WITH its distinctive low stance and dramatically swept back roof line Volkswagen's CC is undoubtedly the most elegant car in the German car maker's ever expanding line up.

From the side it bears a strong resemblance to the Mercedes-Benz CLS, a factor that's not lost on most CC buyers. And while it's a car that once carried the Passat name it is now a stand alone model.

The CC - the letters stand for Comfort Coupe - is a large car by VW standards, with generous seating for five people and an enormous boot spacious enough to easily accommodate luggage for all of them.

If you need even more luggage space and the rear seats are empty you can fold down the rear seat backs, and there is also a useful load through ski hatch for carrying long items.

Despite its size the 177bhp, diesel engine-powered CC is impressively quick off the blocks. And mid range performance is a delight with instant response on kickdown from the slick six-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Normally with a large car, geared for performance motoring, you pay the penalty at the fuel pumps but in this case I managed to easily average more than 50 miles per gallon on virtually every journey.

One of the reasons for the excellent economy is the CC's coasting function which comes as standard. This disengages the engine from the gearbox when the driver comes off the throttle.

On most cars when you lift off the throttle the revs drop and you get engine braking and so have to depress the accelerator again to maintain speed, using more fuel.

On the CC you just coast along until you eventually feel the car slowing down, but it's amazing just how far you travel without using your right foot. It's the equivalent to putting the car into neutral, only it's much safer because as soon as you touch the accelerator or the brake the coasting, or freewheeling, function ceases.

As you lift off the accelerator you get a coasting function message in the screen in front of you so you can be sure you are making the most of it.

The interior of the CC is typically Germanic, smart and functional without being fussy. The dials are set in a deep binnacle and are clear and easy to read while all switches fall neatly to hand.

Stylish ribbed leather seats hold you firmly in place and are heated for front seat passengers.

The low roof line does mean that you have to mind your head when getting into the car, particularly if you like to have your seat set high, but that's a price you pay for the eye-catching lines.

One the road the CC is quiet and refined with excellent road holding and enjoyable pulling power.

There's a choice of leaving the DSG gearbox in normal drive, in sport or changing gear manually with the gear shift.

You also get the choice of three suspension settings at the touch of a button, with the options of comfort, normal or sport to select from.

The CC is a sporting, elegant car that's also packed with practical features and sensible economy. An enviable combination which make it very appealing.