2016 Acura ILX A-SPEC package.Acura
It was right there in the invitation to the launch event itself: "2016 Acura ILX Sport Sedan" was how the title read. In attaching a level of sportiness to the revised version of their smallest sedan, Acura was drawing a line in the proverbial sand – and drawing a line through the original ILX. This new ILX goes on sale Thursday.
You see, the first-generation ILX was not a great car. As with many vehicles introduced three or so years ago, manufacturers were struggling to raise fuel-efficiency ratings and maintain some sense of driving excitement at the same time. The Acura did not make the grade: It was a dull and common conveyance, a cardinal sin coming from a brand that was established to offer a blend of performance and luxury.
The people responsible for the ILX recognized that it fell short with driving enthusiasts: Although they maintain that the car was successful in attracting younger buyers, the fact that it has been comprehensively re-engineered so soon after its debut tells a different story.
There are three areas in which the 2016 Acura ILX represents an improvement over its immediate predecessor: drivetrain performance, interior comfort and exterior styling.
In the first category, the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine from the original version has been replaced with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder that the ILX shares with the new Acura TLX. In the ILX, the engine is tuned for slightly less performance than in the TLX – but it's still a massive step up. Specifically, horsepower increases from 150 to 201 and torque balloons from 140 to 180 lb-ft; the manufacturer claims a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio for the ILX and reports that fuel efficiency has improved as well.
From these numbers alone, it's clear this has not been your typical mid-cycle refresh.
The other key improvement was also borrowed from the new TLX: the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The old ILX came with the choice of a six-speed single-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual. Triple-pedal purists likely won't agree with or accept this proclamation, but the dual-clutch automatic is the most inspired choice for the new car.
In driving on twisty two-lane blacktop and multi-lane freeways, the new ILX proved vastly more engaging than its predecessor. More power tends to ratchet up the entertainment factor, but the secret to the powertrain is the transmission – it's crisp, engaging, well-engineered.
The new car also benefits from increased body rigidity and suspension system improvements that are designed to smooth out imperfections in the road – mission accomplished here. The steering has, apparently, also been reworked, but it's (still) not a strength. Every sharp turn is an exercise in guesswork as to how much lock to dial in; invariably, the steering angle needs to be adjusted at some point. On the plus side, the ILX does hold a consistent line in higher speed turns.
The improvements to the car's ride, combined with a new active noise control system, make the new ILX a much quieter and smoother car than the old one. These qualities are noticeable 90 seconds after jumping from the 2016 version to the 2015 one for a quick, inner-city comparison.
You'll like this car if ...
- You’re a fan of Acura/Honda cars.
- You’re looking for a true sport sedan starting below $30,000.
- You like an entry-luxury vehicle loaded with standard features.
TECH SPECS
- Type: Compact luxury sport sedan
- Base price: $29,490; as tested $34,890
- Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder
- Transmission/drive: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 9.3 (city)/6.6 (highway)/8.1 (combined)
- Alternatives: Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, Lexus CT200h
RATINGS
- Looks: A handsome sedan made even more so with some nips and tucks. This version showcases the exterior styling improvements most of all, but all versions feature a new front and rear fascia, and the Acura jewel-eye headlights and LED tail lights. The net effect works – the original ILX always had reasonable styling for a compact sport sedan, the nips and tucks give the new ILX a sleeker, more aggressive appearance.
- Interior: Although the interior of the ILX has also received some attention, it’s still not a strength when compared with other entry-luxury vehicles – large swaths of black plastic just don’t appeal in this day and age. On the other hand, the controls are easy to operate and, while there are a lot of buttons, this is not a deal-breaker. The seats are comfortable, the storage containers are plentiful, and the instrument cluster and optional seven-inch touch screen are intuitive and legible.
- Performance: A massive improvement over the previous version.
- Technology: The list of standard features, including the AcuraWatch suite of driver aids, is impressive. There are four different packages available, ranging from the base model to the A-Spec version. The only one made available to drive was the top-of-the-line A-Spec, which features 18-inch wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler and side sills.
- Cargo: The ILX is compact, for sure, but accordingly versatile for a modern sedan.
Verdict
7.5
A better effort than the original with some ground still to make up.
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