2013 Acura ILX Premium

Positioned about $5,000 below Acura’s previous entry model the TSX, this car starts life as a Honda Civic and after much primping presents itself as something much more.  I had driven the 3 model ILX lineup at a media introduction earlier this year but the one car I didn’t get much intel on is this one.  This is the ILX 6-speed manual which comes standard with the biggest available engine and the Premium package.  Created for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience, this model illuminates by far the best the ILX has to offer.

Conservatively styled and too shy to even show us its tailpipe, the ILX with this 2.4-liter engine really comes to life and gives it the needed pep the base 2.0 liter engine lacks.  But the element that most impresses is the manual transmission, which provides the most enjoyable do it yourself driving experience you’ll find.  Acura engineers have created the quintessential stick shift/clutch pedal combo that is beyond silky smooth and works beautifully with the DOHC i-VTEC motor.  Rated at 201 horsepower and 170 pound feet of torque, the ILX feels satisfyingly quick and you don’t have to constantly downshift to find motivation.  With light and accurate clutch engagement matched to a shifter that not only feels good in the hand but has fluid, precise throws, the ILX is a car that is so easy to drive slickly a blindfolded passenger would never suspect it wasn’t an automatic.  It’s a true joy that highlighted my week with this car.

A 6.8-second 0-to-60mph time feels even more urgent from behind the wheel where the ILX blends a very appropriate mix of suppleness and athleticism that plays perfectly with this car’s entry-level luxury persona.  It’s fun to drive yet never forgoes comfort.  Gas mileage on premium is 22mpg city/31mpg highway.

It’s also expertly sized, giving its likely young, single customers the flexibility to transport others in complete comfort and their stuff for a weekend getaway.  From each seating position the ILX just feels right.

But Acura has made a couple of missteps that could be easily remedied in future model years.  First, though the black and silver finishes match the car’s spirited style and the soft leather and thoughtful ergonomics hit their marks, this ILX is lacking big-time in Acura’s trademark Advance.  You can’t even get this model with the tech package, so there’s no navi or any other electronic goodies you’d expect for the $30,095 price.  And secondly, where is Acura Advance period?  The company had an opportunity to introduce a new oh-wow moment in the ILX and failed to do so.

It seems like everyone LOVES to compare the ILX to the Buick Verano but the reality is that there’s almost no cross shopping between these two disparate brands.  The ILX comes in 3 different flavors and this one is my favorite…and as soon as Acura tweaks the option packages it’ll be even more appealing.