Acura ILX.... very interesting

[CookieRoe]

With the economy seemingly circling the toilet, I believe the ILX is very interesting. It's based on the Honda Civic. 3 engine choices: A 1.5, 2.0 or 2.4 engine. You can read the details (little of them as this point), but if this car can come in around $25-28K, I think Acura has a winner on its hands. The TSX is a fine car, but it starts around $29.8 and balloons to $38.5K with all the goodies. I commute 110 miles/day so economy is very nice to have. I love my 2007 Civic EX, (currently at 103K miles), but road noise is leaving me deaf. A bit more passing power would be nice too. Rock solid reliability I can't complain of, however. Anyway, if Acura doesn't over price this, I think they have a hit. Thoughts?

Link: 2013 Acura ILX puts a familiar face on entry-level luxury

Better looking than a Civic.

Sharp Interior:

Good Looking IMO:

 

[Thai]

Not bad...certainly better than Buick Verano (based on Chevy Cruze). At least, with Acura, you are certain that it will have HomeLink standard or at least optional!

Here is the Acura link: 2013 Acura | Future Vehicles - ILX | Acura.com

I see that ELS (their excellent audio system) is available! Unfortunately, Acura/Honda is just so stubborn about using their 6-speed auto tranny!! They make it seem like the 6-speed auto is so special that only their top cars get it........well, they seem to forget that 6-speed auto IS the standard nowadays, even among compact cars! Fuel economy better be good...but seeing how they screw up the Honda CRV with uber wide gear spacing in their 5-speed auto, i fear that they will do the same here.

Personally, unless ILX with ELS is around $25k, i think that i will pony up some extra cash under my sofa and get the TSX!

 

[CookieRoe]

Not bad...certainly better than Buick Verano (based on Chevy Cruze). At least, with Acura, you are certain that it will have HomeLink standard or at least optional!

Here is the Acura link: 2013 Acura | Future Vehicles - ILX | Acura.com

I see that ELS (their excellent audio system) is available! Unfortunately, Acura/Honda is just so stubborn about using their 6-speed auto tranny!! They make it seem like the 6-speed auto is so special that only their top cars get it........well, they seem to forget that 6-speed auto IS the standard nowadays, even among compact cars! Fuel economy better be good...but seeing how they screw up the Honda CRV with uber wide gear spacing in their 5-speed auto, i fear that they will do the same here.

Personally, unless ILX with ELS is around $25k, i think that i will pony up some extra cash under my sofa and get the TSX!

Didn't see anything about a 6 speed, that would be nice. I did see they want to offer a hybrid with a CVT tranny. Should be interesting, but I'm personally am not (wouldn't buy it). I expect at least 35mpg highway (with the 1.5L) being that the Civic gets 39 (that's WITH the 1.8L), but the ILX will be heavier (leather, more equipment). I don't expect Civic mpgs.

This would "redefine" the ENTRY level luxury segment. Why do they have to cost $30K+? That's BS in my book. I've looked at the Lexus IS but when you start to option them out, they creep into $40k territory. Infinity doesn't offer anything in the $30K range. The G25 isn't even offered with NAV, WTH is that all about? Forget about MB & BMW. (there's no such thing as a $30K 3series). The 1 series is stupidly small. C class is extremely ugly. For around $30K, you can get an excellent optioned out (fully equipped) Camry or Accord (current gen accord is blah). But those are not luxury cars. Anyway, for some, ILX won't make any sense. Who knows, I guess we'll find out this spring when it comes out.

As far as the Cruze based Buick, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Honda's reliability is legendary (I've had a 2000 CRV & aforementioned 2007 Civic), Buick's isn't. I know they (Buick) have improved, but GM screwed me in the past. I'm done with them forever. When I purchase a car, I expect 250K miles or 10 years of reliable service. So far, only Toyota and Honda (Lexus & Acura) have proved that to me.

 

[Thai]

For me, i am very interested in the TSX SportWagon with Tech pkg. But, i am also waiting to see how much the upcoming RDX will cost.

 

[Quentin]

This car gets a lot of flack on autoblog and the like, but I rather like it. It doesn't scream "CIVIC!!" at me. It is handsome.

