Acura's entry-level premium ILX sedan offers enough luxury and performance options to make the car appealing to anyone shopping the segment.
Although based on the Honda Civic compact sedan platform, the ILX is 100 percent Acura and comes clad in sleek, aggressive sheetmetal, while the sharp front fascia bears the familiar Acura face. Acura calls this styling theme "Keen Edge Dynamics."
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard and handling is thanks to MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, with stabilizer bars over both ends as well. Paired with the car's unit body construction, the effect is an athletic, exciting ride.
Three trim levels are available -- base, Premium and Technology Package -- and all come powered by a variety of i-VTEC 4-cylinder engines. Base ILXs come standard with a 150-horsepower 2.0L. That engine powers a Premium model and the ILX Technology Package model as well. Premium models can also be specified with the sporty 201-horsepower 2.4L.
All ILX 2.0L engines are paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift and paddle shifters. The 2.4L ILX Premium utilizes a quick, exciting short-throw 6-speed transmission.
In addition to goodies such as power windows, locks and mirrors, base ILX models offer 17-inch wheels, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, a fold-down rear seatback, a 6-speaker stereo, steering wheel-mounted audio, cruise and Bluetooth hands-free controls, rear backup camera and automatic climate control.
Premium models add Xenon HID headlights, heated leather-trimmed seating and 10-way power driver controls, and a 360-watt, 7-speaker sound system. Premium-trim ILXs with the 2.4L engine also feature contrast seat stitching, stainless steel pedals and red gauge lighting.
The ILX Technology Package steps things up inside the car with Acura navigation, real-time traffic and weather, a 10-speaker, 415-watt sound system with hard-drive storage, XM satellite radio and more.
All ILXs come loaded with standard safety features including anti-lock brakes, stability control and six airbags.
Acura Luxury In An Entry-level Premium Package
Available Technology
Spirited Performance
Following its introduction in 2013 and substantial changes last year, the Acura ILX enters 2015 with few changes, though the ILX Hybrid has been discontinued.
Acura's ILX represents a return to the compact luxury car business for the automaker. The ILX offers a variety of powertrain options, from the efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder to the sporty 2.4L four. A lengthy equipment list combines with premium technology features to offer a very affordable entryway to the luxury brand.
