One of the fastest growing segments in the North American Auto business is the entry level luxury sedan market, and it appears Acura has a strong presence. Featuring a windswept exterior design with 5-passenger cabin, a flat-bottom unit body that minimizes aerodynamic drag, and a choice of three powertrains, the new ILX delivers magnificently in the value, performance, style and luxury arenas. Of course, the ILX is every bit an Acura, designed and equipped from the ground up to satisfy Acura customers with benchmark new technologies in its class. The 2013 Acura ILX Tech combines some of the most cutting edge design with superior quality to deliver a solid nameplate for Acura for those jumping into the luxury car world.
Exterior
There is just something very sleek about the ILX, and our crimson garnet test model caught the eye of many gawkers while on the road. Sleek, sporty and aerodynamically efficient, the exterior of the all-new Acura ILX simultaneously combines luxury, performance and efficiency. This is not easy to pull off with a price point of $32,295 for our Tech model with the premium package. Design is critical to luxury car buyers, but increasingly, so is fuel economy. The Acura ILX delivers both with a wide, low stance, a long nose and a short tail that are keen-edged and individualistic, aerodynamically efficient and also immediately recognizable as an Acura. Exterior highlights include low and wide proportions, a long hood and short tail, strong and individualistic body-side character lines, an aerodynamically sculpted cabin and a flat under-floor.
Interior
Our expectations were high since we have scored the Acuras we’ve driven in the past with high marks. Acura’s reputation for advanced and highly functional technology is clearly embodied in the new ILX sport sedan’s interior. Offering a seamless combination of luxury, performance and technology, the ILX interior exhibits the high level of fit and finish expected by Acura owners. From comfortable and supportive 5-passenger seating, to LED-illuminated instrumentation and racing-inspired shift paddles, the ILX puts Acura luxury and technology within reach of more buyers than ever before. The ILX offers a remarkable level of standard equipment, including a Keyless Access System, 5-inch color central display, dual-zone automatic climate control, 6-speaker audio system, Pandora internet radio interface, SMS text messaging feature, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink cellular telephone and music interface, and much more. The Premium and Technology Package features add a host of exceptional additional features that add even more value to the ILX. No complaints for our passengers in the rear seats as trunk space was more than we ever needed during our week cruising in the 2013 ILX.
The ILX interior blends performance and luxury themes into a highly functional and advanced layout. Sweeping shapes flow through the doors, instrument panel and center console to create a cohesive and spacious feel, accented by both soft-touch materials and satin metal finishes. The control layout is friendly with large analog gauges and a leather-wrapped, 3-spoke steering wheel for a sporting feel. Controls for many frequently used systems are positioned within fingertip reach, including on the steering wheel. The upscale Premium Package includes a 360-watt audio system with seven speakers including a subwoofer, a 5-inch color display and remote controls located on the 3-spoke steering wheel. Speed-sensitive Volume Compensation (SVC) adjusts audio volume based on vehicle speed to compensate for continually increasing or decreasing external background sounds.
Performance
Our media 2013 Acura ILX Tech sported a 150-horsepower, 4-cylinder 2.0L engine that comes highly equipped with standard features such as automatic climate control, a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, and unique Amplitude Reactive Dampers for outstanding ride quality. Power was sufficient and more compelling considering that gas mileage came in at 24mpg in the city and 35mpg on the highway. The 2.0L produces 150 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft torque at 4,300 rpm. The ILX with the 2.0 as tested won’t tear up the road, but after driving the ILX Tech for a week, we can see where one could get very comfortable driving this car in various conditions.
Overview
Fast-changing market conditions have challenged and inspired every automaker to invent, adapt and innovate at a rapid pace to meet new demands. For Acura, the result is the all-new ILX, Acura’s latest high-content, value-for-money compact luxury sedan and we like it! Of course, the ILX is every bit an Acura, designed and equipped from the ground up to satisfy Acura customers with benchmark new technologies in its class and that should make one smile with a sticker of $32,295 as tested. For those who prefer luxury cars but don’t want to break the bank, you should take a look at the 2013 Acura ILX Tech and have the best of both worlds!
