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Not gonna lie, I was expecting it to look like a turd with the new front end made to fit on an existing model, but it looks rather fantastic.
That badge is huge upfront, though. And bleh on the dual screen setup, but I wasn’t expecting Acura to install the RDX style interior on an almost outgoing model.
Overall, as far as looks are concerned, I give them a thumbs up. I like it.
Acura ILX Ups its Game with Major Refresh for 2019; New Styling, Improved Tech, and New A-Spec Treatment
Sep 5, 2018 - TORRANCE, Calif.
ILX completes transformation of new Acura design identity across lineup
All Acura sedans and SUVs now feature AcuraWatch™ active safety and driver-assistive technology standard, a luxury first
Enhanced dual-screen user interface with new graphics, quicker response, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration
ILX earned top Initial Quality Study (IQS) ranking in-segment for 2018
Acura's gateway sport sedan, the refreshed and significantly upgraded 2019 ILX, debuts today, ahead of its October market launch. Continuing to capture the highest percentage of millennial buyers of any model in-segment, the 2019 ILX delivers a sportier and more sophisticated design, premium cabin materials, tech-savvy features and distinctive A-Spec sport appearance variant. With the application of Acura's signature Diamond Pentagon Grille to the 2019 ILX, the transformation of the brand's design language, inspired by the Acura Precision Concept, now stretches across its line-up.
Additional upgrades for 2019 include standard AcuraWatch™ active safety and driver-assistive technology and more luxurious and sporty cabin appointments, as well as an available quicker, more responsive dual-screen user interface with updated graphics, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. All ILX models are powered by a naturally aspirated 201-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine mated to a quick-shifting 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
Acura ILX serves a unique and important role as the gateway vehicle to the Acura brand, bringing in the most first-time Acura customers and youngest buyers. ILX also remains a top choice in the entry luxury segment, gaining more than four points of retail market share in the first half of the year and capturing the highest percentage of millennials of any model in segment, something it has done in every year since 2013. ILX recently topped industry quality rankings in its segment, receiving a Power Circle Rating of 5 out of 5 and a quality award in the Small Premium Car segment in the J.D. Power and Associates 2018 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). Acura ILX also captured the top spot in the entry-luxury car category in Kelley Blue Book's 5-Year Cost to Own Luxury Brand Awards – with Acura the #1 ranked brand for the third year in a row.
Sporty, Sophisticated Refresh
For 2019, ILX gets a styling refresh to deliver a more sporty and premium vibe. ILX is all-new from the A-pillars forward – inspired by the Acura Precision Concept. The new face of ILX emanates from Acura's signature Diamond Pentagon Grille, framed by 7-element Acura Jewel Eye™ LED headlights and a more sharply sculpted hood. The Precision Concept styling theme continues at the rear with an all-new decklid, fascia, LED taillights and lower diffuser with exposed exhaust outlet. All-new wheel designs for 2019 include a 17-inch split-5 spoke wheel with trim specific finishes and an A-Spec exclusive 18-inch wheel.
Inside, the 2019 Acura ILX receives more intricately styled and reshaped sport seats, front and rear, with available high-contrast piping and stitching. All ILXs now feature power adjustable lumbar for the driver's seat. Additional interior enhancements include a silver-finished dash trim with a chrome insert and a machine-finished push-button start.
The 2019 ILX's exterior color palette expands with five new colors – Platinum White Pearl, Majestic Black Pearl1, Performance Red Pearl1, Canyon Bronze Metallic1 and A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl1 – in addition to the current offerings of Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. The interior colors available include a new-for-2019 Espresso, along with Graystone and Ebony. Exclusive A-Spec interior colors are Ebony and Red, both with Ultrasuede™ inserts.
ILX A-Spec
The new ILX A-Spec, available with Premium and Technology Packages, joins the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX sport-utes in receiving the latest-generation A-Spec treatment, with a more distinctive and easily recognizable performance-inspired character, inside and out.
