The concept version was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, the production version was presented in the 2012 Chicago Auto Show. The ILX introduces a new design that Acura calls "aero-fused dynamics". Mass production commenced on April 23 at Honda's assembly facility in Greensburg, Indiana and U.S. sales began on May 22. The ILX's body in white uses 59% high strength steel ranging from 440-980 MPayield strength grades, aluminum is used for the hood and front bumper beam. Compared to the Civic the ILX uses Acura's "Amplitude Reactive" dampers and a larger more rigid steering shaft for improved handling and ride quality characteristics. Major options are grouped into Premium and Technology packages and include leather upholstery, 17" alloy wheels, navigation system, premium audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, and high intensity discharge headlamps. Both option packages include a multi-view rear backup camera with regular, wide-angle, and top-down modes. For the 2014 model year the ILX came standard with 17-inch wheels, leather interior, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver's seat, tri-angle backup camera and audio subwoofer with Active Noise Cancellation, however price was increased by $1000.
2016 facelift
The refreshed 2016 ILX was unveiled during November 2014 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and went on sale in February 2015. It comes with the "Earth Dreams" direct injected 2.4-liter four-cylinder DOHC i-VTEC engine mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, a very closely related powertrain to that of the TLX, first introduced in 2014. "Jewel Eye" LED headlamps similar to those on other Acura models are standard, along with new LED tail lamps. A new "A-Spec" trim was offered, which included sporty exterior and interior styling enhancements. Production of the 2016 ILX began during January 2015 moving to the Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio.
2019 facelift
In September of 2018, Acura revealed another facelift for the ILX. The ILX follows Acura’s new design language, and incorporates the company’s new “Diamond Pentagon” grille. The jewel-eye headlights are more sleek and so is the new front bumper. In the rear of the ILX, the taillights are more angular, and the license plate has been dropped from the trunk, to the rear bumper. Stepping into the interior, the overall design has remained the same. Although, they are new seats, with the availability of red leather, and an updated infotainment system. It is still the same system as before, but it is 30% faster. AcuraWatch is now standard on all ILX’s. The powertrain has remained the same for 2019. The ILX A-Spec now makes the exterior look more aggressive. It comes with 18” Wheels, Red or Black leather seats with ultrasuade inserts, aluminum pedals, and more. Pricing for the 2019 model is more affordable than the previous model year, starting at $25,900.
Safety
Specifications
Honda has offered several different four-cylinder gasoline engines in this model, similar to those in the CSX, TSX, and Civic Si. The hybrid model, used a 1.5-liter I4 and shared its gas/electric powertrain with Honda's Civic Hybrid producing at 5,500 rpm and of torque between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm. The ILX is not sold in Japan. 2013-2015
2.0 L 5-speed Auto: at 6,500 rpm and of torque at 4,300 rpm
2.4 L 6-speed Manual: at 7,000 rpm and of torque at 4,300 rpm
1.5 L CVT Auto: at 5,500 rpm and of torque between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm
2016 to current
2.4 L 8-speed DCT: at 6,800 rpm and of torque at 6,800 rpm
The ILX originally featured a 2.0-liter I4 engine making 150 hp mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, or a version of the Civic Si's 201 hp 2.4-liter I4 engine mated to a 6-speed manual. The ILX Hybrid model featured a 1.5-liter I4 engine making 111 hp hybrid from the Civic Hybrid, EPA fuel economy rating of the hybrid version is for city and on highway driving. Starting from 2016 the ILX is offered only with the 2.4-liter I4 engine and the 8 speed DCT.
