Passat CC Eco Performance Concept news - Si si, CC - 2008

Shallow it may be, but whenever a new car crops up with the word ‘Eco’ in its title, our hearts sink a little. It’s a word that promises efficient little diesel engines, long gearing and flush hubcaps: environmentally commendable but just a bit, well, dull.

Good thing the VW Passat CC Eco is here to buck the trend, then. Actually, its full title is the Passat CC Eco Performance Concept, and it’s been unveiled at the SEMA show, which should give you some clue that it’s not a hair-shirt warrior.

A mighty 311bhp and 313lb ft of torque is a pretty strong indicator, too. That’s courtesy of an adjustable APR turbocharger fitted to VW’s two-litre TSI petrol engine.
On the fly, you can choose between Full Power mode (311bhp), GT mode (252bhp) or Eco mode (222bhp). We know which mode we’d keep it in.

VW says that – even in Bloody Fast mode (or whatever it’s called) – the CC will return better economy than the standard two-litre TSI, which manages a measly 197bhp and 35-odd mpg. All good.

We’re also liking the lines of the CC Eco – there’s a subtle bodykit that adds a bit of bulk to the CLS-style swoopiness, while you can never go wrong with 20-inch wheels.

We might get into this whole ‘Eco’ thing after all…