The History and Evolution of the Acura ILX
The Acura ILX is the brand’s first United States compact model since the discontinuation of the RSX in 2007. The new executive compact car was first introduced to the world in 2012 at the North American International Auto Show. It arrived in its concept form with the production version appearing at the Chicago Auto Show in 2012. This was the vehicle that would be available for sale the following year as a 2013 model which was the first official year of production. Acura is Honda’s luxury brand and the ILX and all its variants have their roots in the platform of the ninth-generation of Honda’s Civic sedan. It had been a dozen years since the Integra had been produced fro the United States, making the ILX the first in a few categories a compact Sedan as well as the first gasoline-electric hybrid car. Assembly was completed at the US Honda plant in Greensburg, Indiana.
The 2013 ILX
In order to deliver a vehicle that featured improved handling and ride comfort, Acura used stronger aluminum for the front bumper beam and the hood. Two options packages are available which are the Premium and Technology packages. The deals include 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a navigation system, high-intensity discharge headlamps, Sirius XM satellite radio and a premium audio system. Both upgrades come with a multi-view rear backup camera that features top-down, regular and wide-angle modes.
2014 Acura ILX
In its second year of production, the ILX was produced with standard heated front seats, leather interior, an eight-way power driver’s seat, 17-inch wheels, an audio subwoofer featuring Active Noise Cancellation, and a backup camera equipped with tri-angle modes. Although these features previously offered in a premium and tech package were now made stock, the price for the new year model rose by $1,000.
2016 Acura ILX
2016 was the year that the now three-year-old ILX received its first major facelift. It came out in a refreshed version which had been presented to the world at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November of 2014. The upgrades on the internal working and powerhouse include the installation of a direct injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder VTEC engine called the “Earth Dreams” matched with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission. Noticeable differences in the exterior aesthetic included the LED Jewel Eye headlamps, new LED taillights and the offer of a new trim called “A-Spec.” These updates would hold the Acura ILX model over until the next update would take place for the latest 2019 model.
Another facelift for the new Acura ILX for 2019
It’s been four years since the Acura ILX has received a facelift and the automaker stayed on schedule in delivering a host of new and exciting changes. The revelation of the facelift for the upcoming model was made in September of 2018 to prepare us all for what is to come. Instead of a few minor tweaks, the entire exterior of the Acura ILX for the 2019 model year has undergone a change. We’ve seen the administration of a new Diamond Pentagon grill which catches your eye immediately and at a glance. The headlights are a new and sleeker version of the jewel eye design and it also gets a new front bumper. Moving to the rear, the taillights feature a more angular aesthetic and the license plate has moved from the trunk to the rear bumper.
On the inside, the interior features a new set of seats and if you choose the A-spec trim you can get them in red leather. The infotainment system has been updated and although it’s the same system, it’s up to 30% quicker. The new model will retain the same powertrain but the A-Spec option gives it a more aggressive look with 18″ wheels and a choice of black or red leather seats and the luxury inclusion of ultrasuade inserts and aluminum pedals for starters. Incredibly the new 2019 Acura ILX will be less expensive than the previous year model with a starting retail price of $25,900.
