WHEN Mercedes launched its CLS saloon-cum-coupe a few years back, some so-called experts scoffed at a car they thought was somewhat strange looking.
The conclusion, in some quarters at least, was that it would never catch on.
Such a wayward prediction might not quite have been on a par with the A&R man at Decca who said guitar groups were on the way out when given the chance to sign The Beatles.
Those who slated the CLS were forced to eat their words as this four-door saloon masquerading as a svelte coupe became a soaraway hit.
When people look back years from now I suspect the CLS might even be seen as the Mercedes which defined the entire brand in the early part of the 21st century.
So much so that manufacturers are now queuing up to come up with their own take on a four or five-door saloon/hatch that looks a little more sleek and out of the ordinary.
Volkswagen was the first on the case and made no secret of the fact with the launch of the Passat CC.
This extensively restyled and reshaped Passat does indeed bear more than a passing resemblance to a CLC.
It would be unfair to call it a poor man’s CLC yet at the same time such a description does not do it a disservice.
Volkswagen certainly pulled it off when it comes to creating something eye-catching and desirable, though arguably it makes the standard Passat look rather dull in comparison.
Underneath its stylish exterior the CC is virtually the same as the standard Passat, though the inside does have a different and bespoke kind of feel.
Interestingly until recently it only came as a four-seater, though you can now choose between four and five seat versions.
Quite how three adult passengers might cope in the rear given the lowered roofline and more curvaceous roof design is anyone’s guess but it certainly makes the CC more tempting as a practical family motor.
In fact in the practically stakes it actually has a larger boot than the standard Passat. Longer, lower and wider than the standard saloon, the CC feels pretty much like its more conventional sibling when it comes to driving dynamics.
Stiff and sturdy, it drives rather well and goes around corners nicely too.
It boasts excellent ride quality and I was particularly impressed with the 1.9-litre TSI engine.
The new generation of frugal yet punchy petrol engines, of which this is one, are perhaps the way forward.
This one has much of the character of a diesel and plenty of torque, almost as if it’s bridging the gap between petrol and diesel. It’s a new experience you get used to rather easily and even in a group with a great range of decent engines this one stands out as one of the sweetest and smoothest.
All in all the Passat CC should be considered a success. It offers a refreshing and different take on a standard saloon and the fact it has used the Mercedes CLS as an inspiration does not detract from its charms.
And, if you’re wondering what the CC stands for - it’s not coupe cabriolet in line with the current naming convention adopted by most manufacturers - but comfort coupe.
Slightly confusing, but I guess a car that can’t quite make its mind up whether it’s a Volkswagen Passat or a Mercedes CLS could perhaps be forgiven for being slightly confused as to its identity.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Passat CC 1.8 TSI
Price: £22,520
Mechanical: 160bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 138mph
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 38.2
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 172g/km
BiK rating: 23%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles