2009 Volkswagen CC Sport

Only 200 hp? Really?? My butt dynamometers told me this was putting out at least 230 hp. I enjoyed this four-cylinder, stick-shift model a whole lot more than the stuffy VR6 auto we had in last winter. It really is amazing what a clutch pedal and a smooth-shifting gearbox can do to shrink a big car down to a manageable, even fun, size. Needless to say, the $14,000 price difference between this car and the CC VR6 we previously tested helps a bunch, too. Gaffes like VW's uncharacteristic use of hard interior plastics don't seem to matter as much when you're comparing the CC to an Accord or Camry rather than an Acura TL. And check out that huge trunk! I still want some more steering feel, and the lack of a fifth seat is a bummer for families. But for less than $30,000, the CC's gorgeous looks and strong four-cylinder performance make it quite compelling. David Zenlea, Assistant Editor