IL 2013 Acura ILX First Drive

[pwm]

Well that's a damn shame. Hopefully the new TL/TSX reverts back to a modernized mid-2000s look.

The TSX is going away largely because the Accord is becoming a global car (i.e. no more Euro accord to base the TSX on). I just don't understand why they'd toss the name aside. Just make the ILX the new TSX.

[DLucas]

Really sad how far Acura has fallen. Not only is the ILX pretty mediocre as a vehicle, the pricing puts it in the company of WAY smarter purchases... I think universally, the Hyundai Sonata Limited is priced right on top of the ILX variants, and IMO you get a much nicer vehicle - and its at least a size-above. Acura may not want to say so, but the Buick Verano IS a competitor and (as others said) pretty much blows the ILX out...

[seadoo2006]

ACURA ... Just bring back the tooling for this car and re-release it ... it'll be a HIT, just like it was the last time. People still LOVE this car (as do I) ... the only thing that would make it better is if you took the Type-S platform and mated the 3.5L with a 6speed transmission and SH-AWD ... you'd have a A4/S4 killer in a great looking package.

Is it just me or does this car still not look dated ... very timeless.

[TigerinColorado]

Meh. I never thought I'd say something like this, but this new ILX seems like a strong argument for the Dodge Dart.

There's some serious truth to that statement!

[TigerinColorado]

The TSX is going away largely because the Accord is becoming a global car (i.e. no more Euro accord to base the TSX on). I just don't understand why they'd toss the name aside. Just make the ILX the new TSX.

Mutiny would ensue. As an ILX no 150hp (weak) waves are made.

[2.0_Mazda]

its just too boring

[manol2]

Meh. I never thought I'd say something like this, but this new ILX seems like a strong argument for the Dodge Dart.

I agree. A loaded turbo Dart for less $$$ looks a much more atractive buy than this.

[choochoo]

Kid gloves press-kit review.

totally agree. I posted more as an FYI, so we can see how it looks in motion.
I just don't see Acura selling to many of these.

[nickthaskater]

ACURA ... Just bring back the tooling for this car and re-release it ... it'll be a HIT, just like it was the last time. People still LOVE this car (as do I) ... the only thing that would make it better is if you took the Type-S platform and mated the 3.5L with a 6speed transmission and SH-AWD ... you'd have a A4/S4 killer in a great looking package.

Is it just me or does this car still not look dated ... very timeless.

I still think to myself when coming across one of those, "wow, what a great looking car". It's a massive shame that they've strayed so far from that design.

[GTRaavv]

I forget the figures, but when the new TL intro'd it took a massive dive in sales. Partly the looks, and partly the increased price. The TSX moved up in price to presumably be the new volume sedan.

I guess what leaves me scratching my head is the fact they've finally built the TSX name (somewhat) and have had it out for two generations. Why didn't they just admit their error, downsize the TL back to what it was last gen, and make the ILX the new TSX? Why intro a new name and have to build brand recognition all over again?

Personally I always thought the naming scheme of TL and TSX was confusing. Two sedans both starting with "T" (not like "T" meant anything in Acura's nomenclature) yet one going against the grain of Acura sedan nomenclature and using the "SX" suffix which had previously been reserved for coupes seemed odd. No rhyme or reason at all. The new system at least makes more sense. TL and RL are established names and the X might be used to imply AWD. Too bad the ILX doesn't have that option.

As far as price goes, I'm conflicted. Clearly it looks overpriced compared to the Verano, and whether Acura likes it or not that's its main compeition at the moment. I don't consider Acura much higher up on the brand cachet scale than Buick. And I'd imagine the A3 sedan will start around where the 2.4 does. But on the other hand, I can see Acura not wanting to dip too far down in price like the Verano for fear of brand dilution and I think there's something to be said about that. After all, Buick isn't trying to sell a $50k RL and a $100k NSX in the upcoming future. But Acura could have gone the middle ground and provided a lot more feature content for the price they are asking to look better against the Verano and A3.

[rice is burning]

Between this car and the RDX this is going to be a very, very good year for Acura dealers.

[Prail11]

I think this will be a strong seller for Acura personally.

People just like to hate on them because it's the 'cool' thing to do around here.

[dcmix5]

I think this will be a strong seller for Acura personally.

People just like to hate on them because it's the 'cool' thing to do around here.

Or, it could be that this is a Civic platformed, boring snoozefest with rehashed Civic engines?

Not many Honda guys even like it, some do, but there seems to be a pretty good split.

[someguy123]

This is a candidate for my next car.

[Kandiru]

A Honda really!

The bastardization and degradation of the Acura
badge has now begun in earnest.

[TetsuoShima]

07/08 TL Type S is one of the best looking sport sedans ever made. Who designed that and where are they now?

[curvedinfinity]

150 hp, 5 speed auto, and 28 mpg highway for $27k
....


I mean, it looks good, but the base car's powertrain is just plain behind the times. The hybrid seems like a decent package though.

[dwagner88]

For some reason, I thought this came with the engine from the Si. I want it a lot less now.

