ACURA ILX Compact Sedan 2012

[dragostan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dragostan]

cat de bine ar suna masina asta, in varianta civic + 2.4 201cp....

[hondatu Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close hondatu]

Ar suna foarte bine dar atata timp cat exista un Accord la cilindreea si puterea aia, sigur asa ceva nu va fi adus oficial aici.
Designul exterior e destul de modest si orice as vrea sa-mi imaginez, tot nu scap de Mazda3 (Sedan). (

[andrei_r Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close andrei_r]

Hmmm, mie personal mi se pare mai ok ca si diferenta de versiunea anterioara fata de modelul 5D de exemplu . Oricum, daca asa e pt USA, e posibil in EU sa fie adus usor modificat pe parte de design asa cum se intampla si cu modelul actual.

[dragostan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dragostan]

Si mie mi se pare ok ca design, mai ales in comparatie cu civicul sedan.

Personal cred ca vor aduce in Europa o versiune hibrid: exterior de ILX, interior de civic si probabil motorul de 1.8 prezent si pe hatchbak, ceea ce sincer nu ar fi chiar rau. La ora asta daca as avea de ales intre civicul 5D nou si acest ILX, strict dpdv al exteriorului as lua acura fara sa ma gandesc.

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Styling Size-Up: 2013 Acura ILX

http://wot.motortrend.com/styling-si...lx-168917.html

Even if you find the 2013 Acura ILX’s powertrain options underwhelming, it would be disingenuous to suggest the car is a quick 2012 Honda Civic rebadge. The new Acura has presence and a bit of style for what’s intended to be an entry-level, compact, premium sedan. Don’t believe us? Take a closer look at the gallery below, which features the 2013 Acura ILX alongside the 2012 Honda Civic and 2012 Acura TSX. Compared to the Civic and TSX designs, we think the ILX’s styling is sufficiently different to justify its existence.

Styling Size Up: 2013 Acura ILX imageFrom the front, the 2013 Acura ILX is instantly identifiable as an Acura thanks to the power plenum badge. Unlike the 2012 Acura TSX sedan, though, the 2013 ILX features a carefully sculpted hood that draws more attention to the grille. The ILX’s lower front fascia is more subtle than the TSX’s layout, and that theme continues to the wheel well flares.

From the side, the 2013 Acura ILX ditches the 2012 Honda Civic’s black plastic panel forward of the door-mounted sideview mirrors. Like the TSX, the ILX has sideview mirrors mounted at the corner of the greenhouse, which is trimmed in chrome on both cars. The upward kink in the ILX’s rear side window more closely resembles the Civic than the TSX, but neither car has the swoopy character line that would look at home on a Buick.

Move to the rear and it’s evident the 2013 Acura ILX features a more flowing design than the crisper 2012 Acura TSX. The taillight shape recalls other Acuras like the ZDX but the smallest Acura lacks the chrome trim strip that connects the taillights on the TSX. On the ILX, you also won’t find the TSX’s prominently displayed dual exhaust setup.

Styling Size Up: 2013 Acura ILX imageInside, the 2013 Acura ILX is nothing like the interior design in the Civic that seemed radical in 2006 compared to the rest of the compact segment. The ILX’s center stack appears to have lost the driver-focused orientation on the 2012 Honda Civic but does gain a more optimally placed navigation screen at the top of the dash, like the TSX. There’s plenty of silver trim in the ILX to match the TSX, and, as you’d expect, both Acuras have leather seats that look richer than those in the Honda Civic.

After having a look through our gallery below, tell us: What do you think of the 2013 Acura ILX design compared to the 2012 Acura TSX and 2012 Honda Civic?

Last week, the 2013 Dodge Dart was received positively. “The red model, pictured here, is stunning for its class,” noted mt, but continued: “I’m curious as to what the ‘lesser’ models will look like.”

Pmirp1 was impressed by the Dart’s design: “This is clearly a move in the right direction. While some may like and some may dislike the design, this Chrysler is taking a risk and going in a refreshing direction for compacts.”

Photos of the 2013 Acura ILX are on the left, the 2012 Honda Civic is in the middle, and the 2011/2012 Acura TSX is on the right.

COMPARATII POZE => http://wot.motortrend.com/styling-si...lx-168917.html

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Neal's Fantasy Factory Cranks out a Cunning Coupe - ILX COUPE

http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1040335

It's been a long time since Acura featured a proper coupe in the lineup, and Neal's mouse finger has been getting itchy, so he started flipping some bits and came up with this interesting concept of what an ILX-based coupe could possibly look like.

