What's this then?

Volkswagen's highlight of the 2015 Geneva Motor Show was its new Sport Coupé Concept GTE. Pitched to preview the replacement for the elegant Volkswagen CC, this show car adopts a more aggressive design that further differentiates it from the standard Passat saloon.

Dominating the design is a new front-end that previews the future face of other Volkswagen models. Its sloping bonnet takes on an almost clamshell appearance as it meets the bold grille, which also incorporates the sleek headlight units.

The roofline flows to the tail of the car helping to portray a side profile that is more coupé than hatchback. This is further helped by a neat bonnet design and sharp C-pillars. It rides on beautifully designed 21-inch alloy wheels too, further helping that sporty look.

What powers it?

Under that interesting bonnet lies a 3.0-litre TSI petrol engine, which is supplemented by a plug-in hybrid system delivering a total power output of 380hp. Volkswagen claims that the car can reach 62mph in 5.0 seconds from a standing start. Just as headline grabbing is the fuel economy. Thanks to that plug-in hybrid system, the Sport Coupé Concept GTE returns a combined 141.2mpg.

And the interior?

Inside it's the usual show car plushness, with seating for just four. Up front, the dashboard is reminiscent of the current Passat's, with a new touchscreen interface replacing the usual centre console, complementing the virtual cockpit display in front of the driver. Volkswagen has also displayed a new, computer-mouse-like gear selector, something that we may see replace the usual automatic unit found across the range today. Rear passengers won't feel left out either; dividing the rear cabin is a console that, as well as incorporating storage and an armrest, contains a colour touchscreen panel that can be used to control various features including multimedia. Both front seat backs carry large tablet devices too.

So will it all make production?

We perhaps shouldn't hold our breaths waiting for Volkswagen to turn out a production-ready version of this car just yet, but going by this car's design, the next CC should be a belter.