An expensive Civic but with a lot more.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - April 20, 2012
2013 Acura ILX - $25,900 to start ($28,900 for the hybrid) and a 24/35 city/highway rating (39/38 for the hybrid) rating.
The all-new 2013 Acura ILX will reach Acura dealerships this Sunday while providing better value to those considering an offering in the premium compact segment.
Based on the Civic, the ILX features a similar but more upscale exterior design, a choice of three powertrains, and a much nicer and well appointed interior than its cheap seats cousin. It will offer a number of new features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora internet radio interface and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world. The ILX is also equipped with a power moonroof, aluminum wheels and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink as standard equipment.
The entry-level ILX is powered by a 150 HP 2.0L I4 paired with the standard Civic 5-speed AT.
It can also be equipped with the Accord’s 201 HP 2.4L featuring an unfortunately way to close ratio six-speed MT.
The ILX Hybrid makes use of the Civic Hybrids 1.5L based drivetrain with Integrated Motor Assist.
Unfortunately Acura followed the Civics lead with just 6-airbags, front, side nad side curtains while other premium and even lesser class competitors are offering 7,8 and even 10-aribags for driver, passenger knees and outboard rear seat side airbags for the most precious of cargo.
A Premium Package (available as a $3,300 option; not available on the ILX Hybrid model) features leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.
The Technology Package (available on the ILX with 2.0L for $2,200) adds Acura's ELS Surround audio system, AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps and HomeLink. The navigation system makes use of a hard disk drive (HDD) with 60 gigabytes of storage capacity— including 15 gigabytes that can be specifically allocated for music storage. The Technology package is also available on the ILX Hybrid for $5,500 and includes all Premium Package features except 17-inch aluminum wheels.
The Acura ILX will be manufactured at the Greensburg, Indiana Honda Civic plant.
2013 Acura ILX Pricing and Fuel Economy Data
| Trim | MSRP | city/highway/combined (mpgUS) |
| ILX | $25,900 | 24/35/28 |
| ILX with Premium Package | $29,200 | 24/35/28 |
| ILX with Technology Package | $31,400 | 24/35/28 |
| ILX 2.4 L with Premium Package | $29,200 | 22/31/25 |
| ILX Hybrid | $28,900 | 39/38/38 |
| ILX Hybrid with Technology Package | $34,400 | 39/38/38 |
Preliminary Thoughts
From an exterior standpoint, I will leave that one up to you to decide.
We know the hybrid will perform well given its based on the very fuel efficient 2012 HCH-III. The rest of the lineup is still a question mark however. Hopefully we will have a better idea later this summer of the lineups capabilities including being much quieter than the standard Civic on which it is based.
If only the ILX with the stick came with the 2.0L, we could do something with that as well as the hybrid.
Linear Mode