On the exterior, the new ILX A-Spec is distinguished by dark chrome trim for the front grille and lower fascia, LED fog lights, dark appearance for the headlights and taillights, and a gloss-black decklid spoiler. A-Spec models feature 18-inch wheels with an aggressive new design and Shark Gray finish. Apex Blue Pearl, also found on A-Spec variants of RDX and MDX, is now available on the ILX A-Spec.
Interior enhancements for the ILX A-Spec include a graphite-silver dash accent with chrome insert, A-Spec badged steering wheel with contrast stitching and aluminum sport pedals. The all-new sport seats are finished in A-Spec exclusive Ebony or Red leather with black Ultrasuede™ center panels and high contrast stitching.
Technology Enhancements
For 2019, every ILX comes standard with the AcuraWatch™ suite of active safety and driver-assistive technology, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). This makes Acura the only luxury brand to provide these features as standard equipment across all its sedans and SUVs.
In addition, ILX continues to be equipped with Acura's Advance Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and with additional standard safety and driver assistive features, including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, an Expanded View Driver's Mirror, advanced front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, side curtain airbags, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and pedestrian injury-mitigation design features, along with Acura's available blind spot information (BSI) system and rear cross traffic monitor.
The 2019 ILX is equipped with an available refreshed dual-screen On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD™ 2.0) interface with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. New software improves system response time, offering more intuitive menus and command structures for a seamless and speedy user experience – approximately 30 percent faster. An enhanced 7-inch touchscreen has a capacitive display that is more responsive to touch and is positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger.
The 2019 Acura ILX will begin arriving at Acura dealers nationwide in October of this year.
Were you expecting anything to change in that department? They weren’t going to put the very expensive CTR engine in every ILX. The other option was a 1.5T, which would net more or less the same power in stock form, of which many of these will stay in that guise.
at least it has the DCT transmission. I’d imagine it’s a fun little go cart to whip around in. Definitely not a race car by any stretch, but, it was never intended to be one anyway.
It definitely looks better, but needs a bit more 'go' to go with the better looks. If the 2.4 fits, why not put the Accord 2.0T in it, at least for the A-Spec trim?
Not gonna lie, I was expecting it to look like a turd with the new front end made to fit on an existing model, but it looks rather fantastic.
That badge is huge upfront, though. And bleh on the dual screen setup, but I wasn’t expecting Acura to install the RDX style interior on an almost outgoing model.
Overall, as far as looks are concerned, I give them a thumbs up. I like it.
The gigantor badge is because it's also the adaptive cruise and forward collision sensor.
Car looks pretty good, back end looks better than the front but at least now it doesn't look like a jazzed up Civic.
Wish they would have put the 2.0T from the Accord in there but then it would for sure snipe sales from the already struggling TLX.
Also, really wish they'd get away from the dumbass dual screen setup. The Honda one with a single screen is FAR better.
Its nice it received Apple CarPlay. I'm pretty impressed by how well the front end was integrated into the existing design, unlike the new TLX, which looks to me like the front end is too big compared to the rest of the car.
Were you expecting anything to change in that department? They weren’t going to put the very expensive CTR engine in every ILX. The other option was a 1.5T, which would net more or less the same power in stock form, of which many of these will stay in that guise.
at least it has the DCT transmission. I’d imagine it’s a fun little go cart to whip around in. Definitely not a race car by any stretch, but, it was never intended to be one anyway.
Of course we expected the 1.5T from the Civic Si... is the current one using the engine from previous Gen's Si too?
With Turbo, you can tune it differently to yield higher #s than SI if Acura wants to. Regardless what the # says, the 1.5T will perform better than that ancient 2.4.
Other than the looks, it is pretty much the same car.
It looks great. Unfortunately, that's the only thing about it that's great. The fit and finish, the engine, and the ride are all going to continue the ILX tradition of being subpar.
I'm pretty sure thats the plan. Why spend much on a declining segment? is probably their through process.
Except they already have the 1.5T that is sharing by many different cars.
