Same car, better value for money – Roadshow

Originally launched in 2012, ILX is not a spring chicken. Acura's entry-level sedan is still a slightly more sophisticated version of the Honda Civic – the latest generation Honda Civic. The ILX was last updated for the 2016 model year and is undergoing a new update for 2019. In other words, the ILX 2019 is a reheat of an already warmed model that sold 930 derisory units in September.

To his credit, the second transformation of ILX is actually quite substantial. The car takes on a much cooler look, not to mention improved technology and more safety equipment, which gives it a higher overall value. But even then, is it enough?

Family resemblance

the Outgoing ILX The design was far from captivating, but the cooler face of the 2019 model gives it a greater presence on the road. All the pillar A elements have been redesigned and the ILX now has the sharp face of the brand, visible for the first time on the Acura Precision Concept. The "Diamond Pentagon" grille is located in front and center, flanked by "Jewel Eye" headlights and more aggressive body panels.

Big changes are also visible at the rear, with a trunk lid and red LED taillights. The license plate shifts from the trunk to a new bumper with a prominent diffuser, which helps to give the rear a cleaner, sportier look. From behind three quarters, the ILX is really attractive.

The 2019 ILX receives an optional A-Spec style package including a matte graphite grille, darkened headlight housings, rocker extensions, piano black bumper accents, a bridge baffle and a rear diffuser redesigned. The set is also suitable for a unique set of 18-inch multi-spoke gray wheels wrapped in Continental ContiProContact all-season tires. The A-Spec can also be ordered with an exclusive model Apex Blue Pearl paint job, which is one of the five new color options of the ILX.

All ILX models feature redesigned front seats offering more support and A-Spec Cars can have their chairs outfitted in red leather with suede inserts. The package also includes stainless steel pedals, red gauges, black headliner and special skid plates. Unfortunately, apart from the seats and small changes in color and trim, the configuration of the ILX cab is unchanged, with a dash in blocks and large strips of hard plastic and cheap on the center column.

Revised Tech

You will not find the new Acura True Touchpad infotainment system in the ILX 2019. Instead, the old layout, two screens remains. Available on premium and mid-level premium versions, the system graphics are more accurate and Acura indicates a 30% improvement in response time. On my A-Spec ILX Technology tester, I find that it is extremely easy to use the navigation system. Fortunately, the interface of Acura includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 10 speakers. ELS audio system. Of course, if you go for the ILX base, you do not get any of that. Instead, you end up with a single-screen interface, devoid of smartphone mirroring technology, and a six-speaker audio system. Regardless of the finish, the ILX has only one USB port and a 12-volt power outlet in the center armrest compartment, which will likely allow passengers to maneuver their phones at the end of their life. .

The only major technological enhancement is the addition of the AcuraWatch Safety Suite, which is standard on every ILX, and which combines adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane departure alert with sustaining assistance. of the way. By upgrading to Premium or Technology versions, you benefit from blind spot monitoring and a reverse cross traffic alert.

A surprisingly capable performer

Each ILX is powered by the same 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine as the older model, with 201 horsepower and 180 pounds of torque. An eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission is on the only available transmission driving the front wheels. According to the EPA, this powertrain should return 24 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

If you're a fan of the old-school Honda and Acura models, you'll love this high-revving, naturally aspirated, 4-stroke engine. This is certainly not a rocket, but the power rises gradually up to the red line of 6,900 rpm. Sport mode keeps the engine spinning high in each gear, the transmission starts quickly and smoothly backs off. The Acura dual clutch automatic is not as good as the Audi S-tronic gearbox, but it's close.

The suspension of the ILX constitutes a real workout on the winding country roads outside Columbus, Ohio. I appreciate the clean and respectable grip of the Continental rubber and its well controlled roll. Of course, the nosewheel will disappear if you dive a bomb dive, but all in all, the ILX is a very nice car to drive with enthusiasm. The only true dynamic disappointment is the direction, which is too light for my tastes.

Slowing down, the ILX travels the cities with a respectable calm. Unlike some dual-clutch transmissions, the ILX runs smoothly in first gear and does not retrograde in downshifting at low speeds. As tense as the suspension, it strikes a happy medium, with enough damping to make the ILX comfortable in everyday driving situations. My only problem in town is that the ILX lets a lot of wind and wind noise in the cabin.

More for your money

With a base price of $ 26,895, including $ 995 for the destination, the Acura ILX 2019 price tag is actually $ 2,200 lower than its price. predecessor. Switch to Premium model with the best infotainment setup for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto brings the price down to $ 28,645, while high-end technology starts at $ 30,545. the A-Spec This package adds $ 2,000 more to the net result of Premium or Technology cars.

With its improved appearance and longer list of standard security features, the ILX is far more valuable than ever – one of the best in its class. But with old bones and old technology, I'm not sure it's enough to really change the sales pitch of this compact, often neglected luxury sedan.

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Editor's note: Roadshow accepts multi-day loans from builders to provide editorial reviews. All rated vehicle evaluations are completed on our property and on our terms. However, for this feature, the manufacturer has taken care of the travel expenses. This is common in the automotive industry because it is much cheaper to send journalists to cars than to send them to reporters.

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