Its fully independent body design, four sporty individually sculpted seats, impressive powertrain systems and technology worthy of the luxury class, meld together to offer a unique choice in its market segment (medium > $60,000). The new Volkswagen Coupe embodies the concept of a sporty coupe in a stunning four-door package which does not conform to the mainstream.

The new Volkswagen Coupe reveals itself as being an exceptionally comfortable and elegant vehicle inside. Small details can have tremendous impact such as the new design of the instruments with chrome bezels; instruments markings and numbers are not backlit in the Volkswagen Blue, rather they glow in a white light.

When the ignition is started the instrument pointers all briefly peg to their maximum positions. For added dynamism, the suspension has been lowered by 15 mm but as its name suggests - Comfort Coupe - there is no compromise in ride quality.

The flowing lines of the car’s profile, side and rear, are especially distinctive. The roof sweeps toward the rear with a very flat curve radius, from the A pillars to far beyond the C pillars. The line of the boot region extends into the rear window as if drawn with a single line. The side windows trace a narrow arc bordered in chrome. To further intensify the styling, the side windows are guided into frameless doors. Beneath the window line, a muscular, developed shoulder line is used as a style-defining design element, which is emphasised by a distinct ‘tornado line’. In hard numbers, the coupe measures 4,796 mm in length, 1,856 mm wide and is just 1,422 mm high.

The radiator grille with its two cross-struts and centrally located logo spans the area between the trapezoidal headlamps making the front end of the Passat CC more dominant than any other Volkswagen. The rear end of the Passat CC is also marked by an independent design. Large format dual taillights produce an unmistakable visual image, day and night. A rear spoiler that has been very stylishly worked into the modulation of the boot lid reduces air turbulence and generates greater downforce.

Due for a local launch in early 2009, the Passat CC will be available with either an efficient TDI diesel producing 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque or a direct injection 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine which produces 220 kW and 350 Nm of torque. Both engines come paired with six-speed DSG transmissions, which feed the power to either the front wheels in the TDI or via all four wheels in the 4MOTION equipped V6 petrol.

The Passat CC will be well equipped with luxurious features designed to cosset the driver and passengers. Four individual sports seats covered in Napa leather with inbuilt seat heaters for both front and rear occupants, 3 spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with gearshift paddles, climate control, brushed aluminium decorative interior trim and 12-way power adjustable front seats are just some of the extensive list of standard equipment.

To ensure optimum safety and control, the Passat CC will also come with Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), eight airbags, front and rear parking distance sensors and Adaptive Chassis Control. In addition to the extensive array of standard features, the Passat CC will also be available with unique optional features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Park Assist.