Auto News 5

Peugeot and Citroen hybrid system leads to AM radio being disabled on Hybrid4 models

General Motors is to buy back the 1% share in its Chinese joint venture from partner SAIC, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Toyota is to add a second shift at its Russian plant near St Petersburg from September and has already hired 600 new personnel in preparation.

First Drive: 2013 Ferrari California

Less weight and more power.

The Ferrari California has been on the market for three years now, which means the time has come to give Maranello's first-ever front-engine eight-cylinder GT some attention. At Ferrari, the march of progress is denoted by increased power and reduced weight -- and both are here in the 2013 California.

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ferrari California - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Ferrari California - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

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Mexico's automobile industry, once focused on small cars and pickups, got a boost when Audi chose the country as the location for a new factory to build its Q5 premium SUV for the global market.

After leaving the entry-luxury fray when it killed the RSX hatchback in 2006, Acura has returned with the 2013 ILX sedan. Like the RSX -- and the Integra that preceded it -- the ILX shares its bones with the Honda Civic.

Alfa Romeo took a step closer to its return to the U.S. after registering the brand of its 4C coupe, the unit's first model targeted for sale in the country in almost 20 years.

Alfa Romeo took another step toward its return to the U.S. after registering the brand of its 4C coupe, the unit's first model targeted for sale in the country in almost 20 years.

Maybe it is because of its fun ads or because its design sets it apart in the land of beefy pickups, sedans and SUVs. Whatever the reason, the Fiat 500 is generating more smiles in the United States than an ice cream truck on a hot summer day.

Beijing Automotive has deepened its ties with Leonardo Fioravanti, hiring the Italian designer of a string of Ferrari sports cars as a consultant.

First Drive: 2013 Acura ILX

Acura revisits the small-car game.

No, it's not deja vu: you have seen the 2013 Acura ILX before. Acura showed off a thinly-disguised concept in January at the 2012 Detroit auto show and unveiled the production-ready sedan at the 2012 Chicago auto show, but the automaker only recently allowed us to try on its new entry-luxury small car on for size.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Acura ILX - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Acura ILX - Automobile Magazine

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At Lexus, they call it ‘The Beast'. Elsewhere, it's known as the 2012 IS F... where the ‘F' stands for Fuji Speedway, the world-class Japanese circuit. Just another clue why this variant of the luxury Lexus sedan is aimed squarely at racing enthusiasts - a market share also sought after by the BMW M3, the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG and the Cadillac CTS-V.


Under the hood, the powerhouse 5.0L V8 produces 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque to uncage this animal from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds. An advanced 8-speed automatic transmission includes a manual mode and features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, that allow smooth transitions at speed.

When it comes to braking, The Beast is equipped with 14.2" vented disc brakes for the front wheels and 13.6" discs for the rear, all with BREMBO brake pads.

Under the hood, the powerhouse 5.0L V8 produces 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Lexus)

The Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) System uses 3 modes to allow the driver modify the IS F's driving and handling dynamics. Drivers can also turn off VDIM if they want to challenge their own skills on a closed course.

Better yet, the sporty, contemporary interior does not want for luxury features, including a 13-speaker Lexus Premium Audio System with Bluetooth connectivity, voice activated navigation with backup camera, a power tilt and telescoping steering column as well as leather seats with Alcantara trim.

And there's plenty more...the smart key system, the bi-xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, variable intermittent rain-sensing wipers, etc.

In Canada, the ‘base model' Lexus IS F (Series 1) is offered at $69,950, while the Series 2 - with extra features, such as 19" aluminum alloy wheels and the 14-speaker Mark Levinson Audio System - can be yours for $72,650.

Acura announced pricing today for the all-new 2013 ILX luxury compact sedan that serves as the gateway to the Acura brand. Available in Acura dealerships across Canada on May 25, the 2013 ILX will start with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $27,790 for ILX.

