Acura is previewing its new luxury compact sedan with the ILX Concept at the Detroit Motor Show.

Although it’s a concept, but this is to all intents and purposes the real deal, which is scheduled for launch in Spring 2012.

The car will be available with first-ever gas-electric hybrid powertain, plus a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine and a potent 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The hybrid will have a 1.5 liter gasoline unit.

In terms of styling, the ILX is instantly recognizable as an Acura, what with the familiar head and tail lights, and the grille. But the whole car is pointy and aggressive, and that makes it sporty. We have to say though, it looks kinda old-fashioned.

The Acura 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 smart entry keyless access system and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

Being a luxury sedan, Acura ILX will have a long list of standard and available features, including high-end safety features such as Acura’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA).

The new Acura ILX will be manufactured exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC, in its Greensburg, Ind. plant.