Acura has been long rumored to be working on a coupe, and now that the ILX has been revealed, could we see one some time next year? Stay tuned...

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

New 2013 Acura ILX to replace CSX

http://www.autos.ca/general-news/new...CanadianDriver

Toronto, Ontario – Introduced today at the Canadian International Auto Show, the all-new ILX luxury compact sport sedan is designed as the new “gateway” to the Acura brand for consumers interested in moving up from mass-market vehicles, said Alexander Roger, assistant vice president, Acura Canada. The 2013 Acura ILX compact sport sedan combines luxury, performance and efficiency while maintaining a strong emphasis on a stylish and aerodynamic exterior design. As a five-passenger luxury sedan, the ILX combines compact proportions with ample cargo space, a spacious passenger interior and a large and airy greenhouse that provides excellent outward visibility.

“We’ve created the new Acura ILX to provide first-time luxury buyers with the sophistication, exterior styling, affordability and environmental responsibility that they value,” said Roger. “Research shows that 80 per cent of new car buyers are contemplating a move into the luxury market but many just don’t get there. ILX will finally provide those customers with a true gateway into the luxury market.”

The ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and efficient powertrain choices, including Acura’s first- gasoline-electric hybrid. The ILX will be powered by a 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 140 lb.-ft. of torque at 4300 r.p.m. For those who seek a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a 2.4-litre engine with an output of 201 horsepower at 7000 r.p.m and 170 lb.-ft. torque at 4300 r.p.m.

As Acura’s first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-litre inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist electric motor. The hybrid drivetrain uses the gasoline engine as the primary power source, while an electric motor provides additional power when needed. A lithium-ion battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the 20 horsepower electric motor. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce 111 horsepower at 5500 r.p.m and 127 lb.-ft. of torque between 1000-3000 r.p.m. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. At a stop, the 1.5-litre engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.

Inside, the ILX will feature a high-quality, well-appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, high-value features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start and SMS text message function for smart connectivity with the world.

The Acura ILX will be manufactured exclusively at the company’s state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana, plant – one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.

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VIDEOCLIPURI cu ILX:

http://www.acura.com/future/ILX#7

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http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1048046

2013 ILX pricing to start at around $27k, hybrid and 2.4 models at $30k

Acura is hosting a media event for the 2013 Acura ILX and RDX this week in Arizona. Tonight was the first night of the event and we were treated to introductions to each model. Tomorrow and Tuesday we will get detailed technical briefings on each vehicle, but the one new nugget we heard tonight was that the 2013 ILX will be priced at a starting point of around $27000 when it goes on sale next month.

Below are a few photos of the ILX from this evening's reception.

UPDATE from the morning technical meeting:

The 2.4L 6MT and 1.5L Hybrid models are expected to start at around $30k. The cars go on-sale officially May 25th, 2012 and will be built at Honda's new Greensburg, Indiana facility.

A few other notes of interest:

2.0L engine has a balancer shaft, Acura says it delivers performance that matches TSX 2.4 5AT.

Hybrid powertrain is nearly identical to Civic Hybrid powertrain but it has been retuned extensively, delivers city-speed responsiveness approaching the level of CR-Z in sport mode

ILX features Amplitude Reactive Dampers for improved maneuverabilty and ride comfort

That huge glovebox has a 7.4L capacity

To be built and sold in North America and exported to China

Earth Dreams powerplants will be introduced to the line about as soon as they're available. Not necessarily waiting for a hard date for an MMC event.

Driving impressions of the ILX are embargoed until April 20, 2012.

From a "premium" standpoint, the ILX is a pretty clear step above the 9th generation Civics. This is from the standpoint of build quality, features, materials, and design details.

The ILX body is composed of 62% high strength steel, with aluminum hood and and bumper beams to keep body weight as low as possible

The 6MT 2.4L version lacks the limited-slip differential found in the 2012 Civic Si.

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

Report: Acura Hopes New ILX Helps Boost Sales By 46 Percent

http://rumors.automobilemag.com/repo...nt-119101.html

New and refreshed vehicles, including the new 2013 ILX sedan, will help attract younger buyers to the Acura brand — and boost its overall sales. Automotive News reports that Acura plans to focus on “Generation Y” buyers in a bid to boost sales by as much as 46 percent in 2012.

Acura had previously eliminated its sporty entry-level car, the RSX, which had replaced the Integra, in a bid to move the brand upmarket. That move failed when the credit crunch hit, causing customers to be more prudent and careful with their car purchases. However, Acura hopes its all-new ILX sedan will appeal to younger, more rational buyers who want a taste of the luxury-car segment.