“The all-new Acura ILX will appeal to first-time luxury buyers - young and independent Canadians looking to express their individuality, while balancing environmental responsibility and affordability, " said Alexandre Roger, assistant vice president, Acura Canada. “ Although the luxury market represents just 10 per cent of total industry sales, 80 per cent of mass market buyers desire to step up to a luxury vehicle and ILX will provide those customers with a true gateway into the luxury market.”

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com

The ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and efficient powertrain choices, including Acura's first gasoline-electric hybrid. The ILX will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 rpm. For those who seek a more spirited driving experience, the ILX Dynamic is equipped with a 2.4-litre engine with an output of 201 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. torque at 4400 rpm.

As Acura's first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-litre engine and an integrated electric motor. The hybrid drivetrain uses the gasoline engine as the primary power source, while an electric motor provides additional power when needed. A lithium-ion battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the 20 horsepower electric motor. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce 111 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque between 1000-3500 rpm. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. At a stop, the 1.5-litre engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.

The ILX chassis utilizes advanced MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, along with new Amplitude Reactive Dampers. The dampers operate in two distinct performance parameters to simultaneously provide superior ride comfort and precision handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency. The result is a chassis with a high level of refinement, confident handling and a nimble and sporty driving experience.

Inside, the ILX will feature a high-quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, two trim levels -a Premium Package and Technology Package - and excellent standard safety features, including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both the U.S.-based NHTSA and IIHS.

The available Premium Package features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 365-watt stereo system, a rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

Building on the Premium Package, the available Technology Package adds Acura's award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a complement of relevant technologies, including Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition™. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity, including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. With the available Premium or Technology Package, a new multi-view rear camera is used.

The Acura ILX will be manufactured exclusively at the company's state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana, plant - one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.

2013 ILX Pricing

• ILX - $27,790
• ILX Premium - $29,990
• ILX Tech- $32,290
• ILX Dynamic - $29,990
• ILX Hybrid - $34,990

_{As reported by Honda Canada}

Nico Rosberg, the winner of last week's Grand Prix of China set the fastest time Friday during the second free practice session.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes AMG (Photo: WRI2)

Rosberg, driving a Mercedes AMG W03 set a fast time in 1m32.816, four tenths of a second clear of his closest rival, Mark Webber in the Red Bull RB8.

However, Rosberg indicated that the correct management of tire wear during the race will be the key to success.

Bernie Ecclestone talking to the medias. (Photo: WRI2)

“It's tricky to keep the rear tires alive. It will have little to do with fast driving - it's more like Le Mans or something,” Rosberg told the medias.

Webber teammate, Sebastian Vettel, classified third ahead of McLaren's Lewis Hamitlon, Michael Schumacher in the second Mercedes AMG, Jenson Button in the second McLaren and Kamui Kobayashi in the first Sauber.

Paul Di Resta, Force India (Photo: WRI2)

The best placed Ferrari is that of Fernando Alonso in eight place. His teammate Felipe Massa appears in 12th position.

The Sahara Force India team decided not to run in Friday afternoon's session in the wake of the incident on Wednesday when members of its crew were caught up with protestors.

Team Principal Bob Fernley told reporters earlier Friday that a desire to travel back from the circuit before darkness was the key factor, although the official press release mentioned the reason was “for logistical reasons”.

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren (Photo: WRI2)

Grand Prix of Bahrain, Free practice 1*:
1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'33"572 - 11 laps
2 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'33"877 - 21
3 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'34"150 - 26
4 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'34"249 - 23
5 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'34"277 - 14
6 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - 1'34"344 - 26
7 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'34"483 - 17
8 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'34"552 - 22
9 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'34"609 - 17
10 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'34"847 - 20
11 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'35"024 - 22
12 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'35"268 - 24
13 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'35"436 - 21
14 - Valtteri Bottas (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'35"497 - 24
15 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'35"719 - 19
16 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'35"929 - 24
17 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'36"195 - 20
18 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'36"330 - 11
19 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'36"484 - 18
20 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'36"591 - 20
21 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'37"467 - 17
22 - Timo Glok (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'38"006 - 18
23 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'38"877 - 19
24 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'39"996 - 23

