Once a maker of simple, honest cars, recent years have seen Volkswagen step up its game to be a major player in almost every sector of the market.

The evolutionary process has been a steady one, with the result a constantly expanding line-up of increasingly competent and desirable cars.

A case in point is the Passat CC; a more streamlined and upmarket alternative to the firm's regular Passat saloon.

The Passat CC's coupe-like profile, refined cabin ambience and mature driving manners earned it a place in the hearts of many seeking to escape the predictability of a conventional three-box saloon.

Facelift time has seen a few things added to the car's skill set and one noticeable subtraction: the Passat moniker. In keeping with the original car's North American naming convention, it's now just Volkswagen CC.

Volkswagen's new focus is on ramping up refinement, which has resulted in improved levels of soundproofing. Despite the CC's posh exterior, its predecessor was a firm favourite with company car drivers, and this car's motorway cruising behaviour has been further enhanced thanks to the extra soundproofing.

Maintaining the 'premium value' theme more kit is now available, with the car's standard specification including Bluetooth, DAB, xenon headlights and sat-nav at base level. Leather seats, adaptive dampers, cruise control and parking sensors can be found on the higher spec GT models. Make no mistake, Volkswagen knows what it's doing with the CC. This generous level of standard and optional kit plays right into the hands of buyers seeking a plush-looking executive car with one eye on their modest budget. None of the more expensive traditional German choices can compete at this level.

And it's inside the CC where its high value character really comes to the fore. All the materials you can touch and see are a cut above anything else in its (almost) sub-£30,000 price range.

Driving the CC is just as satisfying as sitting in it and admiring the fixtures and fittings. Save for the standard-fit addition of Volkswagen's trick electronically controlled XDS differential on cars with more than 170 horsepower – that means the high output 2.0-litre diesel – little has changed since dropping the Passat name. Like before, the CC delivers a refined and mature ride – even on the GT's large 18-inch alloy wheels – yet also proves engaging enough to raise a smile on twisty backroads. Volkswagen isn't promoting it as an all-out performance saloon, but the CC is a willing companion boasting more agility than its size suggests.

Part of this performance is down to engine choice. There are 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol units offering 160 and 210 horsepower respectively, but it's the 2.0-litre diesels in 140 and 170 horsepower guise that will prove the most popular. CO2 is a low 125g/km for the 140 and 139g/km for the 170 horsepower motor respectively due in part to engine stop-start brake energy regeneration technology.

Factor in a smooth-shifting DSG auto gearbox for a small CO2 penalty and you've got yourself an extremely polished and financially rewarding ownership experience.