. With a width of 1,856 mm (an extra 36 mm), the Passat CC already ranges in the competitive field of the upper mid-class. Similar to its width, its track width dimensions were also modified. In front it is 1,553 mm (an extra 11 mm), and in the rear 1,557 mm (an extra 16 mm). The new Volkswagen measures just 1,420 mm in height (lowered by 50 mm) - very sports car like.
The Passat CC is a pure four-seater. The coupŽ philosophy is reflected in the interior in this seat layout too. Both in front and in the rear, ergonomically designed sport seats of the highest calibre are used.
The cockpit design of the classic Passat is already considered exceptionally sporty, elegant and high-end. Newly conceptualised were the entire rear seating area, the instruments, control of the standard climate control system, the steering wheels that are offered and door trim including accent strips.
Available options here include accents in genuine wood and newly developed applications of brushed aluminum. Upon request a newly designed lighting system on the doors, called "ambiance package," gives the interior an especially pleasant lighting ambiance at night.
A total of three leather sport steering wheels are available for the Passat CC. Depending on the version, the multifunction keys in the steering wheel can be used to control the trip computer, various assistance systems, the audio systems and telephone.
The Passat CC is being offered with a new generation radio and navigation system. Features of the top version - the RNS 510 - include intuitive touchscreen control and a hard-disk supported navigation system. In conjunction with the "Rear Assist" parking assistance system, when driving in reverse, images of the surroundings behind the Passat CC are transmitted to the screen from a rearview camera.
Newly developed is a climate control feature which provides active ventilation of the seat and seatback surfaces, improving comfort considerably. About 320 litres of air are exchanged per minute here using ventilation fan motors that are particularly silent. Also newly developed for the Passat CC is an electrically activated Panorama vent sunroof. The transparent roof is 750 ambiance long and 1,120 ambiance wide.
The Passat CC is a progressive technological platform with innovative assistance and driving dynamics systems. These include world firsts in the Lane Assist lane keeping system and the Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) electronic chassis control system. No less innovative is the Park Assist parking assistant and ACC Automatic Distance Control with stopping distance reducing Front Assist.
The car's new DDC chassis control system combines the sportiness of a coupŽ and the comfort of a top sedan in one car. In parallel to tuning off the suspension's damping characteristic, the power steering system is controlled too. The suspension constantly adapts to the roadway and driving situation and also reacts to acceleration, braking and steering inputs.
When ACC Automatic Distance Control is activated, the Passat CC automatically brakes and accelerates within a speed range input by the driver beforehand. Thanks to Front Assist, the system also avoids frontal collisions using a radar sensor to monitor the distance to the vehicle ahead of the Passat CC.
The Passat CC also includes the Mobility Tire System, which greatly increases tyre life-span, and the model features to eight airbags, ESP electronic stabilisation programme and an extremely high-strength body.
Volkswagen is offering the Passat CC exclusively with highly advanced direct injection engines of 1.8TSI and 2.0TSI in the Middle East.