[gti5dr06]

I think this will be a strong seller for Acura personally.

People just like to hate on them because it's the 'cool' thing to do around here.

yeah..some complaints involve the lack of LSD in the 2.4 ILX. Personally the 2nd gen TSX improves greatly though at some enthusiast expense. Same case is true for the RDX. It loses the SHAWD and "sporty", but thirsty turbo, in its place the NA'd VCM V6 delivers a 6 second 0-60 and legit 30+ mpg on the hwy in the AWD model at that. The retail price is high, but just about every mfg has raised prices (check out the A4 allroad thread)

[Avus]

I think this will be the dream car among Asian ladies in Toronto... And I think Acura should be GLAD that it will become a Jetta competitor because NO ONE buy Audi A3 and Volvo S40 around here. Lexus CT is doing ok.

Acura, don't be like Saab and think their car can compete with Mercedes and BMW. See where they end up now...

[mike02467]

For some reason the first time I watched that video I thought they guy said a 201 hp 2.0 liter as in 8000rpm redline, guess I misheard

[InfinitiG]

Personally I always thought the naming scheme of TL and TSX was confusing. Two sedans both starting with "T" (not like "T" meant anything in Acura's nomenclature),

Actually the T in TL stands for Touring, and TL more specifically, stands for Touring Luxury.

For some reason, I thought this came with the engine from the Si. I want it a lot less now.

It does. The upgrade engine comes exclusively with the powertrain from the Civic Si with the 2.4 liter 201 hp engine and 6-speed manual.

[a2a4raddo]

150 hp, 5 speed auto, and 28 mpg highway for $27k
....

The base car gets 35MPG Highway (not 28).

It does. The upgrade engine comes exclusively with the powertrain from the Civic Si with the 2.4 liter 201 hp engine and 6-speed manual.

Not really. The Civic Si comes with a TSX powertrain, only adds an LSD. the ILX 2.4 also comes with a TSX powertrain....but unlike the Si...does not add LSD.

That said, im not sure why everyones panties are in a bunch. The majority of you would never buy an Acura, let alone an ILX. The car isn't bad, and relative to where the CT & A3 fall price wise...its cheaper. If this were a rebadged Civic like the TSX is a rebadged Accord...i would understand. But thats not really the case. the ILX is longer, wider, and lower then a Civic.

Is it a homerun? not at all...not without the new engines which are at least 1 my away. But untill then, if great lease programs carry the ilx like they do with many great selling luxury cars...it shouldnt sell any less then the TSX does. And for those of you who want a TSX...it will still be around for a while...as the ilx is not a TSX replacement.

[GTRaavv]

Actually the T in TL stands for Touring, and TL more specifically, stands for Touring Luxury.

Didn't know that. Always thought the L in RL stood for Legend. Still it makes no sense to have 3 sedans and 2 of them start with T and 2 of them end with L.

[Inspector Detector]

Didn't know that. Always thought the L in RL stood for Legend. Still it makes no sense to have 3 sedans and 2 of them start with T and 2 of them end with L.

It's rare for car naming schemes to make sense in the first place. If anybody has me confused now it's the Germans, particularly BMW and Mercedes. It use to be easy to figure out the size of the engine under the hoods of their cars by just looking at the badges. But now you have something such as a Benz C250. Not too long ago that 250 would stand for 2500cc But now they stick a 1800cc engine in it? I still haven't heard 1 good explanation for this new name scheme of theirs.

[Pinstripe]

With the Germans it's about marketing and brand positioning. 250/300/350 are a good spread in terms of providing the right feeling & are in the sweet spot when it comes to 'size' (how big the numbers are) and provide a status that the new engines would not (naming wise). Luxury car drivers don't want a C180 - sounds too cheap. Also, the Germans have traditionally used the top engine from the lower model as the base engine on the next level up, which helps in providing continuity to the brand.

[Prail11]

yeah..some complaints involve the lack of LSD in the 2.4 ILX. Personally the 2nd gen TSX improves greatly though at some enthusiast expense. Same case is true for the RDX. It loses the SHAWD and "sporty", but thirsty turbo, in its place the NA'd VCM V6 delivers a 6 second 0-60 and legit 30+ mpg on the hwy in the AWD model at that. The retail price is high, but just about every mfg has raised prices (check out the A4 allroad thread)

The RDX still has AWD. It's just a detuned version from the prior generation.

[jepva]

It will sell well. Not sure if anyone's sat in an Acura lately, but the interiors and materials are darn nice. I had really preferred the TL SH-AWD's interior over my Infiniti. It looks like the pricing will be similar to a Jetta TDI, so for those looking for MPG's this will be a competitive choice based on the luxury aspect. I have no doubt it will be a nicer interior than the Jetta.

The nice thing about Acuras in general, is it's a ton of car for the price. Short of nav and other advanced tech bits (that you get with the tech package), they come standard with most options you're hung out to pay for with the other premium brands. Auto dim rearview's and side mirrors, bluetooth, heated seats, Xenons (and great ones at that), etc. all standard on the TSX. For a car you can get for under $300/month that's a hell of a deal.

