Arias Pistons 12.5:1 Compression 82mm Bore Honda B-series on 2040-parts.com

Honda Civic (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

This is the ninth generation of Honda’s small car star, which has gestated from trend setting (Civic Mk1 of 1972) to stylistically dull if technically advanced (most) to sci-fi-style wacko but technically mainstream (Civic Mk8). New Civics, over the years, have been about as easy to forecast as David Beckham’s next hairstyle as Honda engineers – never the most predictable bunch – veer from brave to bashful. The new Civic, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, is eye-catching although less off-centre than generation eight, and is closed basely mechanically on its predecessor.

Mandela BMW for sale

A BMW 3 Series signed by Nelson Mandela as one of 10 ‘Democracy Cars’ is up for sale in the UK and expected to fetch £5000 at auction. The unique piece of South African history is for sale on 28 April at the RAF Museum in Hendon, London. Built in 2004, the silver BMW saloon was donated by employees at BMW’s factory in South Africa to mark the election of Mandela as President of the country and his earlier release from prison.

Ford Fiesta not yet in dealerships; dealers and customers get antsy

The new Ford Fiesta small car is either right on schedule or a few weeks late, depending on who's talking. Ford says the car is on schedule for a promised “summer” launch. Ford is shipping the cars this week from an assembly plant in Mexico.