This week’s episode of Wide Open Throttle is dedicated to the 2013 Acura ILX, an all-new model for the brand. Host Jessi Lang gets behind the wheel of the compact luxury sedan and provides her thoughts on one of the most important vehicles Acura has launched in the last few years.
Why is it such a big deal? As Lang explains, the ILX is aimed at Gen-Y buyers who now have less disposable income than their baby boomer parents. As such, the ILX must meet Acura’s luxury standards while also being remaining affordable. Lang appreciates the 2013 ILX’s trim strategy, which includes three powertrains. There’s a base 2.0-liter, a hybrid, and a sporty 2.4-liter engine also found in the Civic Si. For this episode, Lang drives the hybrid and says it should definitely appeal to the eco-conscious. However, she’s more curious about the 2.4-liter that’s mated to a six-speed manual.
Lang finds the sheetmetal simple, yet handsome and she appreciates the interior’s workmanship. She also points out the cabin’s low noise level, thanks to an active noise cancelling system and sound insulating glass. According to Lang, this car seems to say, “There’s no need to shout.” One part of the interior, however, could use improvement. Find out what that is in the video posted below.
