As much as we’d like to talk about how awesome the press offices of both Lexus and Toyota were at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show, the show was not at all about that but about their exquisite selection of cars (although we’d like to say that they did have really good food – including sushi).

Innovative models

Lexus was first up with the ES 250 shown to the public for the first time at the show, and according them will present unrivalled value in the premium segment of the South African market when it goes on sale early next month.

Their stand – inspired by their design philosophy that provides an ideal showcase for the new look, luxury and technology of Lexus vehicles also featuredthe IS attired in F-Sport apparel, the GS in hybrid 450h guise, and the stunning and powerful LFA supercar, as well as the LS flagship.

A mixture of old and new

With an equally stylistic stand and impressive line-up, Toyota brought to the show an exhibit of about 18 cars which included LCV models. The star reveal of the show was the all-new Corolla which goes on sale in the first quarter of 2014.

The rest of the line-up included the supermini Aygo exclusively available in five door format, the Etios which is becoming really popular in the SA passenger market, the fine-tuned 2013 Yaris as well as the Yaris XR HSD, the all-new sporty 2013 Auris sporting distinctive looks in XR HSD guise, and the world’s best-selling hybrid, the Prius.

The FT 86 Open conceptalso stole the show as it was its first time on African soil. The model was created to test the water for the possible introduction of a convertible version of its globally acclaimed 86 sports coupe, and deliver the lively, highly engaging and accessible performance and dynamic abilities of the 86 with the added appeal of top-down motoring. We will continue crossing our thumbs that this concept makes it to production and in SA.

There was also the Le Mans TS030 Hybrid Replica driven by Anthony Davidson, Sebastien Buemi and Stephane Sarrazin which finished second at this year’s gruelling 24-hour Le Mans race.

For those that love cars that can handle the rough and pothole infested roads of South Africa, Toyota also had on display the Hilux, Fortuner, the new Land Cruiser Prado, the 60s inspired FJ Cruiser, fourth generation RAV4 and the Toyota Imperial Racing Hilux piloted by Dakar champions, Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz.

The full range of Toyota and Lexus vehicles will be on view till the show ends on Sunday.

Toyota and Lexus JIMS gallery