In many respects, the launch of the all-new 2013 Acura ILX represents evolution and adaptation at Acura, the luxury division of Honda Automotive.
The ILX represents evolution as it’s the latest attempt by Acura to produce an entry level product that is based upon the Honda Civic however unlike the CSX which it replaces it provides enough upscale differences to stand alone as an ILX and not a tricked-up Civic.
In terms of adaptation, the ILX has been built to meet the growing demands by consumers for an affordable entry-level luxury vehicle with base prices starting at under $30K. In addition, with the launch of the ILX, Acura now offers its first hybrid, something it has been sorely lacking especially when compared to rival Lexus and its impressive line-up of both complimentary and exclusive hybrid designs. Now that Acura has entered the world of hybrid’s it was time to include a review on the Enviro Dad Test Drive.
AT FIRST GLANCE
The Acura ILX attempts to succeed where the CSX failed. From the first look at the ILX one can see that despite its predominant Civic genetics, it clearly doesn’t look like one. The front grille bears a strong resemblance to the larger TSX, and its sweeping lines show more of a refined looked and a differentiation from the Civic than the CSX ever did. At only 55.6 inches, the ILX was lower than I expected it to be, and I found it minimally difficult to enter and exit from. I also found headroom to be a bit tight despite me being a rather average 5’11”.
When stepping inside the ILX my tester came equipped with comfortable leather seats and in general it was nicely trimmed. What did strike me though was that despite its nice overall finish and design, I never really got the sense that I was in a luxury car. This may be where certain sacrifice had to be made to bring a luxury car in at under $30K.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
The Acura ILX offers 2 conventional engine options and one hybrid. The majority of ILX purchasers will likely opt for the 2.0L 4 cylinder engine that offers 150 hp. I say this only because the more powerful 2.4L 4 cylinder engine, which puts out 201 hp, or the same as the Civic Si is only being offered in a manual transmission, and that will hurt it in terms of sales.
The hybrid offers a 1.5L 4-cylinder that offers 111 hp but has a higher actual output when paired with the battery.
If you are looking for a high performance vehicle, the ILX isn’t for you. Both non-hybrid versions offer reliable, but unspectacular power, while very few hybrid buyers are looking for pure performance anyway.
Handling on all three options is solid with a firm, yet not overly solid ride. Legroom is generally sufficient except for anyone over 6 feet tall who might feel a bit cramped. I took a couple of longer drives in the ILX, including one ironically to Niagara on the Lake to check out AJAC Test Fest, and I never felt fatigued due to the driving set up.
GREEN FACTOR
If fuel efficiency is what you are after, then the Hybrid is a solid choice. It offers a combined fuel rating of 38 MPG or 6.2 L/100 KM which is roughly about 25% better than the non-hybrid models. That said, as hybrid vehicles go, these ratings are somewhat sub-par. For about the same amount of money one could choose either a Kia Optima Hybrid or a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and get similar luxury, but with even better fuel efficiency.
One of the features with the ILX Hybrid that I liked, although it takes a bit of getting used to, is the auto stop feature that disengages the engine when the vehicle is in drive, yet idling. The engine is turned on again simply by removing your foot off the brake. Vehicle idling is clearly a major contributor to carbon emissions from automobiles and I’d love to see this feature find its way to non-hybrid models as well if possible.
FAMILY FACTOR
For any family that can have its needs met by a compact sedan, the ILX would work for them as well. The 2nd row offers two comfortable seats and a third less comfortable one. I had two adults in the 2nd row on a 90 minute drive and both said they felt fine during the trip.
The non-hybrid versions offer about 12.4 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk while the hybrid offers only about 10 cubic feet. You won’t get much in there so if you have a lot of “stuff” it’s likely to get stuffed in this car.
FOR THE TECHIES
When driving any luxury vehicle (even an entry level one) it’is expected that technology will play a role in distinguishing it from mainline brands. The ILX offers a number of worthy technological options, but only if you opt for either the premium or technology package. The tech package has some cool features above the standard navigation system with voice guidance, Bluetooth and back up camera. Options such as Acuralink real time traffic and real time weather reporting are helpful as is the sms text message reading option in the centre console.
However what perhaps was most impressive for me was the premium sound system that was available in the premium and technology package. This 7 speaker, 360-watt delight was made more impressive by the 5.1 surround sound technology it utilizes. Media cars come equipped with a 5.1 Surround sound demo CD and I have to tell you…hearing Dire Straits “Money for Nothing” in 5.1 Surround while being played rather loud while on a highway drive was perhaps one of the more amazing car audio experiences I’ve ever had.
SUMMARY
I think when summarizing the 2013 Acura ILX, it’s important to keep in mind what it’s attempting to be and what it’s not. The non-hybrid versions are essentially entry-level luxury cars that bring you into the luxury family but won’t give you all the bells, whistles and special treatment that its higher end cousins offer. While a much better effort than the CSX, the non-hybrids may find the comparably priced, but more powerful and better appointed Buick Verano to be a noteworthy competitor.
As for the ILX Hybrid, it’s a welcome sight to see a hybrid in the Acura line up. While basically utilizing the same hybrid design as does the Civic, the ILX incorporates more luxury and prestige into the package. It certainly isn’t the best luxury hybrid I’ve driven, or even the best for the same price point, but for now I’m willing to give it some slack simply because the words “Acura” and “Hybrid” have now finally come together.
The Acura ILX is a pretty good offering, but not a great offering. That said, it’s still good enough to keep those looking for luxury cars without luxury car prices interested and willing to give it serious consideration.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10):
LOOK/DESIGN: 8.0
DRIVE: 7.5
GREEN FACTOR: 8.0
FAMILY FACTOR: 7.5
TECHIE STUFF: 8.0
VALUE: 8.0
(MSRP AS TESTED: $32,290 – Tech
$34,990 – Hybrid)
OVERALL: 8.0
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