Auto industry R&D is heavily represented in France, and the country encourages research with tax benefits. Last year’s 20 biggest filers published 38% more patents than in 2010.

The ILX boasts a slew of updates from the ’12 Civic, which went on sale last year. These include more insulating materials, changed suspension and steering systems and a remapped engine-control unit for the hybrid model.

This year’s field of 39 nominees for Ward’s 10 Best Interiors includes 13 luxury cars and utility vehicles and not a single pickup truck. Winners will be honored May 17.

Among the large CUV’s key upgrades are a new center stack and a breakthrough airbag system that deploys between the front-row seats.