Acura ILX Concept previews new production model due to arrive this spring

A mix of smooth body creases and flat panels give the ILX an athletic look entirely distinct from the Honda Civic on which it is based. (Photo: Acura)

the EL sedan before it, the CSX featured a 4-cylinder powertrain and was based heavily on the Civic sedan from Acura's parent company, Honda.

Since the recent demise of the CSX, Acura's larger TSX has served as the entry-level sedan in Acura's model range, but the new Acura ILX Concept may change this. Introduced at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the ILX Concept is a prelude to the production model scheduled to arrive this spring. The ILX is being touted as Acura's new entry-level automobile and can be viewed as a replacement for the departed, Civic-based CSX and perhaps the well-established TSX as well.

The base engine for the ILX will be a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine hooked up to an automatic transmission, and a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine will be available, mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the ILX will offer the option of a 1.5-litre, gasoline-electric powertrain, making it Acura's very first hybrid vehicle.

In addition to a base 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and and a performance 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, the ILX will be available with a hybrid drivetrain. (Photo: Acura)

Acura's ILX Concept features broad, sculpted bodywork and styling cues similar to Acura's larger sedans. Details such as a distinct front grille, angular headlights and taillights, and plenty of smooth body creases lend the car an athletic appearance. The interior, according to Acura, will be well-appointed and will offer push-button start, keyless access and an SMS text messaging function among other amenities. Confirmed safety technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes and vehicle stability assist, as well as front, side and side-curtain airbags.

"First-time luxury buyers place the highest value on exterior styling, affordability and environmental issues and that's a virtual definition of what we have created with the new Acura ILX," said Jon Ikeda, head of the Acura Design Studio. "The strategy behind this new model is to position ILX as the first opportunity for many young buyers to enter the luxury market."

The Acura ILX will be manufactured in Greensburg, Indiana by Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC. The new entry-level sedan is scheduled to arrive in the spring.©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)]]>