iamitman

Front and Rear Bumpers are exact replica of Civic Si, also why not give a dual exhaust tips?

Nedmundo

I have the same intuitive reaction to a $35k ILX. I know they're different segments, but for that price you can get a loaded GTI, Fusion 2.0T with AWD, or BMW 320i with Sport Package (and of course not much else). Personally, I might be inclined to spend a few grand more for a 320i with a few options, or less for a loaded Focus ST.

But rationally, jwong77 is probably right that it isn't a big deal. Most people won't cross-shop other segments, and would probably go for all the tech in the loaded ILX. In fact, the tech will be one of its major selling points. Plus, if it drives as well as the early reviews indicate, maybe it is a genuine enthusiast's alternative to the GTI, 320i, etc. It should be a better driver's car than the TLX, which makes that price overlap less of an issue.

And I think we all know it's a much better value than its most obvious competitors, the A3 and CLA. I wouldn't be surprised if it's a better car in absolute terms than the CLA, just as I thought the TSX was better than the M-B C300 back in late 2009.

Bottom line: It looks like a winner, and I expect to see lots of them on the roads around Philly, where even the current ILX is popular.

benjaminh

As I think one Acura dealer here said, it's likely that the base model will be the most popular of all the ILX models. With destination that one lists for c. $29k, but after production is ramped up in a few months you'll probably be able to get one for $27k flat. At that price there are a lot of people who might ditch getting a loaded Focus or whatever and get into an Acura. Or, they might decide to save $5000 from the least expensive A3 that seems to be on my local Audi dealer's lot and get a car that has more features and gets to 60 a full second faster.

My guess is that only about 5% of customers are going to get the $35k ILX, because as you say at that point you could get a base 320i. Although honestly that 320i might lack things like leather, a moonroof, not to mention navi, etc., etc. And the 2016 ILX will still even beat a 320i to 60 I'll bet....

xedap1998

Most ridiculous option is 700$ fog lights and another 200 for the nasty plastic trim around it. I really don't want to pay 2k for the aspec but if anyone who wants the fog lights might as well get the aspec since the fog lights alone is 900$ spoiler 400 that only leave about 600$ for upside wheels and the other little items

Nexx

hrmm lets see... for a a3 2.0 loaded i can get a tlx advance sh-awd?

Nexx

+1, the aspec package is a steal. 2k is something i would have expected acura to charge for just the wheel upgrade.

Nexx

bet how much? ill take you up on that offer.

CARLOS10

[QUOTE=Nexx;15330495]hrmm lets see... for a a3 2.0 loaded i can get a tlx advance sh-awd?[/QUOTE

A loaded 3 series cost more than some 5 series so what ??

Nexx

[QUOTE=CARLOS10;15330587]did i touch a nerve of a A3 owner?

benjaminh

2013 BMW 320i Test ? Review ?Car and Driver

2016 Acura ILX First Drive ? Review ? Car and Driver

2013 BMW 320i 0-60 according to C & D: 6.5

2016 Acura ILX 0-60 according to C & D: 6.2

Do I get an ice cream cone?

VR1

In another review they reported a 5.8 0-60 time

benjaminh

Of the ILX or 320i? In any case, I'd like to see it if you can post a link. Thanks.

VR1

The new ILX

hondu

You posted a hunch/estimate from R&T, not a test result.

VR1

Acura claimed that the 8.3 time was trimmed by 2.5 seconds resulting in a 5.8 time. If. That's what they claimed I assume that's what they will use in the spec sheets

benjaminh

I'm not sure, but maybe Acura was thinking that the old ILX was close to 9 seconds 0-60, which would make the 2016 ILX closer to 6.5.

Colin

I don't think that Acura prints 0 to 60 times in their official literature anyway. They usually leave that up to the publications.