Before we were making fun of ILX being Civic, now performance wise, it is not even as good as a regular Civic (I would expect the Civic Sport will be faster, let alone the Si)
I think the car looks great inside and out.... Dual Clutch is no longer a selling point in the industry when the auto is just as good.. (maybe not in Acura's case).
I had a TLX loaner for about a week. HATED the dual screen setup. Hated that for Apple CarPlay there wasn't a touch screen. Had to use that big ol knob normally used with the Navi.
I had a TLX loaner for about a week. HATED the dual screen setup. Hated that for Apple CarPlay there wasn't a touch screen. Had to use that big ol knob normally used with the Navi.
My car has CarPlay without a touch screen. The clickwheel is a little annoying but at least mine is in a better location than the one on the TLX.
its a pretty good looking car, but still a turd based on a previous generation platform. Why not just save the 20k and buy a 2013 civic touring?
Or hell, save $10k and buy a new Civic touring. It even comes in hatchback form. All prospective TLX buyers just get an Accord touring anyway, ILX buyers probably do the same. Hell I'm pretty sure MDX buyers are now going to go for the Pilot now that they added the "jewel eye" headlights to the high end trim since that's the only thing the Acura had going for it.
The 9G Civic was a fresh design from a chassis point of view, drivetrain carried over from the 8G.
It was a slight fresh up from the 8th gen thanks to the increased use of high strength steel, but the basic design of the platform remains as same as the 8th gen.
Or hell, save $10k and buy a new Civic touring. It even comes in hatchback form. All prospective TLX buyers just get an Accord touring anyway, ILX buyers probably do the same. Hell I'm pretty sure MDX buyers are now going to go for the Pilot now that they added the "jewel eye" headlights to the high end trim since that's the only thing the Acura had going for it.
and sh-AWD... which I’m willing to bet most people don’t even know the difference between the systems.
It was a slight fresh up from the 8th gen thanks to the increased use of high strength steel, but the basic design of the platform remains as same as the 8th gen.
My brother has a 8G and my daughter had a 9G, I've worked on both and the design is not the same.
Similar but floorpan, subframes, and suspension components are different.
Honda typically doesn't use large metal press die tooling more than it's 5-6 year production cycle.
Like car companies do with every redesign that comes along, Honda calls the latest Civic not merely new, but all-new. Even though the ninth-generation car’s footprint is unchanged from that of gen eight, that statement holds more truth here than in most applications. The wheelbase has shrunk by 1.2 inches to 105.1. (The coupe’s wheelbase diminishes by 1.1 inches to 103.2 inches.) Alterations to the wheelbase entail fundamental changes to a vehicle’s basic architecture—vindication for the “all-new” descriptor.
My brother has a 8G and my daughter had a 9G, I've worked on both and the design is not the same.
Similar but floorpan, subframes, and suspension components are different.
Honda typically doesn't use large metal press die tooling more than it's 5-6 year production cycle.
Oh I stand corrected. Thanks for the info. It is well documented that 9th gen was a result of Honda overreacting to the 2008 financial crisis so they had to reuse almost everything from the 8th gen part bin. Like you I also have drove both 8th and 9th gen extensively(my sister had a 9th gen, she drives a 10th gen now) I can definitely tell you how similar the older two Civics behave, and how much more advanced 10th gen is.
And the fact remains that this 2nd MMC ILX still rides on an extremely uncompetitive outdated platform.
It definitely looks better, but needs a bit more 'go' to go with the better looks. If the 2.4 fits, why not put the Accord 2.0T in it, at least for the A-Spec trim?
It's weird that the ILX is getting a SECOND facelift instead of a full makeover on the new 10g CIvic platform. It makes me think that Acura would rather wait for the Acura exclusive platform and to launch the new ILX and TLX all on that one platform. In other words, no more platform sharing with Honda. Either that, or they are gonna kill the ILX after this generation. But if that's the case, why not just kill it now and don't bother with a 2019 model?
So to get back to your question, since this ILX is still using the same 9g civic platform from 2012, I think it would take a lot of engineering (and money) to fit the 2.0T to it. It's much simpler to just keep using the K24 8-DCT.
