Acura News: Acura Makes Some Upgrades To The 2014 ILX

[William Maley]

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By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

May 13, 2013

The Acura ILX hasn't set the sales charts on fire since it was launched. Since going on sale last May, total sales of the ILX stand at 19,759 vehicles. In that same time, Buick has moved 47,859 Veranos.

Acura has announced some changes for the 2014 ILX that will help improve sales. All ILX models will now come equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, rearview camera, a enhanced sound system with a new subwoofer, and a noise cancellation system. Those who were hoping for some mechanical changes will be disappointed as it appears the ILX lineup will stay pretty much the same.

Acura isn't saying if any changes will appear on the ILX Hybrid, only stating in a press release that details of that model will appear at a later time.

Source: Acura

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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2014 ACURA ILX LUXURY SPORTS SEDAN ARRIVES WITH HOST OF NEW STANDARD FEATURES, PROVIDING MORE CONTENT AND VALUE

05/13/2013 - TORRANCE, Calif

The 2014 Acura ILX luxury sports sedan goes on sale tomorrow with a host of new standard features, further strengthening the gateway vehicle to the Acura brand. Introduced as an all-new model for the 2013 model year, the 2014 Acura ILX offers increased value on a luxury scale with eight new standard features to enhance its curb appeal, interior comfort and overall driving enjoyment.

The ILX is the only luxury model on the top ten list of Generation Y car shoppers according to J.D. Power and Associates, and the 2014 ILX gets upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels, while the interior receives new leather seating surfaces and leatherette door liners, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats and a Multi-Angle Rearview Camera. The ride experience is further enhanced by a new audio-system subwoofer and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system that are standard features on the 2014 ILX, which starts at a manufacturer's suggested retail price* (MSRP) of $26,900, an increase of just $1,000.

Two advanced powertrain choices are available for 2014 ILX, with a standard 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 horsepower. Paired with a Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission, it has an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 24/35/28 mpg. For a more dynamic driving experience, the ILX can be equipped with a close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission matched to a 2.4-liter engine generating 201 horsepower, and earning an EPA ** city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 22/31/25 mpg. Information on the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid will be announced at a later date.

The ILX uses 59 percent high strength steel (HSS) in its body structure for enhanced protection and chassis rigidity. The chassis utilizes an advanced, fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension system and Acura signature Amplitude Reactive Dampers, which offer superior ride comfort and precise handling. In addition, Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) is used for excellent steering feel and improved fuel efficiency.

The high-quality, well-appointed interior is smart, spacious and sporty. It offers a number of convenient features including a standard Keyless Access System with smart entry and pushbutton start, along with Pandora® interface and SMS text message function for easy connectivity. As before, a Premium Package and Technology Package are both available.

Acura's belief in "Safety Through Innovation" is the foundation for the brand's commitment to leadership in safety, and accordingly the ILX has a wide range of standard active and passive safety features, including Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. It received a 2013 TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), attaining a score of GOOD in all four Institute tests, including the rigorous roof-strength test.

The Acura ILX is manufactured exclusively at the company's state-of-the-art Greensburg, Indiana plant using U.S. and globally sourced parts.

TRIM MSRP* EPA** MPG (city/highway/combined)

2014 ILX 5-Speed Automatic $26,900 24/35/28

2014 ILX 5-Speed Automatic w/ Premium Package $29,200 24/35/28

2014 ILX 5-Speed Automatic w/Technology Package $31,600 24/35/28

2014 ILX 6-Speed Manual with Premium Package $29,200 22/31/25

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[regfootball]

all changes that will affect sales, but to not change the powertrains really shows how little effort they put into it.

[Drew Dowdell]

The most important change there is the active noise cancellation system.... but it's gonna need to be pretty powerful. Shame the interior still screams "Civic Brougham" though..

[frogger]

One of the big complaints about the 2.4L option is you could not get it with the tech package. I think that is being remedied. Still not impressed by the suspension tuning though. More engaging than the Buick but not near our 6 year old TSX.

[riviera74]

So this is Honda's answer to badge engineering. Not working all that well, is it?

[dwightlooi]

Two things... a Luxurious Civic with a slightly bigger engine doesn't really appeal to too many in the USA. Also, not offering an automatic tranny with the premium engine is just plain retarded when 80% of the US driving public doesn't know how to drive a stick. This might be acceptable for, say a Lotus Elise -- a car no one but hard core enthusiasts will even consider -- but for a poshed up Civic? That's plain dumb.

[David]

Clearly the capitain is asleep at the wheel for steering Acura. They need new blood for cleaning up this house and getting it invigerated.

