2013 Acura ILX / First drive,Not an Intergra

[AVANTI R5]

New Integra? No, just a very nice Civic . . . as was the Integra.

Battered Acura realizes that if it wants more up-and-comers to climb aboard, it needs to drop a longer ladder. And, possibly, design better-looking cars. Hence, the 2013 ILX, a Civic-based price leader built in Greensburg, Indiana, and hitting showrooms now, starting at about $27,500, or $3000 less than a base TSX. Acura will also sell versions in Canada, *Mexico, and China.
The three ILX models debuting at launch intend to cover a broad waterfront. Perhaps 80 percent of the hoped-for 40,000-unit annual volume will be a 150-hp 2.0-liter with a five-speed automatic. Clutch-jammers will be enticed by a 201-hp 2.4-liter with a six-speed manual for roughly $30,000; eco wonks will be drawn to the also roughly $30K hybrid, which uses the Civic hybrid’s powertrain but with a jumpier throttle. Its EPA figures are 39 mpg city and 38 highway.
The suspension and floor are Civic hard points.  Acura thought that the Civic’s cab-forward shape was too plebeian, preferring instead a longer hood to match the ILX’s premium aspirations. Stylists working on the rather conservative (for Acura) design used visual sleights such as moving back the A-pillars 7.9 inches but the windshield base only  3.9 inches, necessitating deeply curved glass.
The Civic’s front overhang has been stretched slightly while the rear was chopped, creating somewhat odd proportions when the car is viewed from the side. The interior is compact-car cozy but not tight, and a familiar constellation of  buttons adorns the console—the audio and climate controls are from the TL.




The 2.0-liter is bigger than the Civic’s engine and the 2.4 is the same as the Si’s, but the ILX’s approximate 3000-pound curb weight, augmented by extra sound insulation, should split the same, with 60 percent up front. The Civic’s strut/multilink chassis is improved, with reduced suspension friction, a quicker steering ratio in a stiffened rack, and Honda’s new “amplitude reactive damper,” which is a two-stage shock absorber with two concentric pistons. The more softly valved piston cushions the shallow-stroke impacts of bumps while the firmer one is activated only by deep-stroke events such as cornering.
The ILX achieves its targets by being quieter and feeling more substantial, especially with its deluxe Acura interior, though some road noise and “be-blunk!” from the all-season tires smacking pavement irregularities are audible. The electric-assist steering is tuned typically Honda light but doesn’t feel mortally numb, and it places the nose on the line you desire while the tires and suspension hold it there firmly. It’s the steering that all Civics should have.
The five-speed automatic seems outdated when a $17K  Kia Forte has a six-speed, but it works compatibly if not thrillingly. Those still mourning the loss of the original TSX—or indeed, the Integra—will want the 2.4-liter. With the extra power and the manual, the ILX wakes up, becoming the frisky sports sedan it aspires to be. Maybe this is a sign that  Acura is also finally stirring. View Photo Gallery

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...+and+Driver%29

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[Indocti Discant]

i like it, though the front already looks dated (previous gen mazda 6).

[shikataganai]

Originally Posted by Indocti Discant

i like it, though the front already looks dated (previous gen mazda 6).

At least it's not ugly like most other modern Acuras.

[Dirty25RS]

I can't get excited about this and I can't purchase vehicles I can't get excited about.

[leafs fan]

Originally Posted by shikataganai

At least it's not ugly like most other modern Acuras.

Really are we looking at the same car. Maybe its not ugly I would say boring instead.

[subyski]

At least it's not a complete rebadged civic. There was some actual thought put into the car. However, the starting price for the 2.4L is about the same for a base TSX so I'm not sure how this will sell. At least they are offering the hybrid which helps it stand out.

[4wdwrx]

It looks kind of outdated. Might have to see it in person though.

Kind of expensive also. Isn't the new G25 similarly priced.

[d3v0]

Originally Posted by Indocti Discant

i like it, though the front already looks dated (previous gen mazda 6).

My thoughts exactly. Its not very appealing. Why not just buy a TSX?

[HipToBeSquare]

Acura seems to be the king of sedans with distinctions, but no real differences.

How many redundant sedans can the cram close together?

ILX-TSX-TL-RL... In the space where really only TWO sedans need to be, and 3 would be a cozy arrangement.

[subyski]

^^^And none of them are RWD.

[Dex]

Originally Posted by HipToBeSquare

Acura seems to be the king of sedans with distinctions, but no real differences.

How many redundant sedans can the cram close together?

ILX-TSX-TL-RL... In the space where really only TWO sedans need to be, and 3 would be a cozy arrangement.

They should have ditched the current TL, and made the current TSX take the TL badge, and called the ILX the new TSX.

A woman that I was dating had the current TSX, and it was a boat. The interior was massive and did not feel the least bit sporty, I can only imagine how gumpy and massive the TL feels.

[arghx7]

Originally Posted by subyski

At least it's not a complete rebadged civic. There was some actual thought put into the car. However, the starting price for the 2.4L is about the same for a base TSX so I'm not sure how this will sell. At least they are offering the hybrid which helps it stand out.

I saw one at the Detroit auto show and it sure seemed like a rebadged version of the current gen civic, the most criticized civic that anyone can remember

[vet]

Even if you're ok with it it's hardly the shot in the arm Acura desperately needs.

[leafs fan]

Originally Posted by Dex

They should have ditched the current TL, and made the current TSX take the TL badge, and called the ILX the new TSX.

I had to read that a few times.

[Len]

Given that the new Buick Verano, which is based on a Civic competitor, starts at $22.5K (with 10% more weight but 20% more power), isn't this pricing too expensive?

The starting price of $26K is closer to the Regal, which starts at $27K. The Regal turbo starts at $30K. I would guess that even the base Regal is far more refined than this glorified Civic.

Originally Posted by Autoblog

If you want a leather interior, 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded audio and Acura's excellent multi-view backup camera system, your ILX will start at $29,200 with the base 150-horsepower 2.0-liter engine and five-speed automatic transmission.

I could never pay $29K for a Civic with leather.

BTW, I was told yesterday that with all the discounts and rebates, I could get a decently equipped Mercedes C250 for $31K. So, yeah.

[Indocti Discant]

Originally Posted by Len

BTW, I was told yesterday that with all the discounts and rebates, I could get a decently equipped Mercedes C250 for $31K. So, yeah.

Unfortunately not everyone gets that discount.... it would seem most c250s are in the 35k+ range (using true car).

[legacyvt286]

That car woulda turned heads in 2003.

[sential]

wake me up when acura makes something cool... ZzzzZzz

[lovin' it]

They need some excitement in their lineup IMO.
And this does not excite me.

[424wrx]

wow, exciting news. is that the acura mediocrity model??

[NeverSummer WRX]

Sad.... my 06 RSX S was one of my favorite cars I've owned. If Acura... errrr Honda, made anything remotely fun to drive they may still have my business. Oh well... love my rex!!

This definitely does not excite.

[leafs fan]

^
I feel the same way. The best car I have owned would be a 91 integra. I had no real modifications to it and it was fun to drive and looked great to.

[gpshumway]

At least it doesn't look exactly like a re-badged Civic as the Canadian market CSX did. Still uninspiring, though. All the previous comments are spot on. Too expensive as a compact sedan, no separation from the TSX. This should be the new TSX, TSX should be the TL, current TL goes away or turns into the RL.

Acura's in deep yogurt strategically.

Remember the 2008-2011 Civic EX-L for $23k? I do, why would I pay $27.5k for this? Sadly there are plenty of people who will pay a $4k premium for the right hood ornament, but Acura is not that ornament.