Acura is not class leading in most categories (especially in performance), but when actually sitting down and figuring out the purchase price / financing they are an excellent deal for a great interior and pretty good driving dynamics.

[Prail11]

I'm also curious what cars the ILX competes with that everyone is saying it's so inferior to.

[dmorrow]

It isn't just a rebadged Civic. Compared to the Civic it is/has
:

• Longer
• Wider
• Lower
• Dual Climate
• More HP and Torque than standard Civic in Automatic format
• More Sound deadening
• Better interior
• Different Exterior, I think better
• Upgraded suspension
• Quicker steering

Since none of us has driven it, it is difficult to say whether this is enough but I could see people like my wife wanting one (buying a car in the next 6-9 months). Partly for the Acura name and the reliability with the 11 year old Accord she has. Getting her to look at a Buick isn't going to happen.

[2.0T_Convert]

It isn't just a rebadged Civic. Compared to the Civic it is/has
:

• Longer So?
• Wider So?
• Lower So?
• Dual Climate Ok I'll give you this. Verano does not along with most compact cars. Midsizers costing less have the dual climate thou.
• More HP and Torque than standard Civic in Automatic format So does the cheaper Verano and many compact cars
• More Sound deadening So does the cheaper Verano
• Better interior Looks about on par with cars already better than the Civic and still is behind the game on features
• Different Exterior, I think better Agree with this at least
• Upgraded suspension Offered on a number of cheaper compacts as well
• Quicker steering test reviews will tell this in time... but on 0-60 in 9.2 second car quicker steering is really a plus..?

Since none of us has driven it, it is difficult to say whether this is enough but I could see people like my wife wanting one (buying a car in the next 6-9 months). Partly for the Acura name and the reliability with the 11 year old Accord she has. Getting her to look at a Buick isn't going to happen.

It has an Acura badge on it. That is really the only thing I can see this car has going for it. Dual zone auto climate and an Acura badge.

[a2a4raddo]

It has an Acura badge on it. That is really the only thing I can see this car has going for it. Dual zone auto climate and an Acura badge.

The same could be said about just about any german luxury car compared to japanese luxury cars......and just about any entry level luxury car (german or japanese) compared to non luxury brands.

I see much more then dual climate and an Acura badge going for it. The ILDX will likely be one of the most if not thee most refined compact on the market. Smooth suspension, and over 10DB quiter cabin then a Civic...which means it will be even quieter then a Verano. It also gets better fuel economy then a Verano 35mpg vs 32mpg. the more powerfull 2.4L 6MT is right up there at 31MPG. .....and this is with the Old Archaic engines which are being replaced very soon.

Add great dealer service, loaner cars, honda reliability, acura warranty, very high resale value (making cost of ownership low) and then look at what Audi & Lexus offer in this segment...and the ILX doesnt look bad at all. Especially in a few months when Acura puts out great lease programs for the car.

[hugoaswho]

people will buy because Acura, nothing special in terms of car value though.

I would rather buy a used TSX

[2.0T_Convert]

The same could be said about just about any german luxury car compared to japanese luxury cars......and just about any entry level luxury car (german or japanese) compared to non luxury brands.

I see much more then dual climate and an Acura badge going for it. The ILDX will likely be one of the most if not thee most refined compact on the market. Smooth suspension, and over 10DB quiter cabin then a Civic...which means it will be even quieter then a Verano. It also gets better fuel economy then a Verano 35mpg vs 32mpg. the more powerfull 2.4L 6MT is right up there at 31MPG. .....and this is with the Old Archaic engines which are being replaced very soon.

Add great dealer service, loaner cars, honda reliability, acura warranty, very high resale value (making cost of ownership low) and then look at what Audi & Lexus offer in this segment...and the ILX doesnt look bad at all. Especially in a few months when Acura puts out great lease programs for the car.

So Acura is alone in these wonderful dealer services and warranty?

So kind of like my former CR-Z Honda/Acura gets yet another car the loyal few appreciate while most other buyers are just left scratching the head wondering why. Just what the Acura brand needs......

[a2a4raddo]

So Acura is alone in these wonderful dealer services and warranty?

So kind of like my former CR-Z Honda/Acura gets yet another car the loyal few appreciate while most other buyers are just left scratching the head wondering why. Just what the Acura brand needs......

Nop, they are most def. not alone...but like other Luxury makes...it is an incentive and luxury you get with owning a luxury make. Better dealer service and better warranty. Many people value these things,...which is exactly why all luxury makes offer more then non luxury makes.

No, not really. You are just a disgruntled former CR-Z owner...and thats pretty obvious with any post you make in any honda or acura related thread. You find things to nit pick about. Its really that simple.

And if you are really scratching your head, wondering why Acura is offering the ILX....i dont know what to tell yah buddy. That said, im puzzled as to why you arnt bashing cars like the A3 or the Lexus CT? They cost more then similiar cars from non luxury brands and in base trims offer less features.