Nexx

lol i read that last sentence wrong. i thought you were saying the 320 would beat it.

xedap1998

acura posted some new video on their youtube channels

panamera125

See some comparison to a 320i here. They're close in price and power, so makes sense, but personally, I'd much rather have an ILX. The 320i, while still a 3-series, does not feel special. The engine note is just okay (compared to the ILX which is sweet!), and it's de-tuned from a 328i. I'd always wish I had a 328i. And, in basic trim I'm not a fan of the 3-series. The ILX, on the other hand, for a similar price you've got an A-Spec model which (IMO) definitely looks "special." Unless all you care about is badge snob, go for the ILX.

benjaminh

Thanks for the headup xedap!++

benjaminh

benjaminh

benjaminh

benjaminh

I liked the demo of the paddle shifters....

aomechmarine

Eh... i seen similar on different cars and on those were definitely hit or miss. We'll have to wait and see. Right now I'm generally not a fan of paddle shifters (seen 1 that I liked). He even said it shifts for you, can't trick a manual fan.

usdmJON

Come the fuck on guys. My 2013 tech has paddle shifters.

benjaminh

Yeah, I've driven manual since 1979. I'm not sure if I want to give it up or not. I'm honestly undecided. If I decide I must have a manual I either keep my 2008 Accord manual longer or move to a new Accord with the 6 mt. I'd probably go with the hard to find EX model. But, the paddle shifters, sinful in a way though they are for loyalists to manuals, are better than going CVT.

aomechmarine

Google search ILX turbo. Around 2018 -2020 when the model makeover comes they MAY have a real type S. Around that time I'd be willing to look at buying, especially if they offered a 2.0 turbo with manual with 300hp - What? But id also see what else would be available. Fun to speculate.

aomechmarine

2013 Accord Sedan || Auto Luxury VIP

Seen new Accords tuned, and man they look great. My favorite is on the link. I'm not a badge whore. If the car makes me happy and does what i need it to do, thats what matters.

kurtatx

Probably a Type R, honestly.

Also, give me a DCT. It's actually faster and better.

benjaminh

Another strong review of the 2016 ILX from the Washington Post....

2016 Acura ILX: First Drive - The Washington Post

"....Just as in the TLX, the eight-speed always seems on top of its game. It remains the only dual-clutch automatic to use a torque converter, which means that you get a far more sophisticated feel when you’re crawling along in traffic or doing low-speed stop-and-go along side streets—as great as Volkswagen’s (and Audi’s) DSG can be, there are none of the occasional lurches and graunches here.

While the torque converter keeps it smooth around town, the gearbox really shows its stuff when you push the car harder. Full-throttle acceleration dials up snappy yet well-damped shifts, perfectly timed and executed in small fractions of seconds. Sliding the shifter back into Sport mode either allows you a more aggressive shift pattern or free reign over shifts via the steering-wheel paddles.

The engine is superb, and it serves to remind us how glorious a powertrain without the lag, surges, and flat spots of turbocharging (or supercharging) can be. It adds direct injection over the previous 2.4-liter version, which was manual-only, and while it has the same 201-hp peak output it makes 10 pound-feet more torque, at a reasonable 3,600 rpm. What’s so impressive is how it builds so steadily and predictably up the rev range; you can learn the powertrain quickly, and you don’t inadvertently dial in too much (or too little) with your right foot. Premium unleaded is recommended, by the way, but we think this one’s worth it.

There’s also a feature through which the driver can order up a double downshift—from 5th to 3rd, for instance—via two quick clicks on the left paddle....

Acura has made some significant improvements in suspension, handling, and braking to go with this especially keen powertrain. All ILX models get new sleeved front lower control-arm bushings, as well as larger rear stabilizer bars and a stiffer front subframe. All versions now get amplitude-reactive dampers in front, not just in back. The setup remains one with struts in front, as well as a multi-link rear that incorporates A-arms, double lower lateral links, tubular steel control links, and coil-over-dampers, as well as a solid rear stabilizer bar. Additionally, engineers applied a new control logic to the electric power steering system, and installed larger-diameter brake discs front and rear (ventilated in front)....

The ILX feels, in a word, honest. It’s easy to drive quickly, and feel at ease. Partly it’s due to the packaging, as the driving position affords such great sightlines, while all the switchgear and controls are as straightforward as can be—well, except for the kludgy dual-screen infotainment.

I jumped almost directly from the ILX into an Audi A3 and it served to underscore how little storage and stowage space the A3 has—and how much thoughtful space is here in the ILX. Inside, Acura has given the ILX a modest list of upgrades, including interior accent stitching, a silver-hue trim, an HDMI port on some models, and a new Jewel Gray interior color. A-Spec models get special perforated black Lux Suede upholstery, plus a black headliner, red instrument illumination, and contrasting gray stitching, along with alloy pedals.

