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With the TSX already on offer, the ILX 2.4 is worse than redundant
Contrasting against the warm light brown rocks and dirt of the Arizona desert the midnight black asphalt winds like a mangled slinky higher and higher. Catching tourists in minivans and motorcycles that politely move aside when possible, I’m right on the bumper of an Acura TSX piloted by another automotive journalist.
ANOTHER REDUNDANT ACURA?
My car is also an Acura. It’s also front-wheel drive. It’s also a 4-door. And it’s also powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. It’s not, however, another TSX. Rather, it’s the brand’s new ILX, which based on those similarities, raises concerns that it might be a redundant product in a brand lineup that already suffers from repetition and which desperately needs fresh new models.
Compared to the TSX, the Civic-based ILX is more compact. It’s also lighter by 400 lbs at just under 3,000 lbs, giving it an edge in terms of acceleration. Identical gear shifters (the ILX 2.4L is sold exclusively with a 6-speed manual) are well-weighted and smooth, with short shifts. The TSX unit sits higher up, however, delivering more of a sports car feel.
Despite weighing far less than it’s big brother, the ILX feels less agile. Much like the Civic on which it’s based, the softer setup of the ILX means body roll is noticeable – the sway bars are the same on the 2.4 as on the base car. Still, don’t be afraid of a little tipping, as the car then holds on and is quite controllable.
Acura has long been a pioneer in the compact premium category. There was the Integra and RSX, seemingly axed just before the segment started to go mainstream. Meanwhile, for the more European-minded Canadians, the Honda luxury division continued to sell the Civic-based EL and then CSX – a vehicle that has helped inform just what a successful and modern small luxury car needs, and what it needs to avoid.
For starters, Acura promised the ILX would not just be a rebaged Civic and by all accounts the ILX is entirely unique. It does share the same platform, though it’s roughly two inches wider and has a lower overall roof height by about two inches as well. Giving the car a more stylish shape, the down side is reduced interior headroom – a problem exacerbated by the standard sunroof.
Style-wise the ILX fits the bill for the segment. Acura’s toned-down front beak blends in with the angled headlights and there are just enough additional sharp edges to give this maturely styled sedan some personality. The aluminum trim around the windows also says it’s a premium model in a way that’s stylish, but not flashy.
There’s a noticeable line that runs across the car and bulges at the back to give this front-driver a rear-drive look. Out back, a strong similarity to the Lexus IS is undeniable, although for a car that’s targeted at the Gen Y youth crowd, the lack of any visible exhaust pipes is a letdown.
Over the past few years Lexus has been referred to as a Japanese Buick, with the number one reason being the ES front-drive luxury sedan a car that drew direct comparisons with the not-quite-Cadillac GM premium brand. To erase those comparos the new 2013 ES gets a more stylish exterior with a GS-themed front nose and a profile more like the flagship LS.
Swapping its Camry underpinnings for an Avalon platform it has, however, grown even more in size a notable Buick trait. Plus, to challenge the eAssist mild-hybrid LaCrosse, there's finally now an ES300h hybrid system getting 39 mpg average.
With its flagship RL never much of a rival to traditional luxury saloons and its once hi-tech SH-AWD system now more commonplace in the industry, it's no surprise that the car was a certifiable failure.
Unveiled today at the New York Auto Show, Acura has switched nomenclature to RLX for it's big sedan, hoping to wow audiences with a purposeful hybrid system that works in tandem with a next-generation electric SH-AWD system.
Making "more than" 370 hp, Acura has mated a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine with three electric motors. One motor works in unison with the V6 engine as a conventional hybrid drive, while two others power the rear wheels. As a result, the RLX now gets what Acura calls Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, allowing power to be distributed left to right in the rear to help the car rotate. A similar system, though with the gasoline in the rear, will be fitted to the next-generation NSX.
It might not get the billing of the Detroit or LA shows, but the NY Auto Show is always host to numerous important world premieres. This year's event will showcase the all-new Viper, launched under the newly-founded SRT brand. Also look for the reveal of the all-new Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Acura RL and Mercedes SL63 AMG.
See our preview below with live coverage starting April 4th.
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