TSX69

Beyond the Sum of Its Parts:
The 2016 Acura ILX
1st Impression

After a heart transplant, better legs, stronger backbone and comprehensive updates the 2016 Acura ILX is much more than a “glorified” Honda Civic – it’s a proper Acura. Gone is its underwhelming 150 horsepower engine and five5speed automatic. Now, a 201 horsepower (@ 6,800 rpm) 2.4-liter, 16-valve, direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC engine makes 180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm.

Compared to the former 2-liter engine, that’s an additional 51 hp and 40 lb-ft of torque. According to Acura, the 2016 Acura ILX gets an EPA rating of 25 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. That’s 1-mpg better than the last model. Despite the greener return, the engine has a mean rumble when you pass 5,000 rpm.

The only transmission available is an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a torque converter and paddle-shifters. It’s fast, smooth, easy to play with and it optimizes the 2.4-liter’s power beautifully. It will let you go all the way up to redline and it will allow for lower gears to ease down to surprisingly low speeds. It truly is the best of both worlds.

There are a host of updates, upgrades and improvements throughout.

"The 2016 ILX gets numerous styling upgrades including restyled front and rear fasciae, front grille and rear LED combination lights, plus restyled 17-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. All ILX models come equipped with Acura’s signature Jewel Eye® LED headlights and feature upgraded interior materials, optional upsized wheels and tires, enhanced connectivity, and a host of new premium features, along with significant improvements to cabin quietness, sporty handling and collision safety engineering.

The 2016 ILX also expands consumer choice with three grades – the standard ILX, the ILX with Premium Package, and the line-topping ILX Tech Plus Package, in addition to an all-new A-SPEC Package, available with the Premium and Tech Plus grades. The ILX A-SPEC Package adds sporty side sill garnishes, a trunk spoiler, front fog lights, new 18-inch, 10-spoke machined alloy wheels, and several unique interior appearance touches.

All models can now be equipped with the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which combines with Acura’s next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure to deliver intelligent safety and confident driving performance at the top of the competitive segment.” – – Acura USA

Thanks to a much stiffer structure, the suspension is freed up to do more of what it was designed for. Most road irregularities are soaked up and quietly dispensed with. Directional stability has improved and there is much less interior shake. All of this, combined with much more usable power, gives the 2016 Acura ILX a more sophisticated ride.

… and that engine note – it’s addictive.

Select the Sport Mode (“S” under “D” on the gear select) and gears are held longer giving you manual transmission-like flexibility while staying within the meat of the torque band. On its own, in Sport Mode, the 2016 Acura ILX will downshift right when you need it. Slam your right foot down, and the ILX will hold that gear all the way to the redline. Play with the paddle shifters and you get a fantastic, near instantaneous response in each crisp shift. Combined with the exhilarating exhaust note, it moves from a mild-mannered, entry-level luxury car to a sports sedan in an instant.

There were a few blemishes that (slightly) tarnished the 2016 Acura ILX. The main criticism revolves around the most notable similarity between the 2016 Acura ILX and Honda Civic – the roofline. If you have a tall torso, the low roofline and lowest seating position make it difficult to find an optimum (and comfortable) perch. Not everyone likes to sit heavily reclined like a racecar driver when commuting.

The other gripe has to do with Acura’s decision to ditch the manual option. This eight-speed auto (“dual-clutch”) is one of the best units added to a vehicle like this – no kidding. Still, given its sporty nature, there are a few manual transmission fans out there.

My tester was the 2016 Acura ILX Tech Plus A-Spec – which was fully loaded for $35,810. If you feel this is expensive, the price and content handily beat just about every competitor.

Check out our 1st drive with the 2016 Acura ILX video!

2016 Acura ILX Review: Breaking Good - YouTube

TSX69

2016 Acura ILX:
2nd Time's the Charm

Approximately 3 years ago Acura introduced the ILX as part of the brand’s effort to focus and streamline its product offering. The ILX was supposed to attract younger buyers to Acura as a competitive entry-luxury car available at a relatively low price point. Fast-forward to today and it’s safe to say the ILX underwhelmed from a sales and product perspective. 2 years ago Acura sold 1,703 ILX’s per month, but that number dipped to 1,488 in 2014. It was often panned as a Civic with premium badging, a car that didn’t deliver from a driver’s standpoint while simultaneously compromising Acura’s claim as a luxury brand. Having driven the refreshed 2016 Acura ILX we’re happy to say Acura has done a thorough job of addressing the issues that hampered the original version. At Kelley Blue Book we’ve tracked strong growth for most luxury brands over the past two years, and this updated ILX has a much better chance of riding that wave.

