In Sunday’s automobile section, Lawrence Ulrich reviews the 2013 Acura ILX, a new compact sedan that comes three ways. He finds one of these versions, the 2.4L, very appealing, though it is not available, strangely, with an automatic transmission.

Although the ILX is a deluxe makeover of the Honda Civic, most people would never guess they’re related. The Acura’s fine road manners recall the slightly larger Accord-based Acura TSX.

Drop in the TSX’s 2.4-liter engine, which feels stronger than its 201-horsepower rating, and you have an under-the-radar sport sedan, a touch lighter and faster than the ever-reliable TSX. The base price is $30,095, about $5,000 more than you’d spend on loaded versions of everyday compacts.