LA Auto Show highlights - Volkswagen CC

VW's 'poor man's Mercedes CLS' loses the Passat name – from now on it's simply badged CC, as marketing men try to create a more distinct line between it and the regular four-door and estate models.

The looks won't draw a distinct line between this generation of CC and the previous one, because it's a very mild restyling job. There's a new front grille, different bumpers, new bonnet sculpting and revised tail-lights. UK models will arrive in March, powered by 1.8- and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, or a 2.0-litre turbodiesel in two different states of tune (138bhp or 168bhp).

The more-powerful engines now get an electronic front differential as standard.

Verdict? The rear styling remains pretty and neat, and the cabin is slick, but unadventurous. However, the more glitzy nose now looks like it's tuned to brasher markets such as the US.

See reviews from Volkswagen's current line-up