There's
no question that getting younger folks into luxury brands pays
dividends for automakers, presuming they can keep those customers
returning to the showrooms through the years. That's a lot of the reason
behind the new 2013 Acura ILX.
The
ILX is based on the chassis from the Honda Civic with some reworking
done in the name of refinement and solidity. Now before you get
concerned, let it be known that Acura's done a thorough job. This is no
Canadian market EL. Through the increased use of high-tensile steel,
torsional rigidity has been increased by 18 percent front, 11 percent
rear, and an aluminum engine hood and bumper beams reduce weight. The
body is completely reskinned, with a steeper windscreen and a more
mature-looking body. Love or loathe the styling, it works in that the
ILX looks distinctly Acura and nothing like the more pedestrian economy
car on which it was based.
The
interior, too, is pure Acura, from the waterfall-design, button-laden
center stack to the red start button to the right of the steering wheel.
Build quality appeared solid on the test units we drove and the
optional leather interiors were also of good quality.
Two
four-cylinder engines are offered in the ILX: a 2.0-liter that produces
150 hp, and a 201-hp 2.4-liter. The former will be the volume choice
and is paired exclusively with a five-speed automatic, while the latter
will undoubtedly find favor with enthusiasts by virtue of its six-speed
manual. A hybrid option with a CVT transmission and a 90-hp 1.5-liter
combustion engine paired with a 23-hp electric motor is the final
option.
Trim
differences between the three include standard 16-inch wheels for the
2.0-liter and the Hybrid, along with cloth seats, a power moonroof, iPod
connectivity, and keyless access. Those opting for the 2.4-liter ILX
will receive the Premium Package as standard equipment, including heated
leather seats, a 360-watt stereo, 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights,
foglights, and a multiview rear camera. The optional Technology Package
is available only on 2.0-liter and Hybrid models and includes
navigation with traffic and weather alerts, an ELS 365-watt surround
sound stereo, and Homelink remote control.
We
recently spent time with all three versions, and the 2.4-liter model
predictably shone as the most fun to drive. With the manual transmission
a strong selling point for enthusiasts, Acura engineers took the time
to fine-tune the shift feel with fairly short throws and a firm action.
It feels just a notch away from the Civic Si, which is one of the
best-feeling shifters we've experienced. While Acura has beefed up the
steering column support to provide better feel, we were left cold by the
new electric power steering system, which was overboosted and numb at
all speeds. Power from the smooth-revving 2.4 is good, and it sounds
nice to boot.
The
new 2.0-liter four is less exciting to drive, by comparison, partly
because of the five-speed automatic gearbox. It is adequately powered
for normal driving and quiet and relaxed at freeway speeds, making it
worthy of longer road trips. Shift paddles are standard with the
automatic transmission and help make the most of the 2.0-liter's 140
lb-ft of torque. The ILX Hybrid utilizes the same powertrain as the
Civic Hybrid. Paired with the ILX's additional heft (all those luxury
amenities don't make for lighter curb weight) and the
efficient-yet-clumsy CVT transmission, it isn't terribly fun to drive,
but it is the most efficient ILX, with fuel economy estimated at 39 mpg
city and 38 mpg highway. The 2.0- and 2.4-liter versions achieve 24/35
and 22/31 mpg city/highway, respectively.
All
three versions receive virtually the same state of suspension tune,
and, perhaps reflecting the sporty image Acura wants the ILX to project,
each rides relatively firmly. Body roll is present, but not excessive,
and road noise is minimal.
The
Acura ILX begins hitting showrooms next month, and the big question is
what competition it will have. While Acura reps cite the Lexus CT 200h
and Audi A3 as competitors, even they are quick to admit that both of
those cars have hatchback body styles and may not occupy quite the same
market space. Acura estimates the base-model 2.0-liter ILX will start
around $27,000, with the hybrid and 2.4-liter versions ringing at around
$30,000.
