Driving With Dan: Acura ILX

(KTVI) – Time to go Driving with Dan Wiese in the Acura ILX, an entry-level luxury car.

1.) The Acura ILX is an entry-level luxury car, aimed at buyers who want to project an image that they`ve arrived, even though they`re really still in transit.

2.) ILX is available only as a sedan, but in a variety of trim levels, starting at $26,795

3.) The 2013 Acura ILX is based on the Honda Civic platform, which was all-new for the 2012 model year.

4.) Although ILX shares its basic platform, wheelbase and overall length with the Civic, it does not share Civic`s 1.8-liter I-4 nor does it share any body panels with the Honda.

5.) ILX can be had with one of three engines – a 2.0-liter, 150-hp I-4; a 2.4-liter, 170-hp I-4 (shared with the performance-oriented Honda Civic Si). (It`s also available as a gas/electric hybrid.)

6.) ILX`s 2.0-liter four mates only to a five-speed automatic transmission; its more powerful 2.4-liter four mates only to a six-speed manual transmission.

7.) ILX has few competitors at this price point among luxury makes, the most likely being the Buick Verano.

2013 Acura ILX 2.0L/2.4L vital statistics

TYPE: Five-passenger entry-level compact luxury sedan

DRIVE FORMAT: Front-wheel drive

BASE PRICE: $26,795

PRICE AS DRIVEN: $32,295; an ILX Tech 2.0L, which includes Premium Pkg. (leather, satellite radio, heated seats, more) and Tech Pkg. (navigation, rear-view camera, Surround Sound audio, more)

ENGINES: 2.0-liter I-4; 2.4-liter I-4

HORSEPOWER: 2.0L: 150 at 6500 rpm;  2.4L: 201 at 7000 rpm

TORQUE: 2.0L: 140 lb.-ft. at 4300 rpm;  2.4L: 170 lb.-ft. at 4400 rpm

RECOMMENDED FUEL: Premium, both engines

TRANSMISSION: 2.0L: five-speed automatic;  2.4L: six-speed manual

SUSPENSION: Fully independent

AIR BAGS: Front, front side, front/rear side curtain, driver knee

BRAKES: Four-wheel disc with ABS, traction control, stability control, brake assist, Electronic Brake Distribution

EPA MPG: 2.0L: 24 city/35 hwy/28 combine;  2.4L: 22/31/25

WHEELBASE: 105.1 inches

LENGTH: 179.1 inches

CURB WEIGHT: 2.0L: 2,910 lbs.;  2.4L: 2,978 lbs.

FUEL TANK: 13.2 gallons

TRUNK: 12.3 cu. ft.

WHERE BUILT: Greensburg, Indiana