Under clear blue sky through the summer scent of freshly mown grass, driving any car is a pleasure.  Add in a delightful outing with my daughter, and I’ll be hard pressed to write anything negative about this week’s ride…..the Acura ILX.

Built on the same platform as the Honda Civic, the ILX is an entry level luxury car to the Acura lineup.   With quality standard features such as a push button start, an elegant looking waterfall centerstack, power moonroof, and an optional ELS sound system,…..it promotes this four door small sedan to a higher league.   And here I’ll admit, I’d drive a mail truck if it had an ELS sound system.  So when I glanced in and saw the ELS logo on the dash, it had me at “hello.”  The DVD Audio six channel 5.1 surround sound quality on this stereo is as Elliot Scheiner describes, “simply stunning.”

The ILX is offered in three trim levels.  Base level comes with a 2.oL,  150-hp engine with a five speed automatic transmission.  Next up is the 2.4L, 201-hp six speed manual, and for fuel saving, it’s third option is a 39/38 mpg city/hwy CVT transmission hybrid.  My wheels for the week were equipped with the 2.0L automatic.  For the mom-experience, the driving dynamics were fine.  Handling felt smooth and solid.  The driver in me wished for the 2.4L 201-hp manual.   That extra horsepower might have converted my driving score from good to great.

Interior is quality comfortable.  Equipped with standard technology features such as USB audio input and a touchscreen audio system that when paired with a smartphone over Bluetooth, offers Pandora radio and SMS Text messaging.  A draw for younger car shoppers it aims to attract.  With baby on board, backseat space was surprisingly roomy. Carseat installation was a breeze.  Trunk space is adequate, what one would expect for a vehicle this size.

Cruising around with my daughter this week in the ILX was easy, in a way that I didn’t have to think about it too much or struggle with anything.  We were simply free to turn up the music and enjoy.

Some Basics
MSRP:  $24,900 – $34,400
engine: 2.0L I-4
hp/torque: 150 hp/140 ft-lb
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  24 city/35 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  not yet rated

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
upscale small sedan

What’s the best thing about it?
ELS sound system (I know I’m biased)

What’s the biggest drawback?
2.0 model could use more power

Mom-friendliness score: A

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“iPhone 5 or Galaxy S3?”