Grand Prix of Bahrain, Free practice 2*:
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'32"816 - 35 laps
2 - Mark Webber (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'33"262 - 26
3 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB8-Renault) - 1'33"525 - 28
4 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'33"747 - 26
5 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes MGP W03) - 1'33"862 - 32
6 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/27-Mercedes) - 1'34"246 - 28
7 - Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'34"411 - 24
8 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F2012) - 1'34"449 - 31
9 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'34"615 - 32
10 - Sergio Perez (Sauber C31-Ferrari) - 1'34"893 - 34
11 - Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'34"885 - 29
12 - Felipe Massa (Ferrari F2012) - 1'34"941 - 30
13 - Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus E20-Renault) - 1'35"183 - 33
14 - Jean-Eric Vergne (Toro Rosso STR7-Ferrari) - 1'35"229 - 26
15 - Pastor Maldonado (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'35"459 - 38
16 - Vitaly Petrov (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'35"913 - 33
17 - Heikki Kovalainen (Caterham CT01-Renault) - 1'35"968 - 35
18 - Bruno Senna (Williams FW34-Renault) - 1'36"169 - 30
19 - Timo Glok (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'35"587 - 33
20 - Charles Pic (Marussia MR01-Cosworth) - 1'37"803 - 33
21 - Pedro De La Rosa (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'37"812 - 28
22 - Narain Karthikeyan (HRT F112-Cosworth) - 1'39"649 - 27
23 - Paul Di Resta (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - No times
24 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM05-Mercedes) - No times

*Unofficial timing

Red Bull team used flow-viz paint to tweak the aerodynamics of the RB8. (Photo: WRI2)

I'm driving a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara this week, painted pitch black and spiffed up with the MOPAR chrome package. It took me a few hours behind the wheel to remember one important aspect of owning a Jeep.

And I mean a “real” Jeep. You know, the Wrangler.

When you cross paths with another Wrangler, or TJ, or YJ, or CJ, you mustn't forget to salute. I apologize to the first 2-3 Jeep owners I didn't wave to during the first day of my week-long test.

As dumb or childish as it may seem, it's actually one of the perks of owning a Wrangler. You become part of the family, a bunch of people who understand why you bought a gas-swilling, cramped SUV that's as aerodynamic as a tool shed on the highway, and drives like one, too. Ok, the current-gen Wrangler has improved in that regard.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com)

Being part of the Jeep family also means you'll get together and go off-roading as a group, which is fun. You'll share a common interest with other people and develop good friendships. You're likely to never feel lonely when owning a Jeep.

Whether you buy the base Sport trim or the rock-climbing Rubicon, it doesn't matter; there's no secret handshake to learn, and as long as you remember to wave at other Jeep owners, you'll be OK. You don't necessarily have to salute owners of other Jeep models, especially those driving sissy Compass and Patriot models.

Call it a cult, call it a religion, but I call it cool. I feel like a non-conformist at the helm of the Wrangler, and I'm lovin' it. I assume I'm not the only one; Wrangler sales in 2011 jumped by 41% compared to 2010. And in the first quarter of 2012, sales climbed by 56% compared to the same period in 2011. That's a lot of tool sheds on wheels.

Right now, I can't think of any other model - car or truck - that creates such a strong allegiance amongst its owners. A passion for the automobile brings people together, and when I see manufacturers working on cars that drive by themselves - and they will arrive on the market at some point - I'm afraid that passion could someday be doomed.

Despite some fears due to the tough economy, the running of the 2012 Indianapolis 500 will feature a full grid of 33 cars as the IndyCar Series has received 34 entries for the event.

As we had already said some weeks ago, Andretti Autosport will field both Ana Beatriz and Sebastian Saavedra to its Indy 500 effort besides its regular drivers.

