The new generation of Volkswagen Passat CC, known simply as the CC, is now available in the United Kingdom, priced from £24,200.

This good-looking VW is a cheaper alternative for those who want a Mercedes CLS but cannot afford it. The elegant four-door coupe 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS or 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS petrols and a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel with either 140 or 170 PS.

The CC you want is the 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS DSG with BlueMotion Technology and GT trim level, which costs £30,100, which is still good value, especially as it returns 51 mpg.

The new CC comes with a thoroughly upgraded design, featuring new headlights and radiator grille, reprofiled front bumper, completely redesigned bumper and new LED tail lights. All models with 170 PS or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

The car also comes with a comprehensive list standard and available features:

Standard kit on all models include RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, DAB digital radio, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, 2Zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights and brake energy recuperation on all models.  Safety features include a driver alert system, ESP electronic stabilisation programme and four-way adjustable front head restraints, to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries.

Move up to GT trim and the equipment becomes sybaritic, with heated front seats, full Nappa leather upholstery, three-mode adaptive chassis control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and heat insulating tinted glass from the B-pillar back all included as standard.

Options include High Beam Assist, which automatically controls dipping of the headlights; Side Assist, which monitors the vehicle’s blind spot; Lane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; a rear-view camera; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.

Volkswagen CC model line-up and pricing