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making youth blush

IF I COULD I would escape middle age to avoid the back pains, waning sight and slow leg movements. On the car side, seemingly, it's hopeless too.

IF I COULD I would escape middle age to avoid the back pains, waning sight and slow leg movements. On the car side, seemingly, it's hopeless too.

There aren't many cars that can excite an old warrior with a combination of an invigorating drive, space and mature class without the risk of big spoilers giving one the unwanted look of a cradle-snatcher.

The current crop of new VWs hardly matters to the fast mature person. Cars such as the Scirocco and GTI 6 don't suffice with their celebrated speed, iPod jacks, shiny alloy rims and too much fuss that's ultimately the forté of young upstarts. That is until now.

Meet the new Volkswagen CC: a fresh take on VW's Passat sedan that's so good-looking it threatens to turn grey hair into the latest must-have accessory. In many respects this car is fantastic. The CC in its name denotes Comfort-Coupe.

To match its athletic looks are two high performance petrol engines and a lone TDI diesel engine matched to a 6-speed DSG gearbox. This 2,0-litre diesel puts out 125kW and 350Nm from a low 1750 rpm and VW says it consumes as little as 6,1 litres a 100km. The 2,0 TSI churns out 147kW and 280Nm. Youngsters will say this engine is that which powers the Golf 5 GTI.

They are correct. In this CC application, though, it's calibrated for different characteristics that are clearly defined as effortless cruising on the move and not robot-to-robot racing. Opt for this engine and the gearbox choices are a 6-speed manual or Tiptronic. VW strongly suggests that the CC is an exclusive coach not meant for mass consumption, even forecasting sales of only 120-odd units a year. For the elite of the vibrant middle-aged.

There's a range topping version that comes with a 3,6-litre V6 engine with a 220kW-350Nm output and a four-wheel-drive chassis system known as 4motion.

Overall, the CC is an appealing mid-to-large sedan that excites with its design as well as it comforts on its ventilated seats. Being a Madala just might turn out to be good after all.

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