Initially launched in 2012, the ILX isn’t any spring hen. At its core, Acura’s entry-level sedan continues to be a barely extra premium model of the Honda Civic — the last-generation Honda Civic. The ILX was final up to date for the 2016 mannequin yr and is present process one more refresh for 2019. In different phrases, the 2019 ILX is a reheat of an already reheated mannequin that bought a paltry 930 models in September. To its credit score, the ILX’s second makeover is definitely is fairly substantial. The automobile will get a a lot brisker look, to not point out improved know-how and extra security tools, ensuing within the automobile being a greater total worth. Besides, is that sufficient? Household resemblanceThe outgoing ILX was removed from riveting when it comes to design, however the 2019 mannequin’s brisker face goes a great distance towards giving it a bit extra on-road presence. Every thing from the A pillar ahead has been revamped, and the ILX now wears the model’s sharp company face, first seen on the Acura Precision Idea. The “Diamond Pentagon” grille sits entrance and heart, flanked by “Jewel Eye” headlights and extra aggressively creased physique panels.Huge adjustments are obvious out again, too, with a redesigned trunk lid and LED taillights. The license plate strikes down from the trunk to a brand new bumper with a outstanding diffuser, serving to to provide the rear a cleaner and sportier look. From the rear three-quarter view, the ILX is de facto engaging. The 2019 ILX will get an non-obligatory A-Spec styling package deal that features a matte graphite grille, darkened mild housings, facet sill extensions, piano black bumper accents, deck spoiler and redesigned rear diffuser. The package deal additionally matches a singular set of 18-inch, grey, multi-spoke wheels, wrapped with Continental ContiProContact all-season tires. The A-Spec can be ordered with a model-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl paint job, which is among the ILX’s 5 new coloration choices. All ILX fashions get extra supportive, redesigned entrance seats, and A-Spec vehicles can have their chairs outfitted in pink leather-based with suede inserts. The package deal additionally provides stainless-steel pedals, pink gauges, a black headliner and particular scuff plates. Sadly, exterior the seats and small coloration and trim alterations, the ILX’s cabin format is unchanged, with a blocky sprint and enormous swaths of low-cost, onerous plastic on the middle stack.The brand new entrance finish for 2019 lastly offers the ILX some model.
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Revised techYou will not discover Acura’s new True Touchpad infotainment system within the 2019 ILX. As a substitute, the older, two-screen format stays. Out there on mid-grade Premium and range-topping Know-how trims, the system’s graphics are sharper, and Acura says there is a 30-percent enchancment in response instances. On my ILX Know-how A-Spec tester, I discover it tremendous straightforward to make use of the navigation system, and fortunately, Acura’s interface bundles each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to a 10-speaker ELS audio system. In fact, in case you go for the bottom ILX, you aren’t getting any of this. As a substitute, you are left with a single-screen interface that lacks any smartphone mirroring tech, and a six-speaker sound system. No matter trim, the ILX has solely a single USB port together with a 12-volt outlet within the heart armrest compartment, which is able to doubtless have passengers jockeying to juice up dying telephones. The one main tech enchancment is the addition of the AcuraWatch security suite, which is commonplace on each ILX, and bundles adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help. Shifting as much as the Premium or Know-how trims will get you blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The general format is similar, however the ILX’s infotainment and know-how tech has been up to date.
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A surprisingly succesful performerEvery ILX is powered by the identical 2.Four-liter inline four-cylinder engine because the outdated mannequin, with 201 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed dual-clutch automated is on the one transmission accessible driving the entrance wheels. In response to the EPA, this drivetrain ought to return 24 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 34 mpg on the freeway.Should you’re a fan of old-school Honda and Acura fashions, you may love this high-revving, naturally aspirated inline-four. It is definitely no rocket ship off the road, however energy builds progressively as much as the 6,900-rpm redline. Sport mode retains the engine spinning excessive in every gear, the transmission firing off fast upshifts and easy, rev-matched downshifts. Acura’s dual-clutch automated is not fairly nearly as good as Audi’s S-tronic gearbox, but it surely’s shut.The ILX’s suspension will get an actual exercise on the twisty, nation roads exterior Columbus, Ohio. I just like the crisp turn-in, respectable grip of the Continental rubber and properly managed physique roll. Positive, the entrance finish will wash out in case you dive-bomb a decent flip, however all informed, the ILX is a extremely pleasurable automobile to drive spiritedly. The one actual dynamic disappointment is the steering, which is simply too mild for my tastes.A punchy drivetrain and well-sorted suspension make the ILX a enjoyable driver.
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Slowing down, the ILX shuffles via cities with respectable poise. In contrast to some dual-clutch transmissions, the ILX launches easily in first gear and would not lurch below downshifting at low speeds. Taut because the suspension is, it strikes a cheerful medium, with sufficient damping to make the ILX comfy in on a regular basis driving conditions. My solely in-town criticism is that the ILX lets a variety of tire and wind noise into the cabin. Extra bang in your buckWith a $26,895 base value, together with $995 for vacation spot, the 2019 Acura ILX’s price ticket is definitely $2,200 lower than its predecessor. Stepping as much as the Premium mannequin with the higher infotainment setup for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bumps the value tag to $28,645, whereas the top-of-the line Know-how trim begins at $30,545. The A-Spec package deal provides an extra $2,000 to the underside line of both Premium or Know-how vehicles.Contemplating its improved look and longer checklist of ordinary security options, the ILX is a a lot better worth than ever earlier than — top-of-the-line in its class, the truth is. However with outdated bones and outdated tech, I am unsure if it is sufficient to actually transfer the gross sales needle for this usually neglected compact luxurious sedan.Editors’ observe: Roadshow accepts multiday automobile loans from producers in an effort to present scored editorial evaluations. All scored automobile evaluations are accomplished on our turf and on our phrases. Nevertheless, for this characteristic, the producer lined journey prices. That is widespread within the auto business, as it is extra economical to ship journalists to vehicles than to ship vehicles to journalists.The judgments and opinions of Roadshow’s editorial crew are our personal and we don’t settle for paid editorial content material.
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