After revealing the ILX Concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show in January, Acura->ke10 has quickly followed it up with the production version at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. Carrying the same ILX name, the new sedan will be offered with a choice of two different engines, as well as a Hybrid version for those with a particular love for the environment.

The Acura ILX addresses the young buyers that are looking for their first luxury vehicle. Acura has promised the ILX will be a cheaper alternative to models like the Buick Verano and the Audi A3->ke1086.

"First-time luxury buyers tend to place a high value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues, and that's what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

Updated 06/17/2014: Acura announced prices for the 2015 ILX which continues to be offered with the same features as the 2014 model year. The only change includes a new Modern Steel Metallic exterior paint that replaces the Polished Metal Metallic.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013-2014 Acura ILX.

2013 - 2015 Acura ILX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 - 2015 Acura ILX
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 201 @ 7000
  • Torque: 170 @ 4300
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The Acura ILX's design remains faithful to that of the concept, sporting a sleek, sporty, and aerodynamically efficient exterior, but customers will also have two additional packages to choose from: a Premium Package and a Technology Package. The Premium Package includes leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, an upgraded 360 watt stereo system, a rear view camera, and an Active Sound Cancellation system to make for a quieter cabin. The Technology Package adds an 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, and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with radar image maps.

For the 2014 model year, the ILX's interior remains unchanged, but it does gain eight new standard features. These new features include: new leather seating surfaces and leatherette door liners; an eight-way power driver's seat with heated front seats; Active Sound Cancellation system; and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera.

On the outside, the 2014 model year gains upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels. The remainder of the exterior remains unchanged.

New for 2015

- Modern Steel Metallic replaces the Polished Metal Metallic exterior color

Drivetrain

The new Acura ILX will be offered with a choice of three advanced, sporty, and efficient engines. The entry level will be offered with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 150 HP at 6,500 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. This version is offered with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission and delivers a city/highway fuel economy of 24/32 mpg.

The top of the line model gets a 2.4-liter engine with an output of 201 HP at 7,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at 4,300 rpm. Mated to a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission, this version will deliver a city/highway fuel economy of 20/29 mpg.

With the new ILX, Acura is also introducing its first ever hybrid model. This version will combine a 1.5-liter inline engine and an Integrated Motor Assist electric motor to deliver a total of 111 HP at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque between 1,000-3,000 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-liter engine can enter idle-stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine remains off until the brake pedal is released. Equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the new ILX Hybrid will deliver a city/highway fuel economy rating of 35/38 mpg.

The new ILX will also be offered with advanced MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension systems, and new Amplitude Reactive Dampers.

Prices

2013 Model Year

TRIM

MSRP

EPA (city/highway/combined)

ILX

$25,900

24/35/28

ILX with Premium Package

$29,200

24/35/28

ILX with Technology Package

$31,400

24/35/28

ILX 2.4 L with Premium Package

$29,200

22/31/25

ILX Hybrid

$28,900

39/38/38

ILX Hybrid with Technology Package

$34,400

39/38/38


2014 Model Year

TRIM

MSRP

EPA MPG (city/highway/combined)

ILX 5-Speed Automatic

$26,900

24/35/28

ILX 5-Speed Automatic w/ Premium Package

$29,200

24/35/28

ILX 6-Speed Manual with Premium Package

$29,200

22/31/25

ILX 5-Speed Automatic w/Technology Package

$31,600

24/35/28


2015 Model Year

TRIM

MSRP

EPA MPG RATING2 (city/highway/combined)

2015 ILX 5AT

$27,050

24/35/28

2015 ILX 5AT w/Premium Package

$29,350

24/35/28

2015 ILX 5AT w/Technology Package

$31,750

24/35/28

2015 ILX 6MT w/Premium Package

$29,350

22/31/25


Competition

Buick Verano

The Verano is powered by an Ecotec 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 177 HP and 170 lb.-ft. torque. The Verano is a little bit more cheaper than the ILX, as its price start at just $23,080.

Audi A3- Sedan

The sedan version is the latest addition to the A3 lineup. On the U.S. market it will be offered with a choice of three engines: a 170-horsepower 1.8 TFSI, a 150-horsepower 2.0 TDI clean diesel, and a 2.0 TFSI whose specifications will be announced at a later date.

It will be put on sale in the first quarter of 2014; prices are expected to start under $30k.