“People are making more rational purchase decisions, taking pride in the deal they strike,” Acura general manager Jeff Conrad told Automotive News. “Generation Y [buyers aged 19 to 31] aspires to luxury, but they need a little help getting there.”

Many of those customers will be drawn to the ILX sedan, which will reportedly be priced around $27,000. Acura expects to sell 40,000 units of the ILX, and expects total 2012 sales of 180,000 cars. Last year, Acura sold a total of 123,299 vehicles here, down 8.0 percent compared to 2010. The company’s volumes were hurt by supply disruptions in the wake of Japan’s earthquake; without the natural disaster, Acura believes it would have sold 150,000 cars in 2011.

Following on the launch of the ILX, Acura also will launch redesigned versions of the TL sedan and MDX crossover for 2013. Acura also already has 3500 buyers whom are interested in the all-new 2013 RDX.

“We’re remaking the entire lineup over the next few years,” Conrad explained. “We’ve had a pretty strong reliance on sport-utilities and we want to bolster our sedans.”

Acura also must work on winning and keeping loyal customers. The brand’s loyalty rate is reportedly only 45 percent, below the 49-percent industry average. However, the age of the company’s average buyer is below that of competing brands.

To help draw in younger Generation Y buyers, Acura will focus on a few key areas coveted by those buyers: environmental responsibility, attractive styling, and in-car technologies like Bluetooth and Internet radio.

Source: Automotive News

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http://www.wheels.ca/article/805954

Honda prices Acura ILX to lure Gen-Y buyers from BMW, Audi

Honda Motor Co., seeking a 46 percent jump in U.S. Acura brand sales this year, priced a new “near premium” compact sedan to attract car buyers in their 30s and keep them out of competing BMW and Audi models.

The 2013 ILX which goes on sale in May starts at about $27,000 in the U.S. It’s aimed at older “Generation-Y” customers who aspire to own a luxury vehicle and have limited income, Jeff Conrad, vice president of Honda’s Acura unit, said this month. Honda’s U.S. sales target is 40,000 annually of the ILX, which shares underpinnings with the Civic compact.

The target “seems pretty ambitious,” because younger drivers have been hurt the most by weakness in the job market since 2008, said Jessica Caldwell, an analyst for researcher Edmunds.com. “It’s a bit risky aiming your new vehicles at this group is that’s basically falling off the map.”

Acura was the first U.S. premium brand from an Asian carmaker. Sales have been volatile, peaking at 209,610 in 2005 before plunging to 105,723 in 2009. The company sold 123,299 Acuras in the U.S. last year, less than half the 247,907 luxury vehicles sold in the U.S. by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG’s BMW, No. 1 seller last year of luxury cars and trucks.

Honda says the recession left consumers more cost-conscious and potentially open to Acura vehicles that sell for less than BMW, Volkswagen AG’s Audi and Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus. Honda wants to raise total Acura U.S. sales to 180,000 vehicles this year.

‘Gateway’ Model

“They are making more-rational purchase decisions within the luxury category,” Conrad told reporters in Scottsdale, Arizona, this month. Both the ILX and new 2013 RDX compact sport-utility vehicle which goes on sale in April are for people with “aspirational goals, but affordability is an issue.”

Along with ILX, the company is targeting annual sales of 30,000 RDX SUVs annually. Next week, Acura also will show a revamped large sedan at the New York auto show that will replace the current RL late this year, followed by a new NSX supercar due in about two years.

“The ILX will act as the gateway to the Acura brand,” said Lee DaSilva, a senior product planner for Tokyo-based Honda.

A median Acura buyer is 49, male and married, according to San Diego-based Strategic Vision, a consumer research company. The median age for all luxury auto buyers is 56, said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision’s automotive practice.

Audi and Nissan Motor Co.’s Infiniti attract a slightly younger customer, with a median age of 48. Lexus buyers have a median age of 58, according to Strategic Vision.

With ILX, Acura will offer four sedans, including the $29,810 TSX, $35,605 TL and $47,700 RL, Conrad said. There are no plans to discontinue any of those models, he said.

ILX Options

The base ILX has a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine with standard “connectivity” features including Bluetooth, Pandora and text messaging function. For about $30,000, buyers can choose a 2.4- liter, sport version or 1.5-liter, hybrid ILX, Conrad said.

