The Acura ILX is the brand's entry in the growing compact premium segment in the US, headlined by models such as Audi's new A3 sedan and the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Taking pieces from the compact Honda Civic, the ILX tries to blend some premium features with strong fuel economy and a youthful image.
What's New for 2015
For 2015, the ILX gets a new paint color and loses the slow-selling hybrid version.
Choosing Your Acura ILX
Like their mainstream cousins from Honda, Acuras come in a few well-equipped variations that offer few individual options. The ILX comes with two engine/transmission combinations and in three different packages.
The base ILX gets a 2-liter 155 horsepower four-cylinder engine and a five-speed automatic, start at just over $27,000. Fuel economy is estimate at 24/35 mpg. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and heated front seats, 8-way power driver's seat, backup camera and keyless entry and start.
The ILX Premium adds about $2,000 for some more equipment, in the form of a 7-speaker, 360-watt audio system with satellite radio, USB and iPod inputs, Bluetooth and Pandora interface and text-message support.
The Premium Package is also available with the ILX's optional powertrain, a 2.4-liter 201-horsepower four-cylinder mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy for that version is 22/31 mpg.
The Technology Package includes features such as a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic, as well as an ELS audio system.
It's a shame the 2.4-liter engine isn't available with the Technology Package because that would be the version to go for. At $32,000, the top ILX starts to face serious competition from Audi and VW, so the Premium Package makes most sense.