2013 Volkswagen Golf Variant revealed early

These are the first official photos with the 2013 Volkswagen Golf Variant - ahead of its debut at the Geneva Auto Show next week.

No details of the car were revealed, but it's styling is a cleaner and sharpener evolution of the current model with a better-looking rear end.

The tail lamps adopt a rounder design than the ones found on the hatch, and a TSI engine sporting silver roof rails and five double-spoke alloys.

Full details will have to wait until later, but we have a good idea of what to expect. Expect a wide palette of gasoline- and diesel-burning engines with a 1.4-liter turbo four or a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel along with transmission choices including VW's DSG dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual.

We don't have any images of the interior, but this new model will share its MQB bones with the new Golf.

Full details will be available next week when the car will be shown at the Geneva.