2013 Acura ILX Hybrid first drive (pictures)

Acura hopes to create better differentiation among its sedans with the all-new ILX, which gives the premium brand a truly compact car.

The ILX gets the Acura shield treatment up front, but the design has grown subtler over the last couple of years.

The ILX has an attractive side view, with a nice contour running down the side and up to the broad rear fender.

The ILX is based on the Honda Civic platform, so it's got front-wheel drive.

Sharing a power train with the Civic Hybrid, the ILX Hybrid uses a 1.5-liter engine complemented by an electric motor. The engine produces just 111 horsepower, while the motor generates 23 horsepower.

Besides the sheet metal, the interior appointments set the ILX apart from the Civic. Power-adjustable leather seats are part of the premium offerings in the cabin.

The rear seat shows the compact nature of the ILX Hybrid.

The ILX Hybrid can be had with a technology package, which brings in navigation and a few other features. The standard Acura cabin tech interface includes the large dial in the center of the dashboard, and an array of buttons.

Next to the tachometer, the ILX Hybrid gets a power gauge, which shows when the electric motor is adding boost or when the batteries are being recharged through regenerative braking.