GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: VW Sport Coupe Concept GTE

Volkswagen will gauge response to its next-generation Passat CC, a four-door 'coupe', by way of the Sport Coupe Concept GTE.

Revealed a day before its 2015 Geneva motor show debut in Switzerland and a week after sketches first appeared, the concept design reveals a more angular and assertive aesthetic than its curvy predecessor and will influence Volkswagen's evolving design philosophy.

If the reactions are positive to the design, which features a contemporary take on VW's grille and headlights, Volkswagen's chief designer, Italian-born Walter de Silva, won't implement too many changes.

It's safe to say that the production model will be toned down somewhat from the Sport Coupe Concept GTE, with the large front air dams and bonnet vents likely to be ditched and although the interior will lose some of its gloss, the fully digitised instrument cluster and simplified control could make the transition.

The overall design, dubbed "progressive" by VW, will stay however, with the low, curving roof adding athleticism and the long bonnet issuing a performance challenge to erstwhile rivals. The adoption of a glass roof and 21-inch alloy wheels are also likely to be offered as options when the next Passat CC lobs later in 2015.

One of the hallmarks of the Passat CC was its interior space, something the new high-tech Sports Coupe Concept GTE looks set to continue. That means it's a big car, measuring close to five metres long (4869mm) and would therefore slot into the 'large car' category as defined by VFACTS in Australia, which is inhabited by the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore.

Boot space in the concept car is generous at 480 litres and despite its large size the Sport Coupe Concept GTE is based on the VW Group's MQB platform matrix, which is most famous for underpinning small cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.

At 1864mm wide the concept car offers plenty of room for four passengers and is fairly low at 1407mm.

The Volkswagen Sport Coupe Concept GTE is propelled by a three-engined powertrain comprising a turbo-petrol V6 TSI engine paired with two electric motors for a combined power output of 279kW. That significant wallop sees the concept accelerate from 0-100km/h in a quick-smart 5.2 seconds and on to a 250km/h top speed.

It's not clear whether the concept's hybrid powertrain is being considered for production but Volkswagen says it can deliver silent electric-only thrust for up to 50km and return fuel consumption of just 2.1L/100km overall as a result.

Dr Heinz-Jakob Neusser, Volkswagen's development chief, described the new concept as a "breathtakingly dynamic coupé" that will set new standards in the class.

"Thanks to the design in the style of an exclusive sports car combined with the added functionality of a large boot lid, we see an impressive alternative to the classic saloons of the B and C segments in this four-seater," observed Neusser.

The production version of this concept is expected to push further upmarket to tackle the likes of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.