2013 Acura ILX

2013 Acura ILX

Base Price     $25,900
Drivetrain     Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)     2910
City (MPG)     24
Hwy (MPG)     35
Horsepower     150@6500
Torque (lb-ft)     140@4300
Wheelbase     105.1
Length (in.)     179.1
Width (in.)     70.6
Height (in.)     55.6





The Acura ILX is an entry-level compact luxury sedan intended to serve as a gateway car to draw in Generation Y buyers looking to move up to a premium brand. Though based on the Honda Civic, the ILX distances itself from its plebeian roots with distinct styling, additional tech and convenience features and a more coddling cabin.
The ILX's front end is unmistakably an Acura design, though the controversial "beak" grille is more gracefully incorporated than in some of the brand's other vehicles. The sides of the ILX feature a pair of eye-catching character lines: one runs relatively straight from the front headlight to the back of the rear window, while the other starts aft of the front wheel and sweeps up to create a "hip" above the rear wheel were the two meet. Around back, the taillights are reminiscent of the units on the brand's crossover vehicles.



Aside from Acura's familiar three-spoke steering wheel, the ILX gets a unique cabin with a relatively simple center stack, a centrally-mounted navigation/information screen and asymmetrical A/C vents dotting the dashboard.


Powertrain Options
The ILX is offered with a pair of four-cylinder motors in addition to Acura's first hybrid system.
The base motor is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 150 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. Paired exclusively with a five-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain combo is said to be good for an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Those looking for a sportier compact luxury sedan can opt for a 2.4-liter inline-four that produces 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Essentially the same motor found in the larger TSX (and the Civic Si), the 2.4-liter engine comes hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission (and only a manual transmission) and returns estimated mileage of 20/29 mpg.
Those seeking optimal fuel economy will want to check out the ILX Hybrid, which features a 1.5-liter gasoline engine (with stop-start technology) teamed with a CVT transmission and a 20 horsepower electric motor that draws power from a lithium-ion battery pack. The setup, which is shared with the Honda Civic Hybrid, is good for a combined 111 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, while mileage is estimated at 35 city, 38 highway mpg.

The base ILX with 2.0-liter engine and ILX Hybrid models feature 16-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with P205/55R16 all-season tires, while the adding either Premium or Technology packages, or getting the 2.4-liter equipped ILX will result in the addition of 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels with P215/45R17 all-season tires.


Interior features
All models come standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated controls, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power glass moonroof, keyless entry and push-button start, a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with trunk pass-through and center armrest, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink interface, CD player with USB port and auxiliary jack, auto-up/down driver and passenger power windows, power door mirrors and power door locks, HomeLink remote control system and more.
More features can be had with the Premium Package, which is optional on the 2.0-liter-equipped ILX, standard on the 2.4-liter and not available on the Hybrid. Additional kit includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM radio, HID headlights, foglights, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.
The top-spec Technology Package is available on 2.0-liter and Hybrid models, and includes all of the Premium Package's features plus an ELS Surround audio system and a navigation system with voice recognition, AcuraLink real-time traffic with traffic rerouting, AcuraLink real-time weather with radar image maps and HomeLink.

Occupant Safety
All ILX models come standard with dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Key competitors
As the new entry-level offering from Acura, the ILX will compete with the Buick Verano and the Audi A3. Buyers can also consider cross-shopping it against Acura's own TSX, which is a size larger yet only marginally more expensive.