Value is indeed a big part of the appeal. At $28,820 for the base model, or $35,810 for the fully loaded Technology Plus A-Spec, the ILX is on a feature basis priced well below its luxury-badge rivals.

In short, knowing what we knew about the powertrain in the TLX, and of the improvements made to this car in general, we could anticipate how much improvement was in store for the ILX. What we didn’t quite anticipate is how well it all works together...."

CoquiTSX

Agree. I don't look @ ventilated seat, dual auto a/c,HID-LED headlights etc. as luxury features, they are "comfort,convenience/safety" features. If a luxury car does not offer them and a non-luxury car does, everything else been equal I would purchase the non-luxury. I bought the TSX because of the features not because it was luxury. Would had bought it from the Honda dealer across the street.

benjaminh

The case for the base model of the 2016 ILX.

Acura, like Honda, is always very careful to make sure that each trim level offers value for the price point. A couple of years ago, we bought an Accord EXL navi for my wife, which is about $7k more than the LX model. But when I added everything up, it seemed well worth the extra money for all the features and for how we were going to use the car.

The base ILX, starting at 27.9 msrp (before dest), is a car I am considering. It has, of course, all the essential goodness of the upgraded car in term of the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, NVH improvements, etc. And even though we have a touch screen on our 2013 Accord that I like, I actually don't mind buttons. I think I have more buttons on my 2008 Accord EXL navi than on any other mainstream sedan ever made! And they aren't confusing to me.

In terms of the essential performance of the car, the base ILX has it all there. Fewer bells and whistles, but still quite loaded imho. I mean, the cars I grew up with didn't even have power steering for gosh sakes! I actually kind of miss those manual steering vehicles. Talk about steering with feedback!

Also, with fewer gadgets you have fewer things to go wrong. If I get an Acura, I've been wondering whether I could skip the AcuraCare. After all, the whole car is already covered for 4 years, and then the powertrain is covered up to 6 years. Since I'm a somewhat lower mileage guy, I'm pretty sure I'll hit the years before the mileage.

But, on the other hand, I really like navi. And I like XM.

XM, as someone said, is possible as a dealer installed option for a few hundred bucks. And I can get a Garmin for the glove box too, or just use my smart phone. Probably those two would be about $500, and I'd still save c. $1500 off of the Premium ILX.

Decisions, decisions.

Anyway, I do think there is a case to be made for the base....

blacktsxwagon

I bet the XM radio will be closer to $500 installed, and then you have to have some dealer taking apart your car as well. So, with $250 for the Garmin, that's only about $1000 away from the premium. To me it is certainly worth it, especially amortized over 3-5 years of payments (~$16/month for five years).

GrafZeppelin127

I still have a year and a half on my lease, but I'm thinking I'd be a lot more likely to re-up with a new ILX if they'd bring back stick and replace the awful stock wheels (both designs are terrible; one looks like a Honda and the other like a cheap hubcap bought at Auto Zone). If not I'd almost certainly buy my current car but for the damned wind-noise problem that just won't go away. Sigh.

benjaminh

Good points. Although it's easy for me to slide into the "the more you buy the more you save" philosophy lol! That's what I did with getting the top of the line of my current car, but I have to admit I don't regret it. And since I still like the car quite a bit, that will make it so that when I am in the market I can walk away if I don't like the car or the price, and then I'll just keep driving my 08 EXL navi.

But, let's see what you get moving up from base to Premium on the 2016 ILX. I'll put next to each feature my very subjective "what it might be worth to me."

leather seats: $500
2 position driver memory seat: $100
power passenger seat: $400
Multi-use diplay/phone navi/8" screen: $600
Blind spot info: $300
Rear cross traffic: $200
subwoofer: $100
XM/HD radio: $300
Dimming rearview mirror: $200
Homelink: my wife gets our one car garage...so $100

That's $2800. And so this $2000 package seems "worth it" to me

aomechmarine

Eh, id rather enjoy a manual - taste may change with time.

Type R / A -spec/ special edition - just take my money Acura! (as long as they do it right)

VR1

That seems to be more accurate. New ILX seems to be doing 6.8-7.1 to sixty according to some other reviews.

kevTL888

the pricing kind of turn me off. a fully loaded Technology + with A Spec cost almost the same as a TLX Tech. i wish the pricing for the '16 ILX is $2000 lower on all trims.