Skoda took the covers off its facelifted Octavia medium sedan and wagon & RS at the 2008 Paris show. Cosmetic changes include new headlights, grille and front bumper, while the rear includes a new tail-light cluster and bumper. The VW Group’s seven-speed twin-clutch DSG auto will also appear.

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Ford previewed the Mondeo wagon at the 2008 Melbourne show. With a luggage capacity of 535 litres, increasing to a sizeable 1733. The wagon range is expected to be launched alongside the updated MB Mondeo range.

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Audi will release its new V10 petrol-engined R8 locally in late 2009. The petrol R8 is powered by a 386kW/530Nm 5.2-litre V10, driving all four wheels via a six-speed manual or R-Tronic sequential manual gearbox. The R8 V10 is capable of 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds.

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Audi's scintillating new A5 convertible is expected to gain two additional powertrain options late in 2009. A 3.0 TDI producing 176kW/500Nm and a 2.0 TFSI producing 125kW/280Nm.

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Toyota rolled out a subtle facelift for its American-market Camry at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. The revised Camry includes larger projector headlights, different grille and front bumper and a mildly revised tail-light lenses and fresh wheel covers. Australian sales are expected in October.

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