Acura Makes Some Upgrades To The 2014 ILX

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

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..

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Is it not firmer than an old Solara?

yes but i think people can adapt.