Volkswagen Passat CC GT 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology DSG 4dr Car Review - March 2012

Performance credentials are the same as the Volkswagen Passat CC 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology with a maximum power output of 138 bhp at 4000 rpm and torque figures of 236 lb-ft at 1750 rpm offering good power for a family car. A top speed of 130 mph is more than acceptable for this class and combines with relatively fast acceleration capable of reaching 0-62 mph in 9.8 seconds.

Road noise can be disruptive, especially when travelling over uneven road surfaces.

The car is attractive and is a popular model for a family car. This trim level offers the most extensive range of features.

Standard equipment which comes fitted with this model includes power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in sat nav and an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 compatibility.

Rear parking sensors also become a standard feature at this level, as do leather seats.

In terms of comfort, the stiffness of the car can sometimes be a problem and this means that the quality of the drive is low. As a coupe model, visibility is limited through both the front and back windows. Headroom is also a little limited and the rear seats in particular can feel cramped for the larger passenger.

In terms of storage capacity, the model offers an adequate 452 litres when the seats are all in place, making it reasonably sized for family use.

In terms of reliability, the Volkswagen brand should be a reassurance to buyers. For those still concerned with the safety factor, the car comes with a three year warranty for 60,000 miles for additional assurance with recommended service intervals varying between models.

Overall the quality of the build is high but some internal materials look and feel a little cheap to touch. This can be seen as a slight disadvantage but with a relatively cheap purchase price, it might be somewhat expected.

In terms of safety the car comes with an advanced safety kit to protect passengers. Driver, passenger and front side airbags are all fitted as standard features and there is also an alarm and immobiliser fitted to the model to protect it from theft.

Priced at £27,650 this model is more expensive than others in the range and the lack of additional features can make this seem unjustified. Running costs are still kept low with good fuel efficiency of 53.3 mpg offered and low insurance premiums which fall under insurance group 22. Road tax costs are a little steeper in this model than others due to poorer green credentials with carbon emissions of 139 g/km putting the car under road tax band E.

The running costs are not as favourable as the manual Passat CC 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology, but it is still decent for a family car. Carbon emissions are also higher in this model than in the Passat CC 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology.

This means that the GT fails to offer the economy of green credentials expected from a family car and rival models are potentially a better investment.