Rahal Letterman Lanigan will have a second car although the name of the driver has still to be confirmed. Many believes that Michel Jourdain Jr could have his chance at Indy while former GP2 driver Luca Filippi could take over from Detroit on over.

Others regular teams to expand are Ed Carpenter Racing, Sarah Fisher Hartman, AJ Foyt and Schmidt-Hamilton.

Brian Clauson and Wade Cunningham have been confirmed for Fisher and Foyt respectively, with 2004 Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice and Indy 500 regular Townsend Bell linked to Carpenter and Schmidt.

The other extra entry is a return for the Newman/Haas team. Former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi has announced that he will drive this car, to be powered by Lotus.

No. Driver Team (Engine)
2 Ryan Briscoe Team Penske (Chevrolet)
3 Helio Castroneves Team Penske (Chevrolet)
4 JR Hildebrand Panther Racing (Chevrolet)
5 EJ Viso KV Racing Technology (Chevrolet)
6 Katherine Legge Dragon Racing (Lotus)
7 Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Racing (Lotus)
8 Rubens Barrichello KV Racing Technology (Chevrolet)
9 Scott Dixon Target Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda)
10 Dario Franchitti Target Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda)
11 Tony Kanaan KV Racing Technology (Chevrolet)
12 Will Power Team Penske (Chevrolet)
14 Mike Conway AJ Foyt Enterprises (Honda)
15 Takuma Sato Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Honda)
17 Sebastian Saavedra AFS Racing/Andretti Autosport (Chevrolet)
18 Justin Wilson Dale Coyne Racing (Honda)
19 James Jakes Dale Coyne Racing (Honda)
20 Ed Carpenter Ed Carpenter Racing (Chevrolet)
21 TBA Ed Carpenter Racing (Chevrolet)
22 Oriol Servia Lotus DRR (Lotus)
25 Ana Beatriz Andretti Autosport/Conquest (Chevrolet)
26 Marco Andretti Andretti Autosport (Chevrolet)
27 James Hinchcliffe Andretti Autosport (Chevrolet)
28 Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Autosport (Chevrolet)
38 Graham Rahal Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing (Honda)
39 Bryan Clauson Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (Honda)
41 Wade Cunningham AJ Foyt Enterprises (Honda)
45 TBA Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (Honda)
67 Josef Newgarden Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing (Honda)
77 Simon Pagenaud Schmidt Hamilton Motorsports (Honda)
78 Simona de Silvestro Lotus HVM Racing (Lotus)
83 Charlie Kimball Novo Nordisk Ganassi Racing (Honda)
98 Alex Tagliani Bryan Herta Autosport w/Curb-Agajanian (Lotus)
99 TBA Sam Schmidt Motorsports (Honda)
TBA TBA Newman/Haas Racing (Lotus)

Auto123.com has become more than just a car-shopping website. It has become the Canadian destination for everyone either simply curious about what goes on in the car business or those that, like us, are absolutely obsessed by everything automotive.

Every week and every day, we bring you the latest, greatest and best car content, period. And, for this, we thank you.

2013 Ford Escape (Photo: Ford)

Here's what we plan to bring you in the next week:

Featured next week:

• Our first impressions of the 2013 Ford Escape;
• Reviews of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, 2012 Kia Sorento, and 2012 Lincoln Navigator;
• Previews of the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and 2013 Tesla Model S;
• A look at a very famous car star: Knight Rider;
• A review of the 2012 Victory Hard-Ball on Moto123.com;
• A recap of what Carlos Ghosn said earlier this month at the New York Auto Show;
• More news, blogs, photos and videos.

Coming soon:

• Our first test drives of the 2013 Subaru BRZ and 2013 Dodge Dart;
• Some fantastic videos made by our Multimedia team on Fastco and their newest line of wheels, Braelin;
• A brand new website...

Long live the car and enjoy the road!

2013 Chevrolet Spark (Photo: General Motors)

From GMM

McLaren driver Jenson Button doubts other teams will be pushing too hard to rush a Mercedes-style 'double-DRS' to their 2012 package.

