2012 Chicago Auto Show: Production 2013 Acura ILX sedan unveiled

Consumer Reports News: February 08, 2012 12:09 AM

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Acura will take the wraps off the production version of its ILX compact sedan at the Chicago Auto Show today, and we present a sneak peek here before the doors open at the convention center.

Based on the Honda Civic, the ILX looks much like the concept shown last month in Detroit. It will provide the automaker with an entry-level upscale model to slot beneath the TSX sedan, itself derived from the European-market Accord. The ILX is distinguished from the Civic with different styling, proportions, and suspension tuning. It will be offered in two trim levels and with three powertrains.

The ILX configured with a choice of three four-cylinder engines, each with its own transmission:

150-hp, 2.0-liter and five-speed automatic with an EPA-estimated 24 city/32 highway mpg.

111-hp, 1.5-liter hybrid and continuously variable transmission with an EPA-estimated 35 city/38 highway mpg.

201-hp, 2.4-liter and six-speed manual with an EPA-estimated 20 city/29 highway mpg.

The ILX will offer a variety of luxury features, such as keyless entry and push-button start, Pandora Internet radio, and text message playback. A Premium package adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, 360-watt audio system, back-up camera, and active sound canceling. A Technology package brings a surround-sound system with navigation and real-time traffic and weather information.

We expect that the Acura treatment will address many of the Civic's shortcomings, particularly the cheap interior and so-so handling limits. Hopefully ride and noise are improved, too.

The ILX will be built in Indiana and go on sale this spring.

—Jim Travers