To reinforce its luxury aspirations, and to further differentiate it from the Honda Civic with which it shares a platform, Acura added standard equipment like leather seating with driver power and heat in front, and 17-inch wheels.

The ILX comes with one of two engines:

• A 150-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder matched to a five speed automatic transmission, and good for 28 mpg in combined driving.
• The optional 2.4-liter boosts output to 201 horsepower, drops fuel efficiency to 25 mpg combined, and requires a six-speed manual.

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Given its efforts to position the ILX as a luxury car, Acura has made a few odd packaging decisions. If you want the larger engine, you can't have an automatic transmission or a navigation system.

The model lineup has been renamed this year to reflect transmission type rather engine displacement:

Despite its high content, the ILX is off to a slow start. The tepid sales have nothing to do its quality, but the lack of an automatic transmission in the 2.4-liter model. Low demand means greater bargaining power for you when shopping.