If you're looking at an accommodating family sedan and you're enamored of the Volkswagen Group's products, you can go for a Passat, or you can step up to an Audi. But in overseas markets, buyers have a choice in between: Skoda. VW's Czech division makes a larger version of the European-market Passat (the North American version is a different model entirely) called the Superb, and now Skoda is preparing to present a facelifted version at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show.

The revised Skoda Superb is distinguished by substantially updated styling, with crisp lines characterizing the new front end that's been entirely redesigned from the windshield forward with a new grille, headlights, bumpers, fenders and hood. The tail-lights are new as well, and the interior has likewise been refreshed. European buyers will be able to pick up the new Superb starting in June in either notchback sedan or Combi wagon variants, with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines, many of which are fitted with start/stop systems and brakeforce-energy recuperation, in either front- or all-wheel drive.