Can a car still offer a luxurious driving experience without being big, heavy and expensive? We find two vehicles that fit the description, available for just under $30,000, which give you a premium driving experience, without the extra pretentiousness of a big luxury car.
Practically defining a new market segment, the Acura ILX and Buick Verano are small cars, but manage to be full of luxury goodies and technology. Both cars borrow platforms from less premium compacts: the Honda Civic underpins the Acura ILX, while the Chevrolet Cruze provides the basis for the Buick Verano. That said, are these two just dressed up economy cars? And if not, which is the better buy?