Honda’s ritzy division has announced what interests us most about the 2016 ILX. Without further ado, Acura's offering in the entry-level luxury sedan segment starts from $27,900 without tax, license, registration and a $920 destination charge. But the question is what toys do you get for the money?
Being a mere facelift job, the 2016 model year blends your typical nip & tuck with some added creature comforts offered as standard. The base ILX, for example, boasts with an all-new 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-banger mill paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, LED Jewel Eye headlights and LED taillights, Active Noise Control and sliding sun visors.
Regarding that 2.4 lump, its 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque represent an increase of 51 HP and 40 pounds-feet over the outgoing 2.0 i-VTEC. As for the EPA-rated fuel economy of the only powertrain available, the Japanese manufacturer informs that we should expect up to 25 mpg (9.4 l/100 km) in the city and 36 mpg (6.5 l/100 km) highway for a combined rating of 29 mpg (8.1 l/100 km).
All six grades, from the entry-level ILX to the $34,890 model with Tech Plus & A-SPEC Package, boast with the previously mentioned fuel economy figures. Speaking of the top-of-the range model, Tech Plus is Acura’s way of saying AcuraWatch safety technologies and the revised AcuraLink cloud-based connected-car infotainment system. A-SPEC, on the other hand, features a lot more than some techno mumbo-jumbo.
18-inch aluminum alloy, sport seats with suede inserts and contrast stitching, black headliner, fog lights, body color-side sill garnishes, a rear decklid spoiler, and aluminum pedals is what you’re getting. Not bad at all, but do keep in mind that these things are offered if you’re prepared to pay top dollar. The 7-inch touchscreen display only comes as standard on the Premium and Tech plus grades, which isn’t exactly cool.
Nevertheless, the 2016 Acura ILX promises to be “luxury-quiet,” whatever that means. Thanks to additional noise-insulating materials, thicker glass, noise-attenuating alloy wheels and the Active Noise Control technology, we’re told that the interior refinement has grown a bit compared to the current ILX model.
Editor's note: that Pixies - Monkey Gone to Heaven piano cover makes the cheesy commercial bearable.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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