 

[CookieRoe]

For me, i am very interested in the TSX SportWagon with Tech pkg. But, i am also waiting to see how much the upcoming RDX will cost.

The TSX Wagon is awesome. Getting great reviews. The next RDX will be about $35-40K. The current one is forgettable. Anyway, the upcoming one is noteworthy. However, they are dumping the turbo 4. Regardless, that is nice as well, but expensive (for its size).

This car gets a lot of flack on autoblog and the like, but I rather like it. It doesn't scream "CIVIC!!" at me. It is handsome.

Autoblog is FULL of trolls. That's why I never joined the "comments" section. I would say 95% of them are armchair auto enthusiasts who have no clue what they are talking about. I sat in the new Civic and really liked it. My only quip with it is the road noise. But hey, it's a "cheap car". I always thought, "what would my car (civic) be like with dual climate, heated seats, HID (OEM) lights, 200hp, QUIET on the road, etc etc". My day dream apparently has been answered, LOL. In all honesty, I don't know if I would purchase the ILX (I'd probably CPO an IS250 awd full equip if I had to replace my Civic). My wife is bonkers for an A4, but I keep trying to talk her out of it.

Back on topic: If Acura is hugely successful, and I think the potential is there, watch for other makers to follow suit.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Needs more steering wheel buttons.

 

[Thai]

The TSX Wagon is awesome. Getting great reviews. The next RDX will be about $35-40K. The current one is forgettable. Anyway, the upcoming one is noteworthy. However, they are dumping the turbo 4. Regardless, that is nice as well, but expensive (for its size).

I sat in the new Civic and really liked it. My only quip with it is the road noise. But hey, it's a "cheap car". I always thought, "what would my car (civic) be like with dual climate, heated seats, HID (OEM) lights, 200hp, QUIET on the road, etc etc". My day dream apparently has been answered, LOL. In all honesty, I don't know if I would purchase the ILX (I'd probably CPO an IS250 awd full equip if I had to replace my Civic). My wife is bonkers for an A4, but I keep trying to talk her out of it.

Back on topic: If Acura is hugely successful, and I think the potential is there, watch for other makers to follow suit.

I think that you're right...the RDX will cost $35-40k to bridge the gap with the MDX. At $40k, hmmm, that is a bit high for RDX...i might as well spend a little bit more and get the MDX (or a 4runner Trail)! I want to keep my future budget below $35k.

The turbo, for whatever the reason, was awefully inefficient...my wife's cousin has one (RDX turbo) and it sucks gas...i think that she gets mid to low teens in the city and barely 20 mpg on highway...and hers is a 2wd model. It is too bad that Acura/Honda could not find a way to make it more tolerable...maybe a 6-speed auto or adding direct-injection or something.

As for the ILX, i wonder what the HP ratings are for the different engines. Is the 2.4L only avail with 6-speed MT?? The 2.4L is likely the same as the TSX, which is a great engine! My wife's TSX is perky, even with 5-speed auto. My only problem is that i need a car that my wife can drive too...so, 6MT is not an option. So, i guess that i am stuck with the 2.0L engine??

I must warn you...traditionally, Acura (and Honda) has not been very quiet, except for the RL. The TSX is pretty quiet, but nothing special compare to its competitors. It is actually quieter than its more expensive sibling, the TL. And with ILX being cheaper than TSX...and with Acura cramping lots of feature into it...and Acura seemingly keeping price in check, i have my doubts that it will be as quiet as you want it to be. I sure hope that i am wrong.

I hope that Acura is right about the ILX...their previous attempt at Civic-based car was a mixed bag...the Integra was sporty, but very raw (noisy, bumpy...aka like a Civic).

With the economy the way it is, i think that the market is there for these compact luxury cars. BTW, doesn't the rear end of the ILX remind you of an Audi??

 

[Thai]

Link: 2013 Acura ILX Is New Entry Model for the Brand: 2012 Chicago Auto Show

I am kinda disappointed already...2.0L has only 150 hp...and gets 24/32 mpg, which in this day and age is NOT very impressive! I wonder if it requires premium gas??

