Review: 2012 Acura ILX Concept

Acura has unveiled its new luxury concept sedan named ILX concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Acura has announced that it will launch this vehicle in Spring 2012. The production version of this luxury sedan will be offered with three different powertrains. This car will compete with the likes of Volvo C30, the Audi A3 and Verano, manufactured by Buick. It is expected that this car will replace the Acura TSX, but the company is yet to make a formal announcement in this regard.

2012 Acura ILX Concept

The beauty

This car has got a sleek and sporty look with aerodynamic efficiency. The styling of this compact sedan is highly attractive and it has got a very professional image. The Acura ILX features both, a low and wide stance and a long nose with a short tail.

The powertrain

The ILX Concept will be offered by Acura with a choice of two engines: the entry level model will have a 2.0 L inline 4-cylinder engine and the advanced model will be powered by a 2.4 L inline 4-cylinder engine. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Acura has announced that it will also launch the hybrid version of the car in future. The hybrid version will feature a 1.5 L gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Interiors

The ILX has got a well designed and luxurious interior, which is spacious and sporty. This car is spacious enough to accommodate five people comfortably. This car is loaded with several modern and useful features including a keyless access system and pushbutton start. This car also sports internet radio interface of Pandora and SMS text message function. Acura has used its Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure in this car, which has airbags in front, side and side-curtain. The anti-lock brakes used in this car is of quality. Acura has also incorporated the Vehicle Stability Assist technology in this luxury sedan. The ILX comes with several standard features, which we have seen in several other vehicles manufactured by Acura. This car features different trim levels and transmission choices. It is expected that this sedan will earn good ratings in the crash safety testing of both NHTSA and IIHS.

Picture Gallery

2012 Acura ILX Concept

2012 Acura ILX Concept at 2012 Detroit Auto Show

Exteriors

The exterior of this car is sporty, sleek and aerodynamically efficient. Acura has developed this luxury sedan on the same platform that has been used to Honda’s hugely popular luxury sedan Honda Civic. The ILX however, does not feature any styling elements that we have seen in Civic. Look closely at the image above and in the picture gallery and you will notice that the styling of this car is a combination of bold creases and flat surfaces. The styling of this car is unique and it does not resemble any previous models manufactured by Acura. The shield-shaped grille present in the front portion of the ILX is not as prominent as we have seen in Acura’s TL and TSX. The grille blends seamlessly with the overall design of this car. Also note the boldly upswept character line highlighting the rear doors and quarters.

Should I buy one?

Going by the look and the interior design of this car and the technical specifications released by the company we can say that the Acura ILX is a good car. It is likely that this sedan will find its place in the rapidly expanding luxury sedan market. Having said that we must not forget that the competition in sedan market is very tough and the success of this car will depend a lot on its pricing. Acura will have to keep the price competitive in order to compete with Volvo, Audi and Toyota, which are currently the market leaders when it comes to luxury sedan.

Price and availability

Acura has announced that the production version of ILX will hit the stores in the Spring of 2012. The model will be manufactured by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana. It is expected that the company will reveal the price near the releasing date.