Having been highly criticised by some prominent media publications in the USA, the Honda Civic sedan, which is markedly different from the UK-designed hatchback, has been given something of an emergency upgrade.
And even though the Civic continues to be the best seller in its segment 'Stateside, Honda has made a vast array of upgrades that affect the exterior and interior styling and even the chassis.
At the front end, designers have given the 2013 Civic more sculpted look with a lower bumper, black honeycomb mesh grille and a fresh set of headlights.
It also looks rather different at the back, where you might spot the new jewel-like taillights that flow into the boot lid and a new bumper design.
Honda NA's assistant vice president Vicki Poponi clearly avoids any reference to the bad press in her press statement: “The 2013 Honda Civic exterior refinements infuse Civic with a more youthful, premium style. Coupling these with additional changes beneath will ensure that Civic maintains its top-ranked status.”
Honda hasn't yet released any pictures of the new interior or any details about the under-the-skin mods, but all should be revealed by the time this Civic makes its first public appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 29 November.
We're also awaiting feedback on if and when this particular model will reach South Africa. Given that our Civic sedan is almost identical to the US model, it's likely that the changes will filter through to us in the next year.