Taking a page out of the Mercedes CLS book, the new Volkswagen Passat CC strikes a coupe-like silhouette, as AutoWeek points out. The Passat CC starts at $27k—a few thousand more than the base car—and offers a choice of two engines, along with the ability to seriously do up the interior with optional wood grain and an improved touch screen navigation system with 3D graphics and topographical maps.

Meanwhile, Motive Magazine reports that a high-end version includes nav and radio functions, plus a built-in hard drive, SD card slot, and an iPod/USB port in the glove box. "Optional is a 650-watt Dynaudio sound system that ranks as one of the best OEM systems on the market with wonderful tonal qualities that even purists will appreciate."

Outside, it's a couple of inches lower and longer than the regular Passat, and it even rides 0.6 inches lower than that car. Surprisingly, AutoWeek found that only the "tallest folks" will feel cheated in the headroom department when sitting in the back; with the front seats pushed to their most rearward position, "there's still plenty of legroom in back."