In an effort to compete with similar 4-door sedans offered by Acura, Buick and Nissan, the 2013 Volkswagen CC has been revamped inside and out, including adding a couple of different trim levels and increasing the passenger count from 4 to 5.

The 2013 Volkswagen CC, which runs on regular gas, is available in six trims: Sport, Sport Plus, R-Line, Lux, V6 Lux and VR6 4Motion Executive. Additionally, the Sport, Sport Plus, R-Line, and 4-cylinder Lux trims are available as Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (PZEV) for those buyers looking to achieve zero evaporative emissions.

The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Sport, Sport Plus, R-Line and Lux trims come equipped with a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder DOHC powertrain that maxes out at 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The Sport trim is available only with a 6-speed manual transmission, and the Sport Plus trim comes paired with only a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission, while the R-Line and Lux can be equipped with either transmission. The V6 Lux, also FWD, comes equipped with a 280-hp, 3.6-liter, 24-valve DOHC VR6 engine that is mated to a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and maxes out at 265 lb-ft of torque. The VR6 4Motion Executive is powered by the same engine and transmission as the V6 Lux, but comes standard with 4Motion all-wheel drive and has paddle shifters to control the transmission. Fuel estimates for the Sport trims are 21 mpg city/32 highway, while the Sport Plus, R-Line and Lux trims are rated at 22/31. The V6 Lux is estimated to get 17/27, while the VR6 4Motion Executive is rated at 17/25.

The Volkswagen CC received a number of updates for 2013, including newly standard bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights on all trims. Additionally, the hood and radiator grille have been redesigned to make the CC resemble other vehicles in Volkswagen’s lineup, such as the recently redesigned Jetta and Passat. Tweaks were also made to CC’s profile to make it appear sleeker, while the size of the rear bumper was increased for added protection.

The biggest change for 2013 was the removal of the two rear bucket seats, which have been replaced with a three-seat rear bench to accommodate more passengers. All 2.0-liter engine trims now come standard with an XDS cross-differential (limited-slip) system to provide the driver with added torque when necessary.

Standard equipment for all 2013 Volkswagen CC trims includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, Climatronic automatic climate control, heated 12-way power driver's and front passenger seats, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, an 8-speaker sound system with AM/FM/HD radio with touchscreen, MP3 player and 6-CD changer, Bluetooth Hands-free connectivity, and 17-inch Verme aluminum alloy wheels with self-sealing all-season tires.

Buyers who upgrade to the Sport Plus trim will also receive as standard equipment LED daytime running lights, an RNS 315 navigation system and 18-inch Mallory aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires. R-Line buyers will receive a leather-wrapped steering wheel and exterior styling cues such as lowered sport bumpers and darkened taillights. Lux trim purchasers will receive a power tinted sunroof, brushed aluminum interior trim and 18-inch, 5-spoke St. Louis aluminum alloy wheels. Standard amenities on the V6 Lux include a headlight washer system, leather seating surfaces, ventilated front seats, rear-view camera, upgraded RNS 510 navigation system (with 6.5-inch touchscreen) and 18-inch Interagos wheels. The VR6 4Motion Executive adds a driver’s seat with massage function, park distance control with front and rear proximity sensors, a premium Dynaudio sound system and polished 18-inch Interlagos wheels.

Front head restraints that adjust up and down and forward and backward are one of the new safety features available on the 2013 Volkswagen CC. Additional safety features include 6 airbags (front and rear head airbags and dual front side-mounted airbags), front fog lights, tire pressure-monitoring system, 4-wheel antilock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and electric parking brake with hill-hold control, stability control and traction control.

The 2013 Volkswagen CC should begin appearing at Volkswagen dealerships by late spring.