The Volkswagen CC is a sporty, upscale version of the Passat sedan. This car was originally introduced for 2009 as a four-passenger, coupe-style sedan, combining sedan comfort with sports-car dynamics. For the 2013 makeover, the rear gets a bench seat, giving the car a capacity of five people.

With the redesign, the CC is wider, longer and lower, with a long hood and short trunk, a rear-swept roofline and a strong shoulder line. Volkswagen calls the CC “a mid-size sports sedan with shocking good looks.”

My 2013 CC Sport Plus turbo model was athletic and elegant, with 18-inch, split five-spoke alloy wheels, a bold chrome grille with signature VW badge, and a deep front air dam.