Drive On: Honda remakes Civic; will it be enough?

Honda just released the first photos of its its redone 2013 Civic compact, replacing the model that's only been on the market just 19 months.

Why the quick change? Because the Civic, one of the nation's top-selling cars, is too important for Honda not to try to perfect it.

Honda calls the exterior styling "more upscale and premium." As you can see from the photo, the redo is extensive enough that the front and rear fascias, and hood and deck lid, are new.

Big changes likely will occur inside.

The initial reaction to the 2011 from reviewers, including influential Consumer Reports, was that Civic's interior was sub-par. Hasn't seemed to bother buyers, though. Civic sales the first 10 months this year are 38.8% ahead of last year, says Autodata.

As for looks, Honda says the new Civic will have a modified bumper with a chrome accent, black honeycomb mesh grille, integrated fog lights and new clear-lens corner lights.

Some of the same detailing takes place at the back end. There is a new rear bumper design and new rear trunk lid capped by another piece of chrome. The taillights are new, too.

The overhauled Civic comes to dealerships Nov. 29, the same week it makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.