A TSX with 2.4L is getting 22/31 mpg already. Hmm, seems like, the ILX is either heavy or is geared aggressively to make up for the small engine meager output. (Again, this is where a 6-speed auto will help with highway mileage.) IMO, this Acura offering is too "half-a$$ed" for the young folks they are aiming at.

The hybrid is junk if it is anything like the Civic hybrid powertrain. I rather get the Lexus CT200h or Prius for that matter.

Seemingly, Honda/Acura nowadays are just too slow in responding to the market...they are too cautious and they are letting their competition (Hyundai, Ford, Chevy) blow past them!

 

[CookieRoe]

I must warn you...traditionally, Acura (and Honda) has not been very quiet, except for the RL. The TSX is pretty quiet, but nothing special compare to its competitors. It is actually quieter than its more expensive sibling, the TL. And with ILX being cheaper than TSX...and with Acura cramping lots of feature into it...and Acura seemingly keeping price in check, i have my doubts that it will be as quiet as you want it to be. I sure hope that i am wrong.

I hope that Acura is right about the ILX...their previous attempt at Civic-based car was a mixed bag...the Integra was sporty, but very raw (noisy, bumpy...aka like a Civic).

With the economy the way it is, i think that the market is there for these compact luxury cars. BTW, doesn't the rear end of the ILX remind you of an Audi??

Ok, on Autoblog, they are expected mpg 35-38 on the HYBRID optioned motor. I'll pass. How heavy can this thing be? I estimate around 3K lbs. Anyway, you have to salute them for trying.

Thanks for the heads up on the noise. Well, I guess I'll head over to Lexus where they know "how to make a car silent". From what I've seen thus far, IS250s seem to be reliable and easy to maintain. We'll see, I'm not in the market for a small car now. I daydream many a times, LOL

Link: 2013 Acura ILX Is New Entry Model for the Brand: 2012 Chicago Auto Show

I am kinda disappointed already...2.0L has only 150 hp...and gets 24/32 mpg, which in this day and age is NOT very impressive! I wonder if it requires premium gas??

A TSX with 2.4L is getting 22/31 mpg already. Hmm, seems like, the ILX is either heavy or is geared aggressively to make up for the small engine meager output. (Again, this is where a 6-speed auto will help with highway mileage.) IMO, this Acura offering is too "half-a$$ed" for the young folks they are aiming at.

The hybrid is junk if it is anything like the Civic hybrid powertrain. I rather get the Lexus CT200h or Prius for that matter.

Seemingly, Honda/Acura nowadays are just too slow in responding to the market...they are too cautious and they are letting their competition (Hyundai, Ford, Chevy) blow past them!

Those numbers aren't impressive. A 6 speed would definitely improve the mileage, if not by a few mpgs. Stupid corporate pride (your theory that the 6 speed is reserved for higher end models). I guess they don't want to give the "younger buyers" ALL the good stuff. I'm glad that they didn't go back to the Intregra philosophy (raw model). I agree that Honda/Acura have been slow to react to the market (Lexus too for that matter, actually, Lexus is still hibernating.....They are very delusional with the new G model.....its a shame really).

I guess Luxury and Economy specs are oxymorons.

The formula is very simple: A mid $20-30 car that gets 30+mpgs, quiet, NAV and all the tech/saftey goodies, Sunroof, leather,etc. You know, maybe an optioned out Camry (or CPO IS250 awd) doesn't look bad after all......

 

[Thai]

The formula is very simple: A mid $20-30 car that gets 30+mpgs, quiet, NAV and all the tech/saftey goodies, Sunroof, leather,etc. You know, maybe an optioned out Camry (or CPO IS250 awd) doesn't look bad after all......

I know that you don't like American...but, i have been impress with my brother's Chevy Cruze Eco. I will probably get Cruze LTZ simply for the leather (for kids' puke). Great crash test scores. Interior materials are nothing to write home about. However, it is very quiet. But, not much luxury features (e.g. Homelink, memory seat, HIDs). But, for $20k, it is not a bad car at all! My brother's Eco is getting around 35 mpg mixed (a bit more hwy than city)...and he gets an amazing 42 mpg on highway! Not bad for a 3100 lbs car! This is why i was so disappointed with the Buick version of it (Verano).

