2013 Acura ILX Base Price: $25,900

The 2013 Acura ILX will hit the showrooms in May 22 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at $25,900. It sounds like a bargain and with three engine setups and two optional packages available there seems to be a great deal of flexibility as well

This 5-passenger, "windswept" saloon will offer a number of new and classy features such as Keyless Access System with smart entry and a start button. The Pandora internet radio is also an option and so is the SMS text message function. As standard equipment, the ILX comes with a power "moonroof", aluminum wheels and Bluetooh HandsFreeLink.

The base model, the one that costs $25,900 gets 150 hp of power from a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. Add to that a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic and you have e perfectly decent saloon. Those who think otherwise can then go for the 2.4-liter version ($29,200 with the Premium Package) – 201 hp and a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission.

For the first time on an ILX, there's a petrol hybrid alternative as well. Starting at $28,900, the Acura ILX Hybrid uses a 1.5 liter engine and an Integrated Motor Assist electric unit. The power goest trough a Continously Variable Transmission (CVT). As expected, this is the most economical of the bunch with an EPE estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy of 39/38/38 mpg. (strangely constant no matter the environment).

Regardless of trim or setup, the Acura ILX gets front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). It's worth noting that the car's body features the company's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) structure so it should do well on carsh tests.

The Premium Package is the mid-range stuff ($3,300, not available on the Hybrid) - leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM® radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation for a reduced cabin noise.

The Technology Package is an extension of the Premium one which adds an ELS Surround audio system, AccuraLink Satellite Communication System, a sat nav and all kinds of technology bits that sound too complicated for a mortal to understand them.

The company's state-of-the-art plant at Greensburg, Indiana will have the noble task to assemble the 2013 Acura ILX. It's an award winning establishment, being one of three plants in the world honored with a J.D Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality. Well done!

Here's a quick list of all the setups and prices:

Source: Acura