VW Passat coupé

Meet the four-door coupé for the people. Volkswagen is set to launch its own version of the Mercedes CLS – and we’ve got the first spy shots, ahead of its official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a fortnight.

With a price tag that promises to be half that of the entry-level CLS when it goes on sale in 2008, the new model will appeal to family car buyers looking for affordable style.

It was spied undergoing final testing in Death Valley, US, and the rakish roof, rising waistline and high rear end are clear to see.

At the front, the coupé features twin headlights with a chrome grille. Meanwhile, inside, cabin quality will be better than the regular Passat’s, and there will be more equipment as standard, too. Rear passengers also benefit from figure-hugging seats.

Engines will come from VW’s efficient new TSI line-up. Under the firm’s revised badging system, these will feature different-coloured letters to denote whether they are turbocharged or if there is a supercharger fitted as well.