Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)
Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 1:32 am
Got a chance to test drive the Acura version of the Civic Si today. They are calling it the ILX.
It comes in several trim levels, with the 2.4L 201HP 6MT model at roughly $30K, and then a "Tech Package" with a 150hp engine and Navigation, etc., as well as a Hybrid with 120 or so HP. Both of the latter cost significantly more than the 201HP 6MT version, but makes less power, and has no manual transmission option. I think there is also another trim level, but can't remember.
Driving Impressions
The particular ILX I tested out was the 201HP 6MT one. I have driven the current gen Civic Si before, and can easily say that this car drives alot better. Apparently, even the suspension is from a different supplier (Sachs), and has lower friction bushings in the control arm, etc. There is alot more sound isolation compared to the Civic Si, which was far too loud for a car coming out from the factory. The suspension in this car was also better tuned, and a lot less crashier over rough roads than the Civic Si. I particularly liked how eagerly the engine revved up to redline, and how light the car felt. Note: on the Civic Si, the engine does not rev down momentarily between gear shifts, making shifting both slow and not very smooth. This was widely reported problem of the Si, but the Acura did not have such an issue.
Price is pretty steep though - so not sure how many people will buy it.
It comes in several trim levels, with the 2.4L 201HP 6MT model at roughly $30K, and then a "Tech Package" with a 150hp engine and Navigation, etc., as well as a Hybrid with 120 or so HP. Both of the latter cost significantly more than the 201HP 6MT version, but makes less power, and has no manual transmission option. I think there is also another trim level, but can't remember.
Driving Impressions
The particular ILX I tested out was the 201HP 6MT one. I have driven the current gen Civic Si before, and can easily say that this car drives alot better. Apparently, even the suspension is from a different supplier (Sachs), and has lower friction bushings in the control arm, etc. There is alot more sound isolation compared to the Civic Si, which was far too loud for a car coming out from the factory. The suspension in this car was also better tuned, and a lot less crashier over rough roads than the Civic Si. I particularly liked how eagerly the engine revved up to redline, and how light the car felt. Note: on the Civic Si, the engine does not rev down momentarily between gear shifts, making shifting both slow and not very smooth. This was widely reported problem of the Si, but the Acura did not have such an issue.
Price is pretty steep though - so not sure how many people will buy it.