Overview

What's New for 2013:

• Compact entry-luxury sedan
• Three different powertrain choices
• Base price in mid-$20,000 range

Exterior Features
Acura sells the new 2013 ILX as the 2.0L, 2.4L and Hybrid models. Though it is based on the Honda Civic platform, the Acura ILX features unique exterior styling and shares little with its corporate sibling. Projector-beam headlights, heated side mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, and a power sunroof are standard. A sporty-looking rear spoiler is included on the ILX Hybrid.

Interior Features
Manually adjustable front seats with cloth upholstery come standard on the new ILX, along with dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and music streaming, and a stereo with satellite radio, Pandora Internet radio, SMS text messaging capability, USB port, and an auxiliary audio input jack. Every ILX is also equipped with Keyless Access with push-button start, Homelink universal remote, and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel.

Optional Features
Acura offers the ILX with a Premium package and a Technology package. The Premium package adds leather, 8-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, upgraded sound system, multi-view reversing camera system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and, on all except the Hybrid model, Active Noise Cancellation for a quieter cabin. The Technology package adds a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather reports, and an AcuraLink satellite communications system.

Under the Hood
The Acura ILX 2.0L has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 150 horsepower and 140 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5-speed Sequential Sportshift automatic transmission delivers the power to the front wheels, and is equipped with Grade Logic Control to assist in powering up and coasting down hills.

Purchase the ILX 2.4L, and you'll get a more powerful 2.4-liter engine generating 201 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Acura ILX Hybrid mates a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric assist motor, rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, and a continuously variable transmission. The ILX Hybrid is not a "full hybrid," meaning it cannot move on battery power alone. Rather, this car is a "mild hybrid" that uses its electric motor to assist the smaller gasoline engine under load. Combined, the system makes 111 horsepower and 127 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fuel Economy
The EPA has not rated the 2013 Acura ILX for fuel economy. Acura's estimates are:

• ILX 2.0L: 24/35/28 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• ILX 2.4L: 22/31/25 mpg
• ILX Hybrid: 39/38/38 mpg

Safety
The 2013 Acura ILX is equipped with 6 air bags, traction and stability control, 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist, and a reversing camera. A multi-view reversing camera is optional. The new ILX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS as this overview was written.