When you talk to Acura execs, it’s clear that they want to get one message out there loud and clear. Their sales numbers are improving — driving a brand that was somewhat lost in branding in recent years to a segment leader in its competitive classes.
Led by the introduction the updated MDX and the RDX (and the much fussed about return of the Acura halo car, the NSX), Acura is establishing itself amongst automakers as the go-to luxury brand for buyers looking to maximize the features and gadgets in their luxury ride for a price a notch under the more traditional rivals like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus.
Acura sticks to that formula with the new ILX luxury sports sedan. Starting just north of $27,000 and heading into the $30Ks from there with graduating trim levels, the new ILX wants to move its identity away from the likes of the Mazda 6 or Ford Fusion and more toward the Mercedes C-Class or Lexus IS level. Acura looked to build a car the moves up in class without adding too hefty a price tag as its target consumers can’t afford a $50,000 car.
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The ILX comes standard with a 2.4 liter i-VTEC engine with an eight speed, dual clutch transmission. You get keyless entry, a multi-view rear camera, a five inch in-dash infotainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, Vehicle Stability Assist, etc. That’s all for starters. Investing a bit more cash will keep the list going, but the important fact is you’ll remain under $40,000 as you climb the trim tree.
During a recent drive event through the hills of California’s Napa Valley, I had a chance to try all those piled up features along pretty roads. The ILX handles well along highway, street and freeway conditions with minimal understeer and minimal external noise due to solid build quality. There are some faint traces of sister company Honda’s soft handling in the nose, but not enough to weaken the performance.
If there is a quibble, the ILX feels slightly underpowered for what’s supposed to be a sports sedan to take on the entry level rides for Lexus or Mercedes. A few more horsepower, a strong turbocharger or a couple more cylinders wouldn’t have got amiss in the ILX.
I’m always uncertain about the marketing wisdom of Acura’s vehicle naming strategy. The names ,right be tricky for consumers to keep straight. I imagine them walking into a showroom to buy an Acura. When pressed to say which one, the best that can manage is, “The one with the X in the name.”
That’s Acura playing to the upscale luxury car tradition of forgoing names for digits. BMW has its 2, 3, 4, 5, etc., series. Mercedes-Benz uses C, E, S, etc., Class. Lexus runs with GS, IS, LS, RS and so forth. So, Acura must do the same, but I don’t now if their particular batch of names sticks. tBut, I digress.
The 2016 ILX is not a thrilling car, but it is a capable one that settles between the Camrys of the world, but below its German rivals. Where the car excels is offering absolutely maxed out features for its price point.
