The recession and rising gas prices has prompted luxury car builders to conjure up new entry-level models that are even more entry-level than ever- both for boomers with diminishing 401k’s and for young professionals who aren’t making as much money as they would have a few years ago. That’s the story behind the new Acura ILX. It’s based on the ever-popular Honda Civic, but does the ILX offer enough extra for buyers to make the luxury car leap?

The 2013 Acura ILX joins the recently introduced Buick Verano in matching entry level luxury sedans with today’s financial realities, including more realistic pricing, but more on that later. For now, let’s look at what the ILX has to offer the near premium luxury pretender.

Rather than just one car with 3 engine choices, the ILX comes in three distinct models, each with its own power train. The ILX 2.0 features a 2.0-liter I4 paired with an automatic transmission. The ILX 2.4 upgrades to Honda’s largest I4 mated to a 6-speed manual. And, finally, the ILX 1.5 Hybrid, complete with a CVT, and the first hybrid for the Acura brand. 

The 201-horsepower 2.4 has the most character, and will obviously appeal more to enthusiasts. But, if you want the Technology Package with Navigation and all the bells and whistles, you have to select either the 2.0 or Hybrid. The 2-liter is all-new and debuts in the ILX. Output is 150-horsepower and 140 pound feet of torque. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 24–City and 35-Highway. We saw 29.5 miles-per-gallon on Premium gas. The 1.5 Hybrid achieves 39-City and 38-Highway. That’s about 10% less than the Civic Hybrid, but 10% more than the outgoing Lexus HS 250h Hybrid. Out on the road, the ILX 2.0 develops adequate power, but not much more though steering wheel paddle shifters are standard and can help raise the fun factor a bit. Handling is well sorted out, with a completely different vibe than Civic; suspension is firmer, and ride more controlled. 

Styling is also a huge departure from Civic. While nice looking, it’s much more on the conservative, classy trip, leaving only Acura’s shield grille to denote any aggression. The front end is wider than Civic while the hood is a good deal longer. Body lines flow up and over the rear wheels giving a hefty haunch, while thick C-pillars give a coupe-like tilt. The rear also proudly shows off the ILX’s wider stance and 16-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with 17’s optional.

Inside, the environment follows the larger TL’s blend of high-tech features with modern style, all wrapped in a spacious cockpit design. Gauges have an upscale look, and there’s a small info screen in the center. Front seats are wide and adequately comfortable and much like the Civic, visibility is excellent. Back seat passengers could use a little more legroom, but seat comfort is good for a compact. The back seats fold flat with a nice, wide opening into the trunk. The trunk area itself is well laid out and there’s room for 12.4 cubic-feet of cargo. The standard ILX comes very well equipped with keyless entry, push-button start, moon roof, and iPod connectivity. The available Premium Package adds heated leather seats and back-up camera. Besides navigation with Acuralink traffic and weather, the Technology Package upgrades the sound system to 365-watts.

At our track, under clear skies, on a picture perfect day, we navigated our ILX 2.0 to the end of the ¼ mile in 17.2 seconds, cruising along at 84 miles per hour. While those numbers won’t impress many, a 0-60 time of 9.3-seconds is more than adequate to get you up to speed on your daily commute. Bringing the ILX to a halt from 60 takes a 132-feet, however. Not unacceptable for a luxury car tipping the scale at just under 3,000-pounds, but we’d like it to be shorter. Pedal feel is vague and travel long. While our 2-liter ILX never quite feels sporty through the cones, it does feel very solid. The electric power steering is quick and smooth, while the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension along with front and rear stabilizer bars kept things relatively flat. Yes, it handles like we would expect from Acura. The Civic’s steering system has been reworked with a quicker ratio for better response and beefier parts to improve feel. It also features Motion Adaptive EPS which works with the VSA and Traction Control systems to apply assistive force when corrections are needed. 

But, the real story of the ILX is pricing. The ILX 2.0 begins at only $26,795. That’s 4 grand more than a Buick Verano, but almost $6,000 less than an Audi A4. The ILX 2.4 starts at $30,095, while the 1.5 Hybrid will cost slightly less at $29,795. Acura has done a great job of genetically altering the Honda Civic into the high value ILX. It’s not a complete reincarnation of the fondly-remembered RSX hatchback coupe, but with its 2.4 mill, the ILX sedan is surprisingly close. More than a Civic with a new personality, the ILX is also a return to what the Acura brand originally stood for, attainable luxury, but now with modern fuel economy and we see that as a right turn for Acura.

More Bentley than Benz; streaking down the track with European-style solidity that gives you very little indication of the high speed you’re traveling at.