1 of the primary issues with the 1st ILX was its undeniable lack of performance. That car utilized a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower, which simply wasn’t enough to deliver a premium experience. The 2016 ILX upgrades to the same 2.4-liter engine powering Acura’s new TLX, bringing peak horsepower to 201 and bumping peak torque from 140 to 180 pound feet. The transmission transforms from a traditional 5-speed automatic to the same 8-speed dual clutch found in the TLX, improving shift speed and making full use of the engine’s torque curve. We’re convinced buyers will like the new paddle-shifted automatic, which is good because there’s no manual transmission offered in the 2016 ILX (Acura says only 5% of ILX buyers chose that transmission).

More power, more torque and an upgraded transmission should translate to quicker throttle response and stronger acceleration. It does, and at the same time fuel efficiency goes up despite these power increases, bumping from 28 to 29 combined miles per gallon. How does the upgraded engine and transmission impact driving behavior? “Track ready” might still be a stretch for this car, but the 2016 ILX is much more competent and competitive with entry-luxury sedans at its price point. The car’s dynamics are fully engaging, allowing us to confidently whip it around winding roads throughout the Napa Valley. Braking is similarly upgraded, with larger rotors and improved brake feel adding to driver confidence.

We also noticed a considerable drop in NVH, making the new ILX quieter and more refined than previous versions. For the 2016 model year it benefits from a 12 percent boost in torsional rigidity through the use of increased high-strength steel in the body and frame. There’s also thicker front door glass, active noise canceling via the audio system and improved engine mounts to reduce drivetrain vibration. All of these improvement help fulfill Acura’s mission to deliver a “sporty elegant” experience at the sub-$30,000 price point (the 2016 ILX starts at $28,820, including destination charge). Beyond its chassis and drivetrain upgrades are several new standard and optional features. The ILX now comes in 3 trim levels, Base, Premium and Tech Plus. The Base model uses a single 5-inch central display screen for vehicle information, but it also comes with heated front seats, Bluetooth phone pairing, automatic climate control and a back-up camera.

blacktsxwagon

The Forbes ad said "Promoted Content" at the bottom when I looked at it, so that might not be a 100% truthful review.

randomRon82

Colin

The Promoted Content tag denotes that start of the ad block, not that the preceding content was an ad.

usdmJON

Why are we posting 2nd Gen reviews in the 1st gen we view thread?

Colin

IMO, it's still 1G ILX as MMCs aren't weally new cars. I think all weviews can go here.


(are we talking like Elmer Fudd )

usdmJON

Firstly... Hahahahahaha
Secondly.... Good point.

usdmJON

Do MMCs normal get new transmissions and completely new trim levels though?

weather

^^ Normally no, but if the ILX didn't include this in the MMC, there may not have been a 2G ILX *lol*

Colin

Not really, but what if this were the engine/transmission that was originally slated for the car? I still assert that the DI 2.4 in the ILX was delayed by the tsunami. The timing is right considering the gestation period of a new car, and the R&D facility was most affected. IMO, projects of this magnitude aren't done and kept on the shelf for years, they are probably finished 'just in time' for production and there is no way to recover 9 months of lost development time.

There are some precedents, in the past: the '99 TL rolled with the 4AT and the 5AT was added a year later. The 2001 MDX started with the 240 HP engine, that bumped to 260 without a MMC (later to 265 with MMC). Of course, the '16 MDX isn't getting MMC style changes but is getting the 9AT and new (lighter) SH-AWD.

usdmJON

I'm comparing to the integra I previously owned. Engine stayed almost 100% the same from gen 2 to gen 3. Mostly cosmetic and even those changes seem less radical than what the ilx has undergone.

Colin

I'm thinking more of chassis codes as the demarcation line between generations. For example:

• DA3 = '86-'89 Integra (DA1 were 5 doors)
• DB2 = '90-'93 Integra (DB1 was 4 door)
• DC4 = '94--'00 Integra (also DB7 etc.)

The ILX 2.4 is a DE2 (2.0 are DE1) and the '16s continue as DE2s. Thus, the basic chassis remains the same, at least close enough for it to be still considered the same generation.

Remember that back in the early Integra days, a model only lasted 4 years! There was little need for MMCs since it was all new in year 5! The longer lived 3G Integra did get a MMC but no real powertrain changes (other than Type-R).

TSX69

http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/lat...icle-1.2144036

he average price for a brand-new automobile in the United States is a hair under $34,000. Think about that. The aggregate average of everything from teenagers’first cars to celebrities’umpteenth fleet purchase has crept quietly above $30-grand barrier over the last several years—making it difficult for automakers to deliver both high value and high feature content.

Lo and behold, the industry is scrambling to adapt and change to the redefined market segment. Witness the entry-level luxury market, and cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3, as responses to luxury now concerned with the bottom line. As you can imagine, the majority of luxury automakers are following suit (no pun intended).