 

[CookieRoe]

I know that you don't like American...but, i have been impress with my brother's Chevy Cruze Eco. I will probably get Cruze LTZ simply for the leather (for kids' puke). Great crash test scores. Interior materials are nothing to write home about. However, it is very quiet. But, not much luxury features (e.g. Homelink, memory seat, HIDs). But, for $20k, it is not a bad car at all! My brother's Eco is getting around 35 mpg mixed (a bit more hwy than city)...and he gets an amazing 42 mpg on highway! Not bad for a 3100 lbs car! This is why i was so disappointed with the Buick version of it (Verano).

I like leather as well. My 5 month old daughter hasn't vomited in my cars (yet). With leather, it's so much easier to clean and take care of. Cruze Eco seems impressive, but how about longevity-wise? Can it withstand 250K miles and/or 10 years of use without hiccuping?

I've gotten 42mpg on my Civic in the summertime (but going 55mph.... big rigs love that ! *sarcasm*). I can always sound deaden the car, but that would add 100-155 lbs to the car killing mpgs.

Currently the only way Acura can sweeten the deal is to throw in their 6speed auto. Like I mentioned before, let's see how this plays out. If Acura has a hit, other makes will HAVE to follow suit, thus making (in theory) better products. When (if) that happens (maybe 2-5 years), I might be in the market for a new set of wheels.

 

[Thai]

but how about longevity-wise? Can it withstand 250K miles and/or 10 years of use without hiccuping?

I've gotten 42mpg on my Civic in the summertime (but going 55mph.... big rigs love that ! *sarcasm*). I can always sound deaden the car, but that would add 100-155 lbs to the car killing mpgs.

Well, apparently, Chevy put a lot of money into developing the Cruze...because it is the bread-n-butter platform for everything. GM made the Cruze heavy for the ride comfort (and quietness) over making it light on its feet (which can lead to cheap feeling).

See: http://www.kingdomchevy.com/en/Cruze.pdf

In addition, Chevy warranty is pretty good. My brother did have a hiccup with it when he first got it, but i think (hope) that it was a random defect rather than quality issue.

He is getting 42 mpg at around 65-70 mph.

 

[Thai]

More info: 2013 Acura ILX - Top Speed

 

[CookieRoe]

More info: 2013 Acura ILX - Top Speed

Quote:
"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"

Very interesting. I really like the active sound cancellation system. I don't know why this isn't offered on all noisy Hondas!!

This STILL has me salivating. The A3 I don't care for (it's too watered down). Also, Audi's are notoriously known for their bloated sticker and the Buick, well, you know........ (don't mean to be close minded, but they have historically been crap for eons).

You know, I'm starting to come around at the economy figures. Not bad, but it could be better.

X factor: Price. If equipped with the Technology package and is under or at $30K, then I think we have a winner. If less, they have a home run.

 

[Thai]

Yup, thought that might interest you! But, I am stuck with the 2.0 engine.

 

[034RUNNER]

The outside looks very bland but yes, anything is better than a Civic.

 

[CookieRoe]

Yup, thought that might interest you! But, I am stuck with the 2.0 engine.

Thanks for the link BTW. Yeah, I'm stuck with the 2.0 too. The 2.4 not having a auto-tranny is very silly.

 

[JohnsD90]

Thanks for the link BTW. Yeah, I'm stuck with the 2.0 too. The 2.4 not having a auto-tranny is very silly.

Its very silly that the manual transmission has been dropped from so many models, its a nice change to see the automatic dropped.

 

[CookieRoe]

Its very silly that the manual transmission has been dropped from so many models, its a nice change to see the automatic dropped.

I totally hear ya, BUT, the norm is the higher end engine is offered WITH an auto no matter what manufacture. I know this is to appease "enthusiasts", but I still say that is a small amount. I personally would get the 6 speed, but my wife would veto that very fast (she would stay with the 4Runner as the only vehicle to drive..... eff that).