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The millionth Skoda Octavia recently rolled out of the plant at Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic. And at the same time, its replacement is being readied, to be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.

The all-new car, which you see here, is based on the new Golf and is marginally longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model.

Thankfully, it does not borrow design cues from the outrageous Roomster concept Skoda showed at Frankfurt. Four petrol engines will be on offer "� 74 bhp 1400cc, 100 bhp 1600cc and two petrol direct injection units, 114 bhp 1600cc FSI and 148 bhp 2000 cc FSI, plus two four-cylinder turbodiesels incorporating Volkswagen's Pumpe-Deuse technology, 103 bhp 1900cc and 138 bhp 2000cc.

The 114 bhp FSI and the 103 bhp PD can make an appearance in the model for India. How soon do we see it then "� 2005, perhaps?

Shooting star

Mercedes-Benz says that never in its history has one model series sold so much in so little time. The C-Class, which debuted in May 2000, has sold over 1.26 million units globally. Now, it's time for a facelift.

This begins with a redesigned front bumper, with a lower air-intake and a radiator grille, incorporating three slats. Clear lens headlamps will come as standard, and bixenon headlamps with cornering technology will be available as an option.

What isn't immediately visible is the nanotechnology-based scratch-resistant paintwork, an increase in track width and 16-inch fatter tyres. Inside, there is modified seat design and discreet chrome bits strewn about. The cockpit has been through an overhaul, the instrument panel gets white-lit chronometer-style dials, the airconditioning controls are rotary now and Thermotronic automatic climate control is standard.

When it comes to driving dynamics, Mercedes has developed new front and rear axle bearings for more agile cornering, made the steering ratio more direct and reconfigured the standard and sports suspension systems. The six-speed manual transmission is now more precise and offers shorter throws.

An addition to the engine range is a 192 bhp supercharged 2300cc powerplant in the C 230 K, which attains 100 kph in 8.1 seconds. And the C 220 CDI's engine has been uprated to now produce 150 bhp, up from 143 bhp.

What timing, considering India just got the car. Oh, did we mention that a new performance C-Class saloon and estate is also out? It's the C 55 AMG, that replaces the C 32 AMG.

For the first time, the C-Class receives an eight-cylinder engine, which develops 367 horses and over 51 kgm of torque. Now when can we have it, DaimlerChrysler India?