This is the car on which Honda will be pinning its hopes of volume sales going forward into 2012 - the all-new Honda Civic, which is making its South African debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show this week, allowing punters a look at the goodies, well ahead of its SA launch early in 2012.
It's being shown at Nasrec in five-door hatch and four-door sedan forms, with the emphasis on smooth styling and intelligent interior packaging - including a unique unique centre fuel-tank configuration - to make the most of passenger accommodation and luggage space.
Its newly developed engines feature the latest version of Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing system and that, says Honda, means they use less fuel and emit lower exhaust gas levels.
Changes to the suspension set-up resulting from an extensive European test programme, it adds, have enhanced both comfort and body control, with improvements in ride and handling, and overall refinement.
Honda has also upgraded its noise insulation materials to make the new Civic a more refined and comfortable place to be, and focused on "tangible quality" in its interior finishes, ergonomics and driver aids.
The new Civic hatch will will be launched in South Africa in the first quarter of 2012 with a choice of either 1.8 i-VTEC petrol or 2.2 i-DTEC turbodiesel power.
The sedan will follow in april 2012 with a choice of two petrol engines - a 1.6-litre i-VTEC rated at 92kW and 151Nm, or a 1.8-litre unit for which Honda quotes 104kW and 174Nm.
We can't help wondering whether the 1.6-litre offering will herald a lower entry-level price, because the current range starts with a 1.8; let’s hope so, anyway.