- Acura's new entry-level model is based on the Honda Civic.
- The ILX will offer a choice of three powertrains, including Acura's first hybrid gasoline-electric drive system.
- The ILX goes on sale in spring.
DETROIT — Acura's new entry-level ILX sedan is based on the Honda Civic and will offer a choice of three powertrains, including Acura's first hybrid gasoline-electric drive system. The ILX, unveiled here in concept form, will be assembled at Honda's plant in Greensburg, Indiana, and goes on sale in spring.
The ILX is being positioned by Acura as its new "gateway" model, aimed at younger buyers. The basic version will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while a more sporting edition gets a 2.4-liter four and a six-speed manual gearbox. The ILX Hybrid will share the Civic's 93-horsepower 1.5-liter gasoline engine.
Other features include a smart entry keyless access system and push-button start, as well as Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function. Acura also plans to offer an optional Technology package.
Inside Line says: Entry luxury — if that's not an oxymoron.
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lions208487 says:
09:11 AM, 01/11/2012
Looks nice, but the 2.0 liter better be at least the i-VTEC 183 HP , or it's point less. I hope driving this ILX will bring back memories of the Integra, but enthusiasts will have to wait and see.
Makes the Buick Verono seem relivant.
damaje says:
09:59 PM, 01/10/2012
Looks like a Camry.
gregrnel says:
08:49 PM, 01/10/2012
@underwdp the TSX is going away......
gregrnel says:
08:47 PM, 01/10/2012
As for all the negative comments about front wheel drive, we here in the snow belt will take a good handling Acura FWD over a RWD BMW any day. I don't like AWD for it's crappy fuel economy and switching to snow tires for the winter is costly and a pain.
samster231 says:
07:59 PM, 01/10/2012
In a world where you can option a Cruze or Focus to $27,000 USD, this Acura makes sense.
I think it looks sharp, and if they can keep the price reasonable this should work. Maybe not with you or me, but there are takers for such a car.
thaitanium15 says:
07:57 PM, 01/10/2012
I love how he says "Acura" in the video.
brokenaudi says:
03:27 PM, 01/10/2012
Acura does a better job at concealing a car's front drive nature than anybody else (except maybe mini) but that doesn't change the fact that they're still front drivers trying to compete in a rear-drive segment. No dice.
atomicfrog says:
03:24 PM, 01/10/2012
Acura Civic.
This is just a lame effort to come up with an entry level model by Acura. Throw together all Honda has in small displacement engine (R20, K24 etc), and hybrid; come up with a nicer exterior/interior and call it a new entry level model.
Come on Honda! If this is a new car, at least put in your newest technology, not just new metal sheets only. This is just slightly better than the rebadge Acura CSX sold here in Canada.
Thumbs down!
isend2c says:
12:08 PM, 01/10/2012
I think it looks pretty good... However, it needs to be priced far less than the outgoing Volvo S40... Because It's not nearly as good, it comes with the same engine as in the Civic...
pure_hp says:
11:03 AM, 01/10/2012
LOL @ Colorado!!!! Good one!