I feel like the main idea for the facelift is to keep the ILX alive and to have all Acura models having the new diamond pentagon grille.
Originally Posted by oonowindoo
Of course we expected the 1.5T from the Civic Si... is the current one using the engine from previous Gen's Si too?
With Turbo, you can tune it differently to yield higher #s than SI if Acura wants to. Regardless what the # says, the 1.5T will perform better than that ancient 2.4.
Other than the looks, it is pretty much the same car.
The 1.5T in the new Si is a little bit more powerful than the old 2.4 but not by much.
I don't know if Acura would tune it higher, seeing as the ILX Type S was essentially using the same K24 6MT from the old Si too, without any more power.
The gains may not be worthwhile for the amount of engineering needed to fit the 1.5T into the ILX. It will also cost money to integrate the 1.5T with the 8-DCT.
The ILX with its 2.4L 8-DCT combo isn't too slow:
0-60mph: 6.6s
1/4 mile: 15.2@94mph
I don't think using a 1.5T would yield noticeably better result. I'd imagine the biggest gain is in EPA ratings. But then again, this is only a MMC, and it's a MMC for a slow selling product that has many other issues.
I believe Acura just wanna keep the current ILX for a couple more years before a full redesign.
Wait- when was there ever an ILX Type S? What market was that in?
and oonowindoo was referring to cranking up the boost a notch or two on the 1.5T to get that extra power. Realistically, Acura could easily do that.
you are correct about having to fit the 1.5T into the ILX, though. Extra costs, engineering, etc, and then mating it to the DCT... expensive challenges that they weren’t about to invest into, as the returns are minimal for that car due to sales volume. Or lack thereof. Though they could e dumped the DCT and just used the same Civic transmissions. But still... extra costs.
I too am curious to see what happens with the ILX going forward. I’d be surprised if they kept it around for another generation, with how sedan sales have been trending. It would make more sense to dump it and bring the CDX over instead. That thing would likely sell 15 times more than the ILX. But... it might be a production limitation in NA? Are they equipped to be able to pump out that many more cars every month with their current manufacturing centres? The Chinese version is likely built to much different safety standards than we see here. I wonder if that would even be a possibility.
I never considered the TLX and ILX sharing a platform. I guess that is an option. It seems clear the ship has sailed on using the 10G Civic platform. By the time a 2G ILX came out using it, the Civic would be getting ready to launch on the 11G platform.
And yes, I think you’re right- I think the purpose of the second MMC is just to milk the ILX as much as possible. Given how little it sells, they could’ve killed it by now, but they chose to keep it going. It would really start lowering their lineup numbers also. Two sedans and two SUVs... and one of those sedans [RLX] barely sells as-is already. At least they’re giving consumers options.
Either way, I feel the brand as a whole is back on the right track again. I was very critical of Ikeda when he first took over, but I think he’s got the right idea in mind for the company going forward. It really makes me happy they’re slowly making a resurgence. Next Gen models of the TLX and MDX will likely be the cat’s meow. Here’s to hoping they can get their reliability ratings back up... the new RDX hasnt exactly been stellar in that regard, thus far. But I really like what they’ve done with it.
I'm surprised the ILX is still around to be frank. And yes, the engines may have similar outputs but I bet the driving characteristics are vastly different because of how/when torque is delivered. My guess is that the plan was to never mate the 1.5T/2.0T with the 8DCT transmission otherwise the output shaft and mounting could be made compatible when they designed the thing from the get go.
Wait- when was there ever an ILX Type S? What market was that in?
and oonowindoo was referring to cranking up the boost a notch or two on the 1.5T to get that extra power. Realistically, Acura could easily do that.
you are correct about having to fit the 1.5T into the ILX, though. Extra costs, engineering, etc, and then mating it to the DCT... expensive challenges that they weren’t about to invest into, as the returns are minimal for that car due to sales volume. Or lack thereof. Though they could e dumped the DCT and just used the same Civic transmissions. But still... extra costs.