The timing is remarkable, as Acura introduces a mid-cycle refresh to its ILX sedan for the 2016 model year. In the not-too-distant past, this was the space in which Acura dominated. Along with Lexus and Infiniti, back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, it was the Japanese manufacturers that made a value play for luxury, packing a copious amount of feature content into an excellently executed package.

The ’16 ILX continues that tradition, with tweaks subtle and significant that make it an even better car to live with and drive.

Starting with the exterior, which comes into sharper focus with revised headlights and taillights, the ILX now heavily reflects the styling of the larger TLX. The same goes for the interior, which lifts the 2-tier navigation/infotainment system from the TLX and larger vehicles, and includes new options for leather and pseudo-suede seating. Importantly, Acura left the working details alone, adding sound deadening and more refined materials while keeping the structure we liked intact.

Combined, the details effect the feel of a mature sport sedan—perhaps too mature for its intended customer—that needs to be driven to understand the full effect of its character. Neither overly luxurious nor over-styled, as some of its competitors are, the ILX makes a lot of sense as an entry into the luxury market.

Also new for the ILX is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with direct injection, which replaces 2 engines previously available. With 201-horsepower, this naturally aspirated engine sits comfortably among its turbocharged brethren in the segment, and does not want for power. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic is the only transmission available, and it one-ups the dual-clutches offered by German competitors by adding in a torque converter.

This powertrain gives the ILX distinct character, making it truly a sedan in the near-lux segment that takes driving pleasure into account. Step on the gas pedal with some force, and the engine sings—not groans with a gravelly undertone, as some of its competitors do—all the way to redline. Shifts click off with smoothness and speed, and there is virtually none of the ka-thunk of some dual-clutch transmissions. Cornering is flat, suspension travel is tuned for comfort, and the sound deadening works well.

With this much punch available in such a compact package, Acura could’ve dusted off its nearly-forgotten Vigor badge—it would’ve an apt description of this compact sedan.

When you’re not in the mood to drive hard, however, the ILX is equally good at driving itself. Its roster of optional active and passive safety equipment is so extensive that you’d think it was a class or 2 above its price point. Where active cruise control and lane departure warning are de rigeur options, the ILX adds a lane-keep function that works with lane markings to steer you through a corner and safely help you avoid pedestrians and other obstacles.

However you choose to drive the ILX, there’s no fuel economy penalty to pay: Over approximately 200 miles of mixed driving, we saw as high as 36 mpg with a gentle touch of the throttle. Keep the transmission in Sport, as the car’s chief engineer suggested to us, row through the gears on your own, and your mileage may vary.

Overall, this re-examined ILX is much-improved over the vehicle it replaces, and it remains a great car to drive. It may not be as configurable as the A3, as luxurious as the CLA, or as stylish as the Cadillac ATS, but that’s not the point. Acura is keeping entry-level luxury right where it wants to be, while adding a healthy serving of safety features where it matters most.

TSX69

2016 Acura ILX Splits Difference Between Luxury, Affordability

When you talk to Acura execs, it’s clear that they want to get one message out there loud and clear. Their sales numbers are improving — driving a brand that was somewhat lost in branding in recent years to a segment leader in its competitive classes.

Led by the introduction the updated MDX and the RDX (and the much fussed about return of the Acura halo car, the NSX), Acura is establishing itself amongst automakers as the go-to luxury brand for buyers looking to maximize the features and gadgets in their luxury ride for a price a notch under the more traditional rivals like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus.

Acura sticks to that formula with the new ILX luxury sports sedan. Starting just north of $27,000 and heading into the $30Ks from there with graduating trim levels, the new ILX wants to move its identity away from the likes of the Mazda 6 or Ford Fusion and more toward the Mercedes C-Class or Lexus IS level. Acura looked to build a car the moves up in class without adding too hefty a price tag as its target consumers can’t afford a $50,000 car.

The ILX comes standard with a 2.4 liter i-VTEC engine with an 8 speed, dual clutch transmission. You get keyless entry, a multi-view rear camera, a 5 inch in-dash infotainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, Vehicle Stability Assist, etc. That’s all for starters. Investing a bit more cash will keep the list going, but the important fact is you’ll remain under $40,000 as you climb the trim tree.

During a recent drive event through the hills of California’s Napa Valley, I had a chance to try all those piled up features along pretty roads. The ILX handles well along highway, street and freeway conditions with minimal understeer and minimal external noise due to solid build quality. There are some faint traces of sister company Honda’s soft handling in the nose, but not enough to weaken the performance.

If there is a quibble, the ILX feels slightly underpowered for what’s supposed to be a sports sedan to take on the entry level rides for Lexus or Mercedes. A few more horsepower, a strong turbocharger or a couple more cylinders wouldn’t have got amiss in the ILX.