The car is positioned against small models, including Audi’s A3 hatchback, General Motors Co.’s new Buick Verano sedan and Lexus’ CT 200h hybrid hatchback, Conrad said. Base prices for are $27,270 for the A3; $23,470 for Verano; and $29,120 for the CT 200h, according to company websites.

The ILX will be built at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana, plant and arrives at dealerships May 25, the company said. The factory also assembles Civic compacts. The hybrid ILX, with a lithium- ion battery pack, gets a combined 38 miles per gallon in city and highway driving and will be Honda’s first gasoline-electric auto built in North America.

Acura is based in Torrance, California. Honda’s American depositary receipts fell 1.8 percent to $38.12 at 1:03 p.m. New York time.

[tokyodream Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close tokyodream]

http://www.autos.ca/general-news/acu...CanadianDriver

Acura Unveils 2013 ILX Hybrid in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Today, Acura unveiled its first-ever hybrid vehicle at the Vancouver International Auto Show. The all-new 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid, along with the new 2012 Acura TSX A-Spec, will be joined by the new 2013 Acura RDX as it goes on sale in dealerships across the country.

“Today is a great day for Acura in Canada as we launch the first models in a lineup that will be totally revamped within the next 3 years,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada. “As the new gateway into the luxury market, the all-new ILX will now provide Canadians with a hybrid option, featuring advanced engine technology. For those that need more performance and styling, the new TSX A-Spec will deliver just that and for our customers that need added utility, our new 2013 RDX just went on sale yesterday.”

The 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan is an all-new model that is the gateway into the Acura brand. As a five-passenger entry luxury sedan, the ILX combines compact proportions with ample cargo space, a spacious passenger interior and a large and airy greenhouse that provides excellent outward visibility.

As Acura’s first ever hybrid model, the ILX Hybrid makes use of a 1.5-litre engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. The hybrid drivetrain uses the gasoline engine as the primary power source, while an electric motor provides additional power when needed. A lithium-ion battery pack is used to capture and store electricity for the 20 horsepower electric motor. Together, the gasoline engine and electric motor produce 111 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 127 lb.-ft. of torque between 1000-3000 rpm. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. At a stop, the 1.5-litre engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released.

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http://vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1057733

Acura Announces $25,900 Starting Price for 2013 ILX



TORRANCE, Calif., Apr. 20, 2012 – The all-new 2013 Acura ILX will go on sale at Acura dealerships May 22, 2012, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP*) starting at $25,900 Acura announced today. The ILX offers remarkable value for the money with robust feature content and premium appeal.

“The 2013 Acura ILX will serve as the gateway to the Acura brand,” said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “At the leading edge of a new, sporty compact segment, the ILX delivers style, value, performance and connectivity to younger buyers looking to move into the luxury market.”

The all-new Acura ILX features a windswept exterior design with 5-passenger cabin, a choice of three powertrain options, including Acura’s first-ever gasoline-electric hybrid, and a well appointed interior that is smart, spacious and sporty. It will offer a number of new, premium 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. Like all Acura models, the ILX is equipped with a rich list of standard features including a power moonroof, aluminium wheels and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

The entry-level ILX (starting at $25,900) is powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a 2.4-liter engine ($29,200, includes the Premium package) with an output of 201 horsepower featuring a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission. The ILX Hybrid (starting at $28,900) makes use of a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist® electric motor. Paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the ILX 1.5L Hybrid has an EPA estimated** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 39/38/38 mpg.

As with all Acura models, the ILX will have a long list of standard features, multiple trim levels (a Premium Package and Technology Package), and excellent standard safety features— including Acura's acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, front, side and side-curtain airbags, 4-channel anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®). Although yet to be tested, Acura anticipates that the ILX will achieve top crash safety ratings from both NHTSA and the IIHS.

The 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 aluminium wheels, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin.

Building on the Premium Package, the Technology Package (available on the ILX with 2.0-liter engine for $2,200) adds Acura's award winning ELS Surround® audio system and a full complement of relevant technologies, including 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 aluminium wheels.

The Acura ILX will be manufactured (using U.S. and globally sourced parts), exclusively at the company's state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana plant, one of only three plants worldwide to receive J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Platinum Award for outstanding product quality, and the top award for any factory in North America.

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http://www.leftlanenews.com/acura-il...ve-review.html - 25 de poze

First Drive: 2013 Acura ILX [Review]

Here’s a lesson Acura should have learned years ago: When you have a successful formula, stick with it.

