Launched at Frankfurt just a few short weeks ago, the 2012 Honda Civic has made a quick trip to the Southern Hemisphere to be on display at the Johannesburg International Motor Show here in South Africa.

The new 2012 Honda Civic hatchback offers softer shapes and more curvaceous lines than its edgy predecessor and we think it’s better for it. The styling updates have also given the car a slightly lower drag coefficient. Honda say their inspiration for the new styling included, “a ‘blended wing body’ aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance”.

In the cabin, the new Civic maintains the tiered and driver-focused dash design of its predecessor, but with cleaner lines. Under the skin, Honda boasts of a sporty driving experience but with added comfort, the suspension setup receiving tweaks off the back of customer feedback on its firm-riding predecessor. Torsion beam rear suspension remains, but the car gains fluid-filled compliance bushes designed to sharpen handling and ride quality. The new car will weigh the same as the one it replaces, while measuring 35 mm longer and 10 mm wider (at 4 290 mm and 1 775 mm respectively).

The new Honda Civic will be offered with three engine options: a 1.6-litre petrol unit, a 1.8-litre petrol unit and a 2.2-litre diesel unit. All the engines are combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox, ECO Assist, advanced fueling control technology and Idle Stop. They are also equipped with Hill Start Assist. The 1.8-litre engine can be paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Honda Motor Southern Africa will be launching the four-door Civic range in South Africa in early 2012, with the five-door hatchback making its local debut in April.

The highlight of the Mercedes stand at this year’s Joburg Motor Show is undoubtedly the Concept A-Class.

Considered by many as the defining vision paving the way for a new generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars, the Concept A-Class is characterised by strong and defined edges, mixed with free-flowing details reminiscent of the design used in the F800 Style concept.

The Concept A-Class has a long bonnet matching the large radiator grille, whose centre features an enormous Mercedes tri-star logo. The headlights are full-LED high-performance units consisting of 90 optical fibres.

The interior of the Mercedes A-Class Concept is flooded with light from the large panoramic roof and many of its features were inspired by aircraft engineering. Various component groups have been reduced to a minimum, for example the dashboard and centre console are merely brushed aluminium structures. Mercedes say the result is a, “transparent, light, bionic design effect.”

A smartphone is fully integrated into the operating systems of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept. When the phone is inserted into the recess provided in the centre console, it is automatically synchronised with the COMAND multimedia system. All the functions of the smartphone, including internet radio, email and social networks such as Twitter or Facebook, are shown as applications on the 178 mm display and can be operated via the rotary/push control.

The Concept A-Class is front-wheel drive and is powered by a 2.0-litre, 155 kW, four-cylinder petrol engine, borrowed from the Mercedes M270 series. The engine is mated to a new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, which allows for seemless shifts and improves fuel economy, as well as the concept’s dynamic nature.

The 10 finalists for the Wesbank / South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) 2012 Car Of The Year have been announced at the Johannesburg Motor Show.

The massive field that saw over 320 new model derivatives bidding for a place, was whittled down to 26 hopefuls, before the members of the SAGMJ cast their votes for the final 10 vehicles seen here.

Only vehicles launched between 1 October 2010 and 31 August 2011 were eligible for this year’s competition, with everything from entry-level hatchbacks to premium brand SUVs vying for the title. At this stage, however, the cream of the crop are listed alphabetically below (click the title to view each car):

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 125 kW MultiAir Distinctive
  
• Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S tronic
  
• Citroen DS4 THP 200 Sport
  
• Ford Focus 2.0 TDCI Trend Sedan Powershift
  
  
• Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS
  
  
• Kia Picanto 1.2 EX
  
  
• Mercedes Benz SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY
  
  
• Peugeot 5008 2.0 HDi Active M/T
  
  
• Suzuki Kizashi 2.4 SDLX M/T
  
  
• Volkswageb Jetta 1.4 TSI 118 kW Highline
  
  

Mark Jones, SAGMJ convenor of the competition, says, “The WesBank / South African Guild of Motoring Journalist’s Car of the Year 2012 competition is about automotive excellence and the winning vehicle must score highly in its own class, not against each other as is often thought, but across a variety of categories, including those which reflect value for money, safety, dynamics, technology and aesthetics, to name but a few.”

The winner of the 2012 South African Car Of The Year will be announced mid-March next year.

The SAGMJ, a professional body of qualified motoring writers, has annually awarded the title of SA’s Car of the Year for 25 years.

Toyota’s FT-86 G Sports Concept has arrived in South Africa, unveiled today at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.

Based on the FT-86 concept unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show late last year, this modified, turbo-charged show-piece was developed to help promote Toyota’s new G Sports styling kits, exclusive to the Japanese market.

The FT-86 was designed to be a true driver’s car. As such the vehicle will be offered with rear wheel drive and a low curb weight. Mated to a free-revving, Subaru-sourced Boxer engine, that is expected to produce around 147 kW, the FT-86 G Sport promises true driving enjoyment and an exceptional power to weight ratio.

“Toyota has made clear its intentions to inject a fresh dose of excitement into the world’s favourite automotive brand. The FT-86 G Sport is a concept version of one of the products of these intentions and fans can expect more, both at the Johannesburg Motor Show and in the near future,” says Dr Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors and a Managing Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).

