LOS ANGELES -- The gateway to the Acura lineup gets a mid-cycle refresh at the 2014 LA Auto Show with the unveiling of the 2016 model year update for the entry-level ILX. The sedan has been visually upgraded, but the improvements and tweaks run more than skin deep.
The current ILX is available with a choice of either a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine, but the new 2016 model will make the 2.4 standard across the board, dropping the smaller engine from the options list. The 2.4-liter direct-injected mill is upgraded with the same improvements that we've seen under the hood of the larger Acura TLX sedan. Stated power remains at 201 horsepower, but torque grows from 170 to 180 pound-feet. That's a few ticks below the TLX 2.4's tune by both measures, but should be a modest performance boost over the current model.
The ILX also inherits the TLX's gearbox, an 8-speed dual clutch transmission with a torque converter putting power to the front wheels. Acura claims that this first of its kind automatic transmission combines the smooth launching of a traditional torque converter automatic with the lightning quick shifts of a dual clutch gearbox. Hopefully it's as good as Acura claims because the 8-speed is now the standard gearbox for all ILX models; the automaker's release makes no mention of the return of the six-speed manual transmission option.
Externally, the 2016 ILX gets the obligatory styling tweaks to the front and rear fascia to refresh the mid-cycle design. The automaker's "Jewel Eye" LED headlamps, similar to those on the MDX, are now a standard equipment for all ILX models. Joining the Standard, Premium, and Tech trims is a new A-Spec trim level that includes sportier exterior and interior trim and racy bits and baubles including 18-inch wheels, aluminum pedals, and red instrument cluster illumination.
Acura says that its drivers were demanding more tech, so the automaker has made its AcuraWatch suite of driver aid technologies available on the 2016 ILX. This kit rolls in adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and braking systems, a rear camera with mulitple views, and the automaker's Lane Keeping Assist System which can intervene via the electric power steering to help keep the car from veering out of its lane and off of the road. Premium and above trim levels also get blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
Almost literally filling up the dashboard is Acura's dual screen infotainment system, which uses an 8-inch display at the top of the dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen lower in the center stack. This system also includes the new ability access tethered navigation powered by the AcuraLink navigation app on the user's paired iPhone. This is in addition to the full suite of onboard navigation software and digital media sources.
The automaker tells us that the 2016 ILX will also boast a quieter cabin thanks to improved insulation and the addition of Active Noise Control technology. The sedan will also see handling improvements when it arrives in showrooms nationwide in early 2015.
