Flash Drive — 2013 Acura ILX

By Lary Coppola

Model Tested: ILX Tech

Engine: 2.0-Liter SOHC I-VTECH 4 Cylinder

 

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic with sequential sport-shift

EPA Ratings: 24/City, 35/Highway – 28/Combined

Base Price: $31,400

As Tested: $32,295

Performance:

Decent acceleration for a 4-banger

Excellent handling

Drive By Wire Throttle

Competent braking

Nice road feel

Comfort:

Comfortable seating in front

Good leg and head room

8-Way driver’s seat

Heated front seats

Utility:

Decent sized trunk with pass-through

Flat rear floor

Auto dimming rear-view mirror

WOW Factors:

User-friendly tech package including Navi, Satellite Radio and USB audio interface

Steering wheel-mounted controls for phone and audio — unusual in this market segment

Xenon HID headlights

Whines:

With the driver’s seat extended as high as possible (a personal seating position preference), I had trouble getting in without either hitting my head on the roof or bending my neck awkwardly. Shorter people or those who don’t care about siting up high, probably won’t have this issue.

Bottom Line: This is a great new entry from Acura. Yes, it’s basically a highly tricked out Honda Civic, but it performs and handles very well, and comes with all the high-tech goodies we’ve come to expect in this market segment. Drives and handles as good as anything in this segment and better than some. Not bad — not bad at all.