Volkswagen has released a sketch of its new saloon, the Arteon, ahead of its public unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new model will sit above the current Passat saloon in the Volkswagen line-up and introduces a "highly expressive, horizontally accentuated brand look", according to Volkswagen.

The four-door car features LED headlights, a large grille, frameless windows and will offer "great practicality", according to Volkswagen.

The name Arteon – with the emphasis put on the first syllable – is made up of two component parts: 'Art', which describes the saloon's "harmonious lines and emotionality", and 'eon', which identifies it with Volkswagen's top model for the Chinese market, the PHIDEON.

It is set to launch in summer 2017.