[ponchoman49]

I sure hope the Verano for 2014 gets a power seat standard. The manual driver's seat in that car leaves you in an awkward driving position.

[caddycruiser]

Having sold our 2nd ILX to arrive last year, and been with the car for a year now, it has been interesting to watch.

The ILX and TSX are still too very different cars, the TSX giving a firmer and more powerful euro feel all around with a more finely tuned interior, and the ILX offering more exterior style, smaller packaging, even more efficient 4-cyl, less weight, more tech features, and lower cost. It took some time to gain traction, like ANY new product, but now really has and all of our ILX clients very much enjoy the car. Almost all are leased, which is common for the class, and you cannot beat the program for the amount of car you get.

Initially we were concerned how it didn't seem to totally feel like the same caliber as a TSX or TL, but after time realize it isn't supposed to. It's supposed to give a new smaller step into Acura, with more tech and more efficiency. I think it's quieter and smoother than my TSX and just as fun to toss around in an Acura/Honda way.

Initially too was the commentary on the 2.0L not being enough vs. the 2.4L, but in reality I've had 1-2 people mention this, and everyone else is pleased with the 2.0L exactly as it is. The base model cloth seat car and then more so the next step up Premium with leather, bigger wheels and camera are the volume sellers.

If there's one combination we need more of...it's the 2.4L 6-spd Premium model, as there's more demand for the 6-spd stick in this car than any of our others, plus the Premium is already the perfect ideal package of leather and everything including screen/camera but not the nav few people want to pay for anyway.

Now the base model will look exactly like a Premium but without a few features like the fog lights, etc. Good move, though I have some clients who prefer the standard cloth car exactly as it already was. It is NOT a Civic, and from my clients who've replaced Civics with an ILX, that commentary has continued with more they notice day by day.

Our TSX is slowly fading away, but it too remains a combination of style, performance, looks and euro package/drive that make it unique. The ILX really took over for a lot of it, even with a different feel.

Give me more and make them 6-speeds and Premiums, and we'll be fine to go, with more updates for later years. This car does not need the rush re-do of the Civic, as it already started many steps ahead and without the issues the 2012 Civic saw. I think over the few years, upgrade the interior further and if the 2.4L is added, that will only do more.

[regfootball]

Not typically a Japlux fan, but I have like the TL, TSX a lot in their latest gens. They possess the quality feel that i feel Honda abandoned.

To me the ILX has a different feel, and that feel is probably just as you described it. In some ways, this is the future of motoring as people get less and less connected from the details about hardware. Not to say the ILX probably doesn't drive alright, just that the other things you mentioned are more prominent to the consumer.

Every mfr needs a car that they can lease cheap and then recycle it as a CPO. And, there is brand entry.

Acura used to have brand image to each of their models. Legend, etc. These days I just sort of think of them as premium Hondas, but considering how bang up Honda does......to have a premium Honda is a good move. I think Lincoln is trying for the same thing but you know that won't work the same way for them.

Buick is probably a parallel to Acura.

A friend has a 13 year old Toyo Solara she might actually be getting rid of. Mentioned leasing, I tried to steer her towards a Verano, or a Mazda. But she is so Japan biased, the ILX is probably right up her alley. Japanese brand, mpg perception.

Edited May 18, 2013 by regfootball

[Drew Dowdell]

If she likes her Solara, the ILX / Verano / Mazda will be too firm. Probably would like something softer like a Benz

[smk4565]

I wonder how Acura stays around and sells cars, they are just badge jobs of Hondas, although Honda has some pretty big fan boys. I can't imagine that RLX will sell in any decent numbers, $60,000 for a 300 hp fwd V6, no thanks. And this is $30k for a Civic. Hopefully the Mercedes CLA puts a hurt on this brand.

[David]

Acura either needs to wake up and deliver some real cars or just fold up shop and be a footnote in the auto history books.

[regfootball]

If she likes her Solara, the ILX / Verano / Mazda will be too firm. Probably would like something softer like a Benz

corolla budget

would buy a hybrid of some kind if the budget were bigger.

i'm predicting she ends up in an Altima or Sentra, or a RAV4.

The suggestion that the Verano might be too firm makes me LOL!

Edited May 21, 2013 by regfootball

[Drew Dowdell]

Why does that make you LOL? It's a very good handling car and has the firmness to go with it. The Regal is even firmer. The Solara, especially an old one with worn shocks/struts, is a soft cruiser.

[regfootball]

the verano is not firm, it is baseline to me.

[Drew Dowdell]

Is it not firmer than an old Solara?

[regfootball]

yes but i think people can adapt.