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Acura’s entry premium compact car is being updated for the 2016 model year.  The 2016 Acura ILX is what Acura terms its “Gateway Model” – the entry to the Acura lineup.  The strategy for the 2016 Acura ILX is much like Honda implemented for its CR-V compact crossover SUV.  Honda termed that a Major Mid-Cycle Change.  Similarly, ILX has been freshened and given a better powertrain than before.

Mild Styling Changes  The 2016 Acura ILX looks basically the same as the 2015 model.  It is a compact sedan with pleasant, slightly sporty styling.  For 2016, the car gets a new more aggressive front end appearance with LED accent lights and LED headlamps.  All Acuras will have LED front lights from now on.  The grille is tougher looking and the “parrot’s beak” has been toned down somewhat.  The tall lamps are upgraded and more distinctive than before.  In the industry, this is called a front and rear six – think of it as a face and butt lift.

The interior gets minor updates with upgraded seat material and contrasting stitching on the steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle.

Upgraded Powertrain with Only One Choice  The news, however, is under the skin.  The only engine/transmission choice now is a 2.4L direct injection 4-cylinder with 201-horsepower mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission.  If this sounds familiar it should because it is basically the same 4-cylinder used in the mid-market TLX.  Since 2016 Acura ILX is now made at Honda’s Marysville, OH plant alongside the TLX this communization makes sense.

No Manual Transmission – YEA!  The enthusiasts among you may be asking where the manual transmission formerly with the 2.4L went?  It was dropped in favor of the fast-shifting dual clutch transmission and the fact that no one was buying them.  Gone also is the hybrid model, also for lack of interest.  AutoPacific’s research confirms that this is the right direction to go.  Consideration for manual transmissions is very low and hybrid consideration continues to drop as gasoline prices in the USA fall.

Technology and Stuff  Recognizing that a premium brand has to deliver more refinement, Acura has increased the sound deadening in the ILX to make the car much quieter than now.  Also, following the CR-V strategy with HondaSense, AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety and driver assist features is available on the car for the first time.  This feature suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road departure mitigation,  collision mitigation braking system, upgraded rear camera.  Once again, we are seeing a manufacturer “democratize” its technology taking stuff formerly available on upper level models and making them available on lower line products.