The F-duct-style concept is, so far, the highest profile innovation of the season.

So with the FIA declaring it fully legal, and Nico Rosberg breaking through with his maiden pole and win in Shanghai last weekend, it seems a no-brainer that the other teams will now be following suit.

But McLaren's Button doesn't think so.

"I really don't think it's giving them that much - I think they're just quick," he is quoted by the BBC.

"From all our simulations, we don't think it's a massive margin at all. It's a great invention on their part, but our DRS system is very good so I don't think it's giving them much over us.

"Obviously nothing in the race and in qualifying it's minimal," said Button.

His teammate Lewis Hamilton thinks the fastest cars so far are the Mercedes, the McLaren and the Red Bull.

"The Mercedes I think is now the quickest - particularly over one lap," said the 2008 world champion.

"Not sure they are quickest in race pace. I think the Red Bull is probably the quickest in race pace. We have shown we have good qualifying pace and race pace.

"We are there or thereabouts and we have as good an opportunity as anyone."

Michael Schumacher, Mercedes AMG W03 (Photo: WRI2)

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona - Acura is in the process of rebuilding itself. At this event, they introduced to the gathered members of the automotive media two core products with which they hope to reset not only the brand's slipping sales but also their image.


The first vehicle I reviewed was the 2013 Acura RDX. In order to render the brand's appeal more appealing, they've devised a marketing strategy that intends on putting desire back in into Acura's DNA. If you peruse my story, you'll note that the RDX, while a valiant competitor and vehicle, does not light my proverbial fire. The RDX remains a sensible, smart choice. Nothing more.

As for the ILX, it's much the same but with a slight twist.

The Gateway
Honda has dubbed the ILX the Gateway to its luxury brand. This, I believe. Acura is in a good position to talk about "first steps" and luxury in the same breath as they pioneered the compact luxury car segment in the mid-'80s with the now-defunct Integra and then with the 1.6EL, the 2013 Acura ILX being its direct descendant.

More like the CSX before it than the Integra, the new ILX stands in a corner of the compact luxury car segment hoping to not be picked last when the teams are being put together. But the ILX can actually play ball. And well.

The looks of the ILX are misleading. Far from being unattractive, the ILX does not ignite any particular emotions, good or bad. It just is. For some, this is not an issue. For most others, the ILX's subtleties in the styling department are what will keep them away from showrooms and giving it deserves.

The car is clearly inspired by the ILX concept that was shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show but it has traded some of its pizzazz such as wheels and front and rear bumpers for production styling cues that have all but deflated the balloon.

Honda has dubbed the ILX the Gateway to its luxury brand. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

Once again, familiar territory
Like that of the 2013 RDX, the ILX's cabin is well-known Acura territory. All that one would expect from a luxury car is present: touch-worthy surfaces, numerous user-friendly controls and all of it put together with skill. Most cars on hand were draped in ebony cloth or leather. The interior you see in the gallery is parchment leather, which adds a touch of class. I, for one, still very much like the more common sombre, dark, monochromatic presentation.

Even if the 2013 Acura ILX is the gateway car, the company provides buyers with very good seats with plenty of room for the passengers and plenty in the trunk (unless it's a hybrid) . The gauge display includes all the desirable features including a shift indicator for the 2.0L and hybrid models.

Technology plays a large role in making the car more attractive to Gen-Y-ers, the ILX's principal target market. Bluetooth, SMS texting and other features including keyless access with push-button start are all standard. Multi-view rear camera, navigation and an ELS 10-speaker audio system are available with the Tech package.

All that one would expect from a luxury car is present inside: touch-worthy surfaces, numerous user-friendly controls and all of it put together with skill. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

Three versions when one would do
The ILX comes in three distinct flavours but only one will sell. Think in terms of ice cream: the 2.0L is vanilla-bean, the Hybrid is carrot and the 2.4L is asparagus. You can deduce right away which will do best.