The final production vehicle, which will simply be known as 86, in recognition of the legendary “Hachi roku” or AE86 Corolla, and final performance figures have not yet been made public, but a near production version was on show at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, signalling that the release of the production version is imminent. Toyota has confirmed that it will produce the FT-86 in both left and right hand drive configuration, and that the car will be coming to South Africa shortly after its international launch sometime next year.

The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) unveiled an exciting new addition to its line-up at the Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS) today.

The Ford Kuga is a five-seater cross-over vehicle that offers an elevated seating position, versatile interior, dynamic on and off road ability and striking styling. With its intelligent all-wheel drive system the Kuga is perfectly suited to changes in road conditions. Traction is maintained by automatically applying power to the wheels that need it most, ensuring you stay in control whatever the road throws at you.

A split rear tailgate means there are two ways you can access the rear, depending on what you want to load or unload. If you have something small to pop in the back or you are in a restricted area you can simply open the upper section of the tailgate. When transporting something bigger, one can open the tailgate fully. The floor can fold completely flat ensuring maximum load space.

The Kuga conveys a sense of energy in motion through Ford’s Kinetic Design. Distinctive headlights, a contoured bonnet and large trapezoid grille set it apart in the Crossover market. The pronounced wheel arches, stylish air vents and muscular shoulder line provides an energetic stance. The sporty off-road look continues with the Kuga’s front and rear bumpers, plus standard twin exhausts.

“We are very excited to showcase the Kuga at JIMS for the first time in South Africa, and are looking forward to launch it to the local South African market,” says Ford Marketing Manager Ben Pillay.”

The Ford Kuga will be launched in two specification levels, namely Trend and Titanium. The higher spec Titanium models features 18-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof.

Both Kuga models are powered by a detuned version of the Focus ST’s 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine that produces 147kW and 320Nm.

Pricing will be made available closer to the vehicle’s official introduction later this year, but expect the Kuga to start around the R350 000 mark.

Set to launch locally later this month, the all-new Ford Ranger is bigger and better than ever before. On display in three body styles at the Joburg Motor Show, the Ford Ranger is taut, toned and muscular, whilst still communicating a more sophisticated and refined style – Ford designers call the look “21st Century Tough.”

The Ranger is offered with a choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive and three different engines, including a four-cylinder, 2.2-litre, Duratorq turbodiesel and a five-cylinder, 3.2-litre, turbodiesel with a beefy 147 kW and 470 Nm of peak torque.

The double cab is 5 359 mm long and 1 850 mm wide and rides on a 3 220 mm wheelbase. The front and rear track have also grown over the previous model and all together these dimensions translate to a roomier interior. Comfort and convenience features include Bluetooth and USB integration as standard, dual-zone climate control, as well as satellite navigation and a rear-view camera on top-spec Wildtrak 4×4 model.

Off-road capability has been improved with larger ground clearance and a wading depth of 800 mm. Safety aids include Hill Descent Control; Hill Launch Assist; Trailer Sway Control; Adaptive Load Control; Roll-Over Mitigation and Emergency Brake Assist. The cab also benefits from side-curtain and side-thorax airbags.

We’ll bring you final pricing and specifications for our local market when the new Ranger is launched in a few weeks time. In the meantime you can take a look at our Ford Ranger photo gallery.

The Johannesburg International Motor Show takes place between 6th -16th October and is the single largest international automotive event in Southern Africa. The exhibition (held once every two years) runs in conjunction with two additional shows, ‘Auto Shop’ and the ‘Johannesburg Truck Show’, which collectively offer a complete representation of the motor industry, serving Sub Saharan Africa and South Africa as host country.

From budget runabouts to exotic supercars and concepts, some of which have travelled direct from Frankfurt, JIMS promises a showcase of current and future works of automotive art throughout its many halls.

Public days are Saturday 8th – Sunday 16th October 2011, between 09h00 and 18h00. Entrance costs R80 for Adults and R20 for Children aged 6 – 12 years. Tickets will be available from the gate (Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec) or at Computicket. Click here to book online.

As we’re now just days away from the start of JIMS 2011, we’ve put together this guide on what to expect in the way of the latest concepts and new models. Not all manufacturers have released the details of what will be on their stands, but follow us on Twitter for live updates later this week. Here are some of our highlights, scroll down for the full list!

2012 BMW M5

BMW i8 Concept

Jaguar XKR-S

McLaren MP4-12C

Nissan Juke

SACarFan Johannesburg International Motor Show Guide:

• Aston Martin Virage
• Audi RS3
• Audi R8 GT
• Chevrolet Sonic
• Chevrolet Utility
• Citroën DS5
• Ford Ranger
• Ford Focus ST
• Ford Kuga
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Veloster
• Jaguar XFR
• KIA Rio
• KIA Optima
• Lexus IS350
• Mahindra XUV 500
• Mazda BT-50
• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL
• Mini Coupe
• Mini Paceman Concept
• MG MG6
• Opel Astra GTC
• Peugeot 508
• Range Rover Evoque
• Renault Koleos
• Toyota Innova
• Volkswagen Beetle
• Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

For the latest news and live coverage from the show from the 6th to 16th October 2011, please visit our 2011 Johannesburg Motor Show channel.