Press Release
Interior: Ergonomics and details
- First Passat with individual seating system in rear
- Four ergonomically shaped sport seats, front climate seats upon request
- Newly designed instruments, door trim and automatic climate control
The Passat CC is a pure four-seater. The coupé philosophy is reflected in the interior with this seat layout as well. In both the front and rear, ergonomically designed sport seats of the highest caliber are used. Overall, it can be said that Volkswagen has succeeded in further refining seating comfort and controls on this four-door coupé. For example, the Passat CC is the first Volkswagen to have a newly developed climate control system user interface, which is quite intuitive and extremely well organized in its layout. The driver and front passenger adjust the temperature using practical rotary knobs, and the selected value is displayed on the control itself. In addition, climate control functions are also shown in the display of the audio system.
The fact is: the cockpit design of the classic Passat was already considered to be exceptionally sporty, elegant and high-end. Now the coupé is also characterized by this basic styling. Re-designed were the entire rear seating area, the instruments, and – as already mentioned – control of the standard climate control system, steering wheel and door trim with accent strips. Available options here include accents in real wood and brushed aluminum. Yet, the decorative strips in the doors not only look good: upon request their entire contours become part of a newly designed ambient lighting system that immerse the interior in an especially pleasant lighting atmosphere at night.
Cockpit
New instruments were developed exclusively for the Passat CC. They bear a clear resemblance to their counterparts on the Phaeton. Their numbers and markings are no longer backlit in blue, rather they glow in a white light. The same applies to the standard multi-functional display that is now also illuminated in white, instead of the usual red. The numeric dials with their chrome bezels and “white on black” appearance not only look very classy, but also offer very good visual contrast for optimal legibility.
Steering wheels
Also re-designed were the steering wheels offered on the Passat CC. A total of three leather sport steering wheels are available. They all have three spokes, where the lower spoke was designed as a kind of dual spoke with an integrated metallic accent. Depending on the version, the multifunction keys in the steering wheel can be used to control the trip computer, various assistance systems, the audio system and telephone. On vehicles with automatic transmission, there is also the option of up- and downshifting using the paddles located near the two lateral spokes on the steering wheel.
Radio-navigation systems
The Passat CC is being offered with a new generation radio and navigation system that was introduced in 2007. 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 a rearview camera (in the VW emblem) transmits images of the surroundings behind the Passat to the screen. Also newly developed is the “Media-In” multimedia socket. This USB interface can be used to integrate iPods and many other current MP3 and DVD players in the particular audio system installed in the Passat CC. The USB port is located in the glove box. Control is via the Passat CC’s radio or radio-navigation system. Title information is also shown in the display.
Front seats
Newly developed for the standard 6-way – or optional 12-way – power sport seats in front is a climate control feature (optional at a very low add-on price). The new climate seat actively ventilates the seat and seatback surfaces, improving comfort considerably. About 320 liters of air are exchanged per minute by fan motors that are practically silent. Three-stage control of the climate seat is via a separate switch in the seat trim. The climate seat – always in black – is offered together with leather and fabric seat covers. In addition, two beverage holders were integrated in the center tunnel unit; they can be closed by a sliding cover when not in use.
Rear seats
Maximum long-distance comfort is also offered by the individually contoured seats in the rear. Seat heating like that on the front seats is a optional feature. The sport seats offer – and this differs from a conventional rear bench seat – ergonomically optimized lateral support on the sides of the seatbacks and seat surfaces. Standard features include a center armrest between the two rear seats and an additional storage compartment. As in front, this compartment has two variable beverage holders with sliding cover. When the center armrest is folded down, a pass-through feature makes it possible to stow longer objects such as skis, which extend into the trunk area with its 535 liter volume (with spare wheel well). As an option, the Passat CC can be ordered with 1/3 to 2/3 split folding seatbacks.
Protecting the rear passengers from curious onlookers and the sun is an electrically actuated rear window screen. In addition, tinted privacy glass may be ordered for the rear window and rear side windows (65 percent light absorbing).