The rebirth of a new entry-level, semi-premium Acura based on humble compact Honda Civic architecture shows that the automaker has, perhaps, learned from its past transgressions. Enter the ILX, which almost certainly got its first initial from the long-departed Acura Integra.

Even though Acura’s engineers wouldn’t admit it to us, we know that I in ILX isn’t arbitrary.

Genesis
Honda’s premium division had something of a cult hit with the 1980s and 1990s Integra, but the automaker’s upmarket aspirations called for an end to the compact sedan and sporty hatchback line about a decade ago. Ever since then, Acura’s success in luring in buyers interested in a premium sedan somewhere south of the BMW 3-Series have been pinned on the TSX. And that hasn’t been a bad thing for consumers, but Honda is finding it hard to make money on its European-market Accord-based, Japan-built TSX.

Thus was born what might at first glance seem like a warmed-over Honda Civic, the Acura ILX. We can’t blame you for being skeptical: Civic devotees will find a shared platform, two powertrains and even an assembly plant in Indiana.

ILX Hybrids use the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline-electric hybrid and CVT powertrain used in the Civic Hybrid, while the vaguely sport-oriented ILX 2.4 comes with the Civic Si’s 201-horsepower, 170 lb-ft. of torque 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

However, Acura expects that most ILX shoppers will instead wind up with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder hooked up to a six-speed automatic, a powertrain not offered on other Honda products in North America. The 2.0 puts out 150 horsepower and 140 lb-ft. of torque, a hefty step down from the optional 2.4-liter.

Confusingly, this means there are three distinct ILX flavors: The mass-market 2.0-liter/automatic, the kind-of-sort-of sporty buyer-oriented 2.4-liter/manual and the eco-friendly hybrid/CVT.

All three utilize essentially the same suspension settings, which makes the 2.4-liter somewhat of a head-scratcher since its performance credentials are relegated to additional speed and shift-it-yourself ability, not corner-carving prowess.

Looking the part
Confusing model lineup aside, we were pleased to see that, inside and out, the ILX looks nothing like the Civic. Crisply toned and distinctive if not particularly evocative, the ILX is a pleasant-looking sedan that manages to look reasonably upmarket thanks to delicate brightwork and some familial styling cues. We weren’t crazy about its swept-up C-pillar, but we do like the broad rear shoulders formed by its tall rear fenders.

Externally, all three ILXs are identical aside from a functional trunk spoiler on Hybrids and different wheel designs.

Inside, ILX shares no visible switchgear with the Civic, although it is a bit narrow compared to the marginally larger TSX. Rear seat space falls in the ILX’s favor, however, as does a high-resolution central display with Acura’s generally user-friendly control knob for navigation and advanced audio functions.

Materials choices are a clear step above the Civic, so the TSX rewards with more upmarket textures throughout. Aside from the relative narrowness of its cabin, only a cheaply finished trunk lid that lacked a fully carpeted liner and a non-height adjustable manual passenger seat adjustment revealed the ILX’s downmarket roots.

On the road
Careful tuning again erased nearly all of the Civicness from this compact sedan platform. ILX steers nicely, albeit with limited feel and marginally over-boosted assist. Harsh bumps reveal a solid structure and a compliant, if not particularly taut, suspension.

Skinny pedal actions aside, all three ILX powertrain variants rode and handled about the same. The 2.4-liter model has a little more weight over the front axle, but any difference it makes on handling is negligible at best. Confident and controlled, the ILX nonetheless only ekes slightly toward the sporty side of things.

And that’s a shame, because the 2.4 is a refined and willing engine that begs to be tossed into a sportier platform. When Honda last rehabbed this engine for its TSX and Civic Si, it ratcheted down the peaky power and added in some torque, which makes it a fine fit for an entry-premium sedan. Further improving matters is one of the most delicately precise six-speed manual transmissions in the business, mated here to a perfectly-weighted clutch pedal. Fuel economy is estimated at 22/31 mpg.

But Acura says that fewer than 10 percent of ILX buyers are likely to choose the 2.4, so they’ll be missing out. Instead, the 2.0-liter model feels just adequate in terms of overall power. It merges well enough onto highways and passing isn’t a challenge, but the six-speed automatic gearbox certainly gets a workout. At least Acura worked hard to quell cabin noise; the engine is silky smooth as it revs up to redline. This limited power does reap benefits in fuel economy, however, as Acura expects 24/35 mpg from the EPA.