I too am curious to see what happens with the ILX going forward. I’d be surprised if they kept it around for another generation, with how sedan sales have been trending. It would make more sense to dump it and bring the CDX over instead. That thing would likely sell 15 times more than the ILX. But... it might be a production limitation in NA? Are they equipped to be able to pump out that many more cars every month with their current manufacturing centres? The Chinese version is likely built to much different safety standards than we see here. I wonder if that would even be a possibility.
I never considered the TLX and ILX sharing a platform. I guess that is an option. It seems clear the ship has sailed on using the 10G Civic platform. By the time a 2G ILX came out using it, the Civic would be getting ready to launch on the 11G platform.
And yes, I think you’re right- I think the purpose of the second MMC is just to milk the ILX as much as possible. Given how little it sells, they could’ve killed it by now, but they chose to keep it going. It would really start lowering their lineup numbers also. Two sedans and two SUVs... and one of those sedans [RLX] barely sells as-is already. At least they’re giving consumers options.
Either way, I feel the brand as a whole is back on the right track again. I was very critical of Ikeda when he first took over, but I think he’s got the right idea in mind for the company going forward. It really makes me happy they’re slowly making a resurgence. Next Gen models of the TLX and MDX will likely be the cat’s meow. Here’s to hoping they can get their reliability ratings back up... the new RDX hasnt exactly been stellar in that regard, thus far. But I really like what they’ve done with it.
That becomes and egg/chicken kinda thing... you can't improve the brand and product if you dont wanna invest, and if the product needs major improvements, is it worth the investment? Acura just needs to make a decision on what they wanna do, cuz they can't have it both ways, not investing and expect miracles to happen.
lol my bad i think it's just called ILX 2.4 or something...the one with the K24 with 6MT.
I'm not sure how much Acura could turn up the boost in that 1.5T since the Si is already running premium gas. I'd imagine it's already at its limit for the time being, in terms of reliability (for OEM wise, not Hondata or Ktuner). With that said, given that the 1.5T is slightly underrated, they can just rate it as 210hp and call it a day and that's still more power.
The 1.5T with that extra low end torque would be nice with the 8-DCT....
Ya, I agree. With the 2019 facelift, it means the next ILX, assuming it's here to stay, will be a 2021 model. By that time, the 10g civic will be in its 6th model year, which technically should be the 11g Civic if it's on a 5 year cycle. It would make little sense to be on the 10g platform for a brand new ILX at that time.
Oonowindoo, I think our point is that Honda is investing into the Acura brand. I think that's been demonstrated nicely by the new RDX. Investing doesnt mean just spending the money and hope for the best though. It's also spending wisely to get the maximum benefit. In that sense, the ILX was out in early 2012, based on the 9g Civic platform. It's a mediocre platform and product at best. With the 2019 update, it's pretty much the most they can do with that car given what the car is based on. Investing money on that platform is more of less a waste of money. The 9g Civic was built to be cheap and economical. Nothing about it is about precision crafted performance or luxury. Since the new model isn't ready, and Acura is desperate to have all models with the new design direction, the 2019 ILX is the result of that.
I think their decision is clear. Just invest in the new model, be it a new ILX, or a brand new model that will replace the ILX. Save the money for that car, and just do the minimal to keep the ILX sort of alive. I highly doubt they are expecting the 2019 ILX to sell like hot cakes with the latest facelift.
In terms of “cranking” the power up on the 1.5T, I was thinking even 1 psi would do the trick. It would result in a minor power bump, but enough to get it that gain over the 2.4L and make it seem all new and better. Remember, this is a daily duty car, not a race car. No one expects a regular ILX to suddenly jump to 250hp. That extra 10-12hp or whatever, would help. And it would still be a smaller boost gain than whatever Hondata does with their stage 1 upgrade. Aka, it could still be well within Honda’s safe zone.
Either way, I think we’re on the same page with the ILX. Honda has a history of milking the crap out of slow selling models. The ILX is no different. But hey, if that allows to to fill the coffers a bit more and make a better next Gen product, whatever it might be, I’m down!
09-05-2018, 08:39 AM
