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Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 1:32 am
by Perpetuus
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.

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Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 6:13 pm
by Perpetuus
Some pics of the car I drove :)

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Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 7:57 pm
by noob5,000,000
That's actually not too bad looking. Most recent Acuras have looked horrendous (imo).

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 8:16 pm
by potownrob
i think the TSX looks better, but this thing will probably kill its sales numbers

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:41 pm
by Perpetuus
I also think the TSX looks better initially, but after driving the 2.4L 201hp 6MT, the 2.0L 150hp model, and the ~120hp hybrid ILX models, I didn't mind the styling as much. Also, since this is a smaller car, it weighs about 400 pounds less than the TSX currently, and 200 or so pounds less than the original TSX.

If you look at the rear 3/4 view of the car, it'll remind you somewhat of the Lexus IS300, especially with the way that glass on the rear doors are tapered off.

The problem with the 2.4L model is that its exterior looks no different than the other trims. They should have at least included some subtle exterior trims to make it sportier looking!

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 9:53 pm
by potownrob
yeah, even honda knows how to distinguish models like the various accord trim levels.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:23 pm
by Perpetuus
Apparently, TSX will be discontinued soon.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 12:10 pm
by AHTOXA
That's too bad. I really like the TSX. G/F owns one and I've driven it here and there. When she needed new tires, I convinced her to get the BFG Sports or whatever that summer tire is from BFG - I forget. Transformed the car for the better and it wasn't bad to begin with.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 7:29 pm
by watkins
BFG gForce sport? Those are what I have and I love them. I'm definitely getting another set when these wear out.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 8:50 pm
by AHTOXA
Yes those. I want those for my sonic as well. I bet I can surprise a good amount of people in the twisties with them.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 9:32 pm
by watkins
From what I understand they just updated the rubber compound to make them even better.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 2:44 am
by noob5,000,000
I loooooooooove the old TSX:
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The new one is kind of goofy looking to me.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 4:42 pm
by AHTOXA
I'm a bit the other way. I LOVE the previous gen TL (06 or so), however previous gen TSX doesn't do much for me. The current gen TSX is the one I like a lot.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 6:50 pm
by Perpetuus
I still haven't driven a TSX yet. That will be next week! Got a 4 banger Accord for the weekend, so it will be a great comparison.

Re: Acura ILX Review (2.4L 201HP 6MT)

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 8:50 pm
by bk7794
Good to see that they hit it right with the car. Its a shame however that the civic si was forgotten. But thats what honda seems to do. In 99-00 they had the best SI they made up to that point. Then from 02-05 were considered a dud. Then from 06-11 was the best civic si's ever made (or so I am told) and now they have the 2012.