The ILX Hybrid is pokier yet with just 91 horsepower from its 1.5-liter (and an additional 23 ponies from the electric motor). Acura quotes a 0-60 mph stroll of 11.2 seconds, although a decent torque spread – 127 lb-ft. between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm – makes the ILX Hybrid feel about as quick as the mainstream 2.0-liter model in most driving. Only during freeway on-ramp maneuvers does the Hybrid’s CVT force the engine to drone as it maximizes available power. Acura pegs the Hybrid at 39/38 mpg, which is a fair amount lower than the Civic Hybrid’s 44/44 mpg.

Packaged for success?
As we alluded to earlier, the ILX’s lineup is a bit more confusing than Acura’s typical “base” or “Technology” (think navigation and premium audio) models. 2.0-liter Hybrid models come standard with cloth seats, a moonroof and Bluetooth for $26,695 and $29,795, respectively.

From there, the lineup climbs to the Premium package, which is standard on 2.4s ($30,095), optional on 2.0s (also $30,095) and unavailable on Hybrids. It adds heated leather seats, an uprated stereo, 17-inch wheels, a rear camera and HID headlamps. Acura hasn’t priced the package for 2.0-liters, but it has said that 2.4s will list for around $30,000.

Optional on 2.0 and Hybrid models only, the Technology Package adds navigation, Homelink and a genuinely impressive ELS audio system. These range-topping ILXs run $32,295 for a 2.0 and $35,295 for the Hybrid.

All this seemed reasonable until we realized what an unintentionally good value Acura’s own TSX is: A base 2012 TSX, which includes essentially all of what you’ll find in an ILX Premium, starts at a mere $810 more. It may be a little larger and a little less fuel efficient, but it’s faster and it boasts notably sportier dynamics… for about the same price. And that’s before we priced out the ILX’s chief rival, the Buick Verano, which lists for around $3,000 less.

It doesn’t take a Harvard MBA to realize that part of this situation is short-lived, though. TSXs are built in Japan, where a strong yen continues to dent profitability, while ILXs are built an hour south of the Crossroads of America in Greensburg, Indiana.

Leftlane’s bottom line
The Acura ILX’s refinement shrugs off any comparisons to its pedestrian Honda Civic platform-mate, but its premium pricing should make it a tough sell – especially while the Acura TSX is on dealer lots.

For only a few bucks more, we’d be hard pressed not to pick the dynamically impressive, Euro-feeling TSX, even if the ILX is the new kid on the block.

2013 Acura ILX base price range, $26,795 to $35,295.

Words and photos by Andrew Ganz.

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http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04...-at-25900.html

New 2013 Acura ILX Starts at $25,900*, $10,000 More than the Base Civic Sedan [91 Photos]

In about a month's time, on May 22, to be precise, the new 2013 Acura ILX compact sedan will arrive in U.S. showrooms with prices starting at $25,900 and rising to $34,400, not including a destination charge of $895 (*).

Being based on the latest Civic, we can't help but note that the Honda model starts at $15,995, or $9,995 less, though in all fairness, the ILX is better equipped and comes with a 150hp 2.0-liter engine instead of a 140hp 1.8-liter unit.

On the top end of the range, the ILX with the 201HP 2.4-liter engine at $29,200 and the 111HP 1.5-liter Hybrid model at $34,400, approach larger German offerings like the 240hp BMW 328i ($34,900) and 201hp Mercedes C250 ($34,800), with the Hybrid being more expensive than the 211hp Audi A4 ($32,500).

The 2012 Buick Verano, which is a more direct opponent to the ILX, starts at $22,585 rising to $25,965. All Veranos are powered by a 180HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

"The 2013 Acura ILX will serve as the gateway to the Acura brand," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "At the leading edge of a new, sporty compact segment, the ILX delivers style, value, performance and connectivity to younger buyers looking to move into the luxury market."

The ILX's range starts off with the base model priced $25,900. It is powered by a 150hp 2.0-liter unit paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission and returns 28mpg combined.

The same model is available with a Premium Package that adds leather seats, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system with XM radio, HID headlights, foglights, 17-inch alloys, a multi-view rearview camera and an Active Sound Cancellation system, with pricing set at $29,200.

There's also a Technology Package that builds on the Premium Package adding the AcuraLink Satellite Communication System, navigation with voice recognition, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps and HomeLink.

Next up is the ILX with the more potent 201hp 2.4-liter engine linked to a six-speed manual that's priced at $29,200 and includes the Premium Package mentioned previously as standard.

Finally, there's the ILX Hybrid with a 111HP 1.5-liter engine, with prices set at $28,900 for the standard model and $34,400 for the next version fitted with the Technology Package.