TSX69

Acura's Smaller, Cheaper ILX Compact on Sale Today

Acura's new starter model -- the smaller cheaper ILX compact based on Honda Civic underpinnings -- goes on sale today, starting at $26,795 with shipping.

That's about 4 grand less than the currently least-expensive Acura, the TSX. The car is a little bigger and has different engines and interior from its humbler corporate sibling Civic.

Acura says it needs the new entry -- it calls it "gateway" -- model to attract Millennials looking to move up to a premium brand, but unable to pay the freight for the current models. It also faces new or updated premium starter-cars, such as BMW 1-Series, redone Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, a rumored Infiniti below the G models.

Acura's ambitions for ILX, however, are grander, even groundbreaking:

"It will create a new segment," Michael Accavitti, VP of marketing for Acura in the U.S.

Accavitti says the new car won't downsize the Acura image, rather it's a return to the "sweet spot" carved out by the Integra when Acura was young. "We continue to look at Acura as the luxury brand it was created to be, an alternative to BMW and Audi and Infiniti."

We wonder why, though, if they wanted to revive our warm feelings for the old Integra, they didn't just revive the name for the new car.

TV launch ads for the ILX will wait until after the holiday. "Everybody's having a Memorial Day sale and we don't want to compete with that," says Accavitti.

A good start for the RDX, on the heels of what has been a good initial reaction for redone 2013 RDX crossover, would be a much-needed boost for the brand.

Acura was the USA's 1st Japanese luxury brand, rolling out the $20,000 flagship Legend and smaller Integra in 1986, at a time when "luxury" and "Japanese brand" did not occupy the same brain space for a lot of Americans.

It took on the U.S. and European premium nameplates 3 years ahead of the launch of Japanese rivals Lexus and Infiniti.

The base model of the front-drive ILX comes with cloth seats standard and a 150 hp, 2-liter, 4 with a 5-speed automatic. It's rated 24 mpg in town, 35 highway, 28 combine. Spending $30,095 gets you a trim with more standard features and a 201 hp. 4 -- though the sportier engine comes only with a 6-speed manual transmission. It's rated 22/31/25.

For the eco- or gas-price sensitive, there's also a gas-electric hybrid starting at $29, 795 with an mpg rating of 39/38/38.

The base engine seemed anemic to reviewer James R. Healey in a recent Test Drive, though Acura says the target younger buyers' won't care. Having grown up their parents' luxury cars, these folks want the snob appeal of the premium nameplate. "They put a higher priority on looking good than on going fast," Acura told Healey.

But the uplevel 2.4-liter enjoy was a "hottie" and the handling sharp, he wrote. Click here to read the full Test Drive review of the ILX.

briq456

"The base engine seemed anemic to reviewer James R. Healey in a recent Test Drive, though Acura says the target younger buyers' won't care. Having grown up their parents' luxury cars, these folks want the snob appeal of the premium nameplate. "They put a higher priority on looking good than on going fast," Acura told Healey." -wow.

anticd70

WHY HASNT ACURA.COM BEEN UPDATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aman

Think there'll be a long line at the dealer?

anticd70

Nope, too close in price to the TSX and if you go to Acura's website if you didnt search around you wouldnt even know they had a new model in the lot. Im gonna buy a 2013 Outback for the wife anyway idk why I keep checking out the ILX forums.

lmbebo

I'll probably take a look at one on thursday, or friday this week.

Doubt I'll purchase one. Price is set too high I think for me at this moment.

Especially since its looks like the base ILX with premium or tech packages are the ones showing up at dealerships. I would have to look at a base ILX if anything.

iamitman

Maybe they don't want people to know they fucked up till the TSX goes away?

Rocket_man

It's amazing this car is on sale now but you can't even configure one on acura.com, or even find it amond thier current vehicles. Maybe Acura can't even figure out why they priced it the way they did.

Acura_Dude

Nabooly

Just saw this on Acura's twitter.

gonzo08452

the 13' Outback was one of our choices as well before ending up w/ a 12' Wagon. Looks like Subaru is now taking orders. We were set on getting a white limited w/ the new apprearance package but could not wait. Luckily for us Acura was willing to deal so we got the wagon. Saw the ILX at the dealer. Very nice but very snug inside. I could fit my sons car seat but his foot would literally rest on the top of the front seatback.

afjock21

Wow Acura still hasn't updated their prestigious ACURA.COM website with the ILX in between RL, TL, etc...

Acura knows deep down they EFFED UP and DROPPED THE BALL.. AGAIN!!

Might NEVER be on the website as they try to act like ILX? What ILX???? Whadda overpriced piece of junk that I'm sure I'll see some hipster driving around with his black framed glasses......

Aman

Oh, so you've already sat in one and driven it?

jchan2

Why are they waiting until Friday to update Acura.com? Has every dealer received at least 1 ILX yet?

nathan584

Today I test drove a 2.0l tech for about 30mins. I currently have a 2011 tsx base(auto) and feel that the ILX drives just as nice if not nicer. I do think the price is outrageous, however, besides missing memory seats and little things like that I feel there is no resemblance of the civic. The finishes are top quality the dash and console looks more expensive then the current tsx. They used the space very well in the front and I hope you have small passengers for the back! I am excited to see where Acura is going and cannot wait the next tsx/tl!

Nathan

explodinghands

The lease programs are out as well.
I am seeing:

2013 ILX 5 Speed Automatic with Premium Package Featured Lease$299 per month for 39 months

$3399 total due at signing



How the HELL is this a good deal when the current TSX program is $349/month for 36 months with nothing down plus $0 due for the first month?

At this rate you can most probably get a better priced TSX than a premium/tech packaged ILX.

Also, can someone shed some light on why it costs $29,200 for a 2.0L 150hp ILX w/ premium package, and the same exact thing for a 2.4L 201 hp ILX w/ premium package? Historically, Acura charges the same price for auto/manual transmissions, but what is the reason for charge the same price when one engine is weaker than the other? I am trying to give Acura the benefit of the doubt but this lacks common sense....

What is Acura thinking?

litesout

If I had to guess it would be to offer their customers a choice of performance vs fuel economy. Most of the people going for the entry level model will be more concerned with economy and its impact on their monthly budget vs the extra power. Also, the blurb above said that the 2.4L will only be available with a manual tranny. Stinks that if you want one with the premium package and an auto you have to get the 2.0L, that's what I don't understand.

spdandpwr

That's not as bad as the fact that you can lease a tl for only $50 more a month and you pay $800 less at signing. If I was an entry level buyer, I'd opt for paying $50 more a month than handing over more money at signing.

nj2pa2nc

Looked at the acura website- They have the ilx on it.

explodinghands

You're absolutely right. The TL is definitely worth an extra $50 a month over the ILX. At least you get a more powerful engine, and memory seats and lumbar support...

For those that are leasing, the current lease program right now doesn't seem too enticing.

mikiTL

Talk about re-wording the article.. Who wrote the despicable article in green? Shame on you.