The 2.0L, an R20A, not to be confused with the K20Z from the previous CSX, puts out 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. If you know your Honda specs, you'll note that the R is 5 hp down and 1 torque up on the outgoing K. What does this mean? Nothing really except perhaps that the R seems to run smoother and quieter that the K. For certain, throttle response is sharper but that's an electronics aspect.

To it is mated a 5-speed autobox, the only transmission offered with the 2.0L. I would normally rip into the fiver but it impressed me. Shift shock is reduced compared to that of the TSX and what's more, it is responsive, shifts surprisingly fast and even matches engines revs on a paddle-prodded downshift.

Power is decent, and will not ruin your hairdo at wide-open throttle. Racing a 2.5L Volkswagen Jetta will have you returning home with your tail between your legs. The saving grace is the powertrain's expected fuel consumption average of barely more than 7L/100km.

The other two versions of the 2013 Acura ILX merit little attention. The $34,990 Hybrid (now with Lithium-ion batteries instead of Nickel-hydride) is underwhelming but the CVT 'box offers up seven pre-programmed gears ratios through wheel-mounted paddles. The $29,990 2.4L (see Honda Civic Si for specs) feels barely faster than the 2.0L and the 17" wheels do little to enhance its sporty nature.

The 2.0L, an R20A puts out 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

Big car ride and drive
The ILX's road manners are quite good. If you give the poor child a chance, he might just impress you. The car's torsional rigidity is up thanks to the use of high tensile steel, and weight is down slightly through the use of aluminium for the hood and bumper beams.

The chassis improvements are matched to a revised suspension that uses amplitude reactive dampers. In other words, they do more work to bring the occupants more peace. Refinement is, as in the RDX, a key aspect of the car. The ride is smooth and given the ameliorated aerodynamics and loads of sound-absorbing materials all over the place, the ILX is especially quiet for a compact.

The ILX's electric steering (EPS) reacts quicker and has "motion adaptive-ness" through the car's vehicle stability assist (VSA) systems, which applies corrective assist forces should the computers think the car is going off its intended course. Brake pedal feel is great and response is well calibrated.

Overall, the ILX is more pleasurable to drive than expected; however, it does not match the Audi A3, 2013 Mercedes B-Class or BMW 1 Series where involvement is concerned.

The chassis improvements are matched to a revised suspension that uses amplitude reactive dampers. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com)

Big job
This car is an important player in Acura's grandiose plans. Into 2014, the ILX will represent 20% of total Acura volume. The compact luxo segment is expected to grow 45% by 2015 and Acura wants a piece of it.

The ILX will do well with its base 2.0L car, which will be the volume leader. This car is the least expensive step into the luxury car world, depending on the buyer's perception of the Acura brand, as its pricing starts at $27,790.

The 2013 Acura ILX goes on sale May 25. It will be built in Indiana and sold alongside the TSX, in case you were wondering.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Lexus CT 200h

BMW 1 series

Former F1 and IndyCar driver Eliseo Salazar will make his WRC debut this weekend during Rally Argentina aboard a MINI John Cooper Works.

After having spent three seasons in Formula 1, from 1981 to 1983, the driver from Santiago, Chile raced in various championships until he moved to United States to run a full CART program, starting in 1995. He then switched to the IndyCar series from 1997 to 2002. He then moved on to rallying in his country, and also ran the Dakar rally for the last three years.

The 57-year-old Salazar will make his World Rally Championship debut this weekend.

Eliseo Salazar (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

“After the triple crown that is the Indy 500, Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix I did the Dakar and it became the magic square. I've been racing rallies in Chile for the last seven years when I retired from IndyCar,” Salazar explained to wrc.com.

“I had this opportunity suddenly from Prodrive, from David Richards who I know from the Formula 1 days, to race in Argentina. If I was 30 years younger I would do the full season but I'm not. Maybe if we can do a decent job I'd love to do Argentina again next year but as of now I'm treating it as the last point of that racing star, that's what I want to do, he added,” he added.