Topic: Test Drive: 2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

[Autos_Editor]

ILX A-Spec delivers good value and plenty of smiles
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[JohnnyMac]

I actually think this is pretty decent value.  I know others might say it's just a fancy Honda Civic Si but I think the luxury, style, and safety features this offers over the Civic justifies the price.  Only thing I might ask for from them is a manual transmission (but at least they don't have that stupid push button set-up) and SH-AWD.

[dkaz]

The interior is way nicer than the Civic, and I love that rear pillar design. But, those extra style bits at the bottom of the front and rear bumper covers cheapen the look up a bit which is a huge shame. They tidied the front end up nicely with the jewel style LED headlights but they should've kept the pre-refresh bumpers.

There are a couple of pre-refresh models with manual transmissions available locally.

[redman]

Sounds like a winner, like the DSG transmission. Ideally my preference would be RWD or AWD but then again I'm admitting biased.

[MR2Pritch]

plus, does anyone think those wheels are sexy? watch the video if you can, got some great sounds of the engine worked in.

[Noto]

I'll check out the video a little later when bossman leaves.

A great write-up - but how loud is loud (road/wind noise)?  Would that be in part by the A-spec trim?

My buddy, a 29-year old, is looking to buy his first 'smart, luxury/sport' car. Sedan or hatch, who knows.  He's between the GTI, the A3, and I wonder if this should be on his check list?  Certainly cheaper than a GTI, and while down on torque, it's pretty comparable as far as power is concerned.  It would also, presumably, be more comfortable.  No?

[Fobroader]

Meh, for the price, an ATS is way more appealing to me. Turbo, rwd and manual transmission for about the same price, yes please.

[evil_twin]

Nice value and good choice for somebody who might otherwise choose a GTI, but looking for a more "mature" sedan body style.   Way more appealing than ponying up for a CLA250 and hits the right price range for FWD luxury.

I don't see this as a competitor to a stripper RWD sedan.  It's just such a big leap from FWD to the RWD platforms.    And doesn't a base 2.5L ATS start at around $38k or so?  Certainly I'd take the ATS over the CLA, but that's a fair bit more coin than the ILX.
 

[Fobroader]

~$4k is not a lot more coin....to have a car with a proper drivetrain....IMO of course.

[evil_twin]

~$4k is not a lot more coin....to have a car with a proper drivetrain....IMO of course.

It's $8k more (or so) base ILX to base ATS, no?   Yes, you can argue you'd rather a stripper RWD car over a loaded FWD, blah, blah....  I probably would too.   But it doesn't make the ILX a bad value.

For me personally, yes, I'd pony up the money for a RWD sedan.   But still, a 10-20% increase in MSRP is a not insignificant difference.

[AutoAym]

The ONLY thing, apart from the road noise (part of which comes from the tire roar of the 18's that come on the A-Spec package) that I didn't like?
I'm 6'1 and the only reason I fit is that my head slots into the sunroof hole (like how I used to fit in my 240sx).

Apart from that, especially in the lower-specced trims? Darn good value for dollar.

[RayT]

seems to be a big step up from the days of the CSX model

[G.Bombay]

plus, does anyone think those wheels are sexy? watch the video if you can, got some great sounds of the engine worked in.

Great video Justin. I like that you review the lighting system at night. Cool wheels, are they only on the A-Spec? Cudos to Honda/Acura for a solid update. I will check this car out.

[jamesautos]

everyone else seems to give this little acura bad reviews except autos.ca...I wonder why???

as tested, it costs basically the same as acura's own TLX (I think they are having $3000 off TLX V6 if you pay cash right now)...or is it a better than honda's own accord???

[Blueprint]

everyone else seems to give this little acura bad reviews except autos.ca...I wonder why???

as tested, it costs basically the same as acura's own TLX (I think they are having $3000 off TLX V6 if you pay cash right now)...or is it a better than honda's own accord???

The revised ILX is an excellent car, but sandwiched between two great options within Honda , the Accord and the TLX.

[jyarkony]

The ONLY thing, apart from the road noise (part of which comes from the tire roar of the 18's that come on the A-Spec package) that I didn't like?
I'm 6'1 and the only reason I fit is that my head slots into the sunroof hole (like how I used to fit in my 240sx).

Apart from that, especially in the lower-specced trims? Darn good value for dollar.

^^This.

I'm 5'11", but all torso, and the ILX had me driving with a neck tilt to avoid my head rubbing up against the headliner and arriving at work looking like one of those pencil trolls. I don't think I've ever been in a car with such poor headroom for the driver...

But I'm with those that think it's worth paying to avoid the hideousness of the Civic sedan design, the quality of its chassis (it's great for a FF) but with the power and interesting transmissions (a sweet manual or this 8-speed dual clutch I've yet to test), and in A-Spec it is downright sexy.

[Snowman]

Just can't find any love for this car.

[Bubba]

Just can't find any love for this car.

Likewise.  I might have fun driving it, but the outside doesn't inspire me to get any closer.

[whaddaiknow]

Just can't find any love for this car.

Likewise.  I might have fun driving it, but the outside doesn't inspire me to get any closer.

I can't find a case for it since the TLX is so much better in most respects priced such that I would be more than willing to delete a couple of goodies from the ILX for the goodness of the TLX.

[Noto]

I find a lot of love for it...but still think it should have come with SH-AWD.