I’m always uncertain about the marketing wisdom of Acura’s vehicle naming strategy. The names ,right be tricky for consumers to keep straight. I imagine them walking into a showroom to buy an Acura. When pressed to say which 1, the best that can manage is, “The one with the X in the name.”

That’s Acura playing to the upscale luxury car tradition of forgoing names for digits. BMW has its 2, 3, 4, 5, etc., series. Mercedes-Benz uses C, E, S, etc., Class. Lexus runs with GS, IS, LS, RS and so forth. So, Acura must do the same, but I don’t now if their particular batch of names sticks. But, I digress.

The 2016 ILX is not a thrilling car, but it is a capable 1 that settles between the Camrys of the world, but below its German rivals. Where the car excels is offering absolutely maxed out features for its price point.

usdmJON

I thought it was a half way decent review until they started claiming the ILX is too slow "for whats supposed to be sport sedan."

No you idiots. It is not a sport sedan. It is an entry level luxury sedan. That's like saying batman comics have poor writing compared to a sherlock holmes novel.

benjaminh

Agree.

C & D says that a BMW 320i goes from 0-60 in 6.5:

2013 BMW 320i Test ? Review ?Car and Driver

That's pretty good. Some Porsche 911s 25-30 or so years ago were slower than that:

Porsche 0-60 Times & Porsche Quarter Mile Times | Porsche 911 Carrera, 928, 944 Turbo, Boxster, Cayman & more 0 to 60 stats!

C & D tested the 2016 ILX going 0-60 in 6.2:

2016 Acura ILX First Drive ? Review ? Car and Driver

So apparently the 2016 ILX is slightly faster than a BMW 320i today, and slightly faster of some 911s of a few decades ago. Sounds pretty good to me for a car that starts at c. $28k and has standard moonroof, smart entry/pushbutton start, power seat, etc., etc., etc.

hondu

That 6.2 seconds though is estimated by C/D, not a test result. Has anyone actually performed a 0-60 test on the new ILX? I've seen a lot of estimates, but not actual test results.

benjaminh

Good point. Somehow I hadn't noticed it was EST. Anyway, Autoweek tested the 2016 ILX, and unless I'm missing something these are actual test results showing a 0-60 time of 6.8, which is still in the ballpark of a 320i or Audi A3 1.8.

2016 Acura ILX drive review | Autoweek

randomRon82

randomRon82

MSZ

Alex on Autos claimed a 6.25s 0-60 time.

blacktsxwagon

Driving the Evolved 2016 Acura ILX - Consumer Reports News

Very negative review. I am beginning to think CR has an automatic negative bias with Acura. Interesting since it used to be a CR golden child

weather

^^ To an extent, Acura is partly to blame for its demise. I test drove the 2016 ILX and came back feeling "meh" and I own the 2014 ILX. The DI engine doesn't sound as sweet as the older engines, the noise is still present and while the transmission is supposed to be an upgrade, the proof remains in the pudding sort of speak.

The exterior has improved in some way over the pre MMC but regressed in others, but I feel overall the interior has more + to make the MMC version a bit better. The problem is that the incentives aren't as great on the 2016 so all of a sudden, the ILX is a little bit more than the pre-MMC and not sure its worth it.

For the record, my favorite car review program blasted the A3 for weak brakes, soft suspension and dull interior, and said it shared too many of its parts with the TDI so now we can hopefully start hearing people saying...the A3 is just an expensive Golf TDI!

Don't get me wrong, I love our ILX but as I stated before, the MMC didn't make me go "OMG I want to upgrade!"

hondu

I think CR is full of it and have a definite bias against Acura. All of the other mags/reviewers must have been blind and deaf to somehow give such good reviews, while CR nitpicks every little thing to death, overblowing all of the negatives and minimizing all of the positives.

WheelMcCoy

Ouch! was my first reaction to the CR review. I'm confused and not sure what to make of it. Note that CR buys their own cars and can speak freely whereas other reviewers depend on the kindness of press cars.

WheelMcCoy

Hah! Only if we are in the VW Wabbit forum.

randomRon82

weather

I love this guy's reviews....He goes into great details and really spends the time to tell consumers about the cars compared to some people that I feel are more about their own celebrity.

This is a very positive review of the ILX

TSX69

randomRon82

The Acura ILX Is a $30,000 Luxury Car That Isn?t Really a Luxury - Bloomberg Business

kurtatx

They should stick to what they're good at: treating cars like appliances and using bad data to determine reliability.

TSX69

2016 Acura ILX vs 2015 Mercedes CLA - YouTube

aomechmarine

Wow, interesting review. Id say thats what most people are thinking when they buy ILX. Better bang for the buck.

* as long as you're getting good pricing on ILX. I personally would have NEVER payed what the ILX's are going for now. Would "downgrade" to a Civic SI or Accord, or spend more and upgrade to Lexus IS250, used even.