Our new 2013 ILX
Monday, September 10, 2012 at 2:35PM 
In an unfortunate turn of events, I have a new car. It wasn't supposed to work out this way, I had planned to keep my RSX much longer. But, I momentary lapse in concentration had me rear ending a Toyota Camry on the freeway. So, just like that, my Acura was totaled. When you looked at the damage, it didn't seem that bad. However, once the airbag(s) had deployed, it was pretty much "game over" for that car.
And so the search was on for a replacement. Since the 2013 ILX had arrived, it was on my short list of possible cars. Other alternatives would have been a Honda Fit, or Civic coupe. As many of you know, I am a strong advocate of the manual transmission, in 30+ years of driving I have never owned an automatic. However, times are changing and for the first time ever, I was seriously considering an automatic if a suitable selection could be found. Heading the list of possible automatic transmission candidates were the 2013 ILX Hybrid, and the 2012 Honda Insight. I figured if I was going to give up my beloved manual, I might as well do it for something other than a run of the mill automatic transmission. However, in the end, the timing simply didn't work out. Being on the cusp of the 2012 model year and 2013 model year proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. There simply wasn't enough selection available.
If this sounds like a backhanded compliment for the car I ultimately chose, it shouldn't be construed that way. In the end, I was predisposed towards a manual transmission in the first place, and the other "distractions" were just that. Distractions. Once the decision was made to stay with a manual there was no doubt in my mind that it was going to be an ILX. The combination of brilliant sheet-metal, tidy dimensions and familiar K24 engine were too good to resist.
When I say this engine is "familiar" it is because it's a descendent of the 2.4 L engine that was in my 2008 TSX In some respects, the earlier engine was more advanced, but while the new engine has traded some technical advantages, it's gained in real world drivability. So, although this DOHC engine does not have exhaust side VTEC, it's still a Honda which means smooth and effortless power from idle to redline.
One push of the start button and the engine jumps to life with a throaty growl. It really sounds nice, which is ironic because Acura has gone out of their way to hide the exhaust tips behind the rear bumper. A couple of seconds after the engine starts, the electronics come to life. My iPhone pairs with the car and Bluetooth Audio starts playing my music right where it left off. Without plugging it in or touching my phone I've got music. When you move the short throw gear shift into reverse, the backup camera comes on and presents you a choice of three different views. Normal, wide-angle, and a very handy top down view are selectable using the multifunction control knob.
Once under way, all the controls feel very light and effortless. The gearshift feels exactly like all good Acura six speed manuals do, with short throws and minimal effort. The clutch pedal is very light and easy to use. Given a choice, I would prefer that the engagement point be a little closer to the floor versus towards the end of its travel. However, it's something you get accustomed to. The electric power steering (EPS) system feels very light, although it firms up as vehicle speed increases. I've seen many reviews commenting on the lack of "feel" in the system but I have no difficulties with it. Our old S2000 also had a highly assisted EPS and once you developed the sensitivity to it, you could feel what was happening just fine. It is possible that some of the people complaining about it are not accustomed to an Uber fast 15.1 to 1 steering ratio? Whereas I've been driving cars such as the S2000 with similar steering ratios for some time now (for the record, an Acura NSX had a "slower" 18 to 1 steering ratio).
One of the things I've really been impressed with in my first few days with the car is how quiet it is. Other than the wonderful exhaust note, it's a much quieter car then the old RSX was (In all honesty, that's not hard) but I also think it's quieter than the '08 TSX was. I know that the car has "active sound control" but I'm not certain how much of a role this is playing but I'm sure it's contributing something.
The ride quality is also pretty impressive for a car with a relatively short wheelbase. It exhibits none of the "choppiness" that the RSX had and it feels more connected than the old TSX. As with all recent Hondas (including the CRZ) it feels like the car could use a little more rebound dampening in the shock absorbers, but given the cars mission in life, the ride versus handling compromise has been successfully achieved.
The slogan for the new ILX suggest you can "move up without settling down" and the product seems to back this up. My ILX is extremely well equipped, nicely finished, and full of high tech goodies all wrapped up in a compact, easy to maneuver size. The manual transmission and 201 hp engine provide a connection to the more hard-core sporting models of our past, but the overall package feels more like a grand tourer. Which is to say up to 8/10s, it corners with very little body roll, turns in quickly, and stops with authority. The gearshift, clutch, and steering all work well up to a certain point. However, it's important to remember that you're never going to reach the limits of this car on public roads without breaking "some" law somewhere. With the current level of traffic enforcement here in Honolulu, I'm perfectly happy to drive this car at 7/10s.
Reader Comments (8)
Good luck with the new car. I've had my 6MT for about month and I'm really enjoying it. At about 1600 miles, I'm impressed with the refinement of the car. Compared to my 2010 Mazdaspeed 3, the ILX is much more enjoyable to drive. I characterize the MS3 as a "muscle car" compared to the ILX as a "sports car." I know the analogy isn't perfect, but the Mazda had plenty of grunt between 3-5k while the K24 is wonderful all the way to redline. Sure, the MS3 is faster, but I believe the ILX is a better overall driving experience.
I also really like the design of the interior, quality of the materials, and the electronics. There is a distinct difference between the 2.4 MT and the other ILX's. Not that the 2.0 and Hybrid aren't nice cars, just aimed at a different market. I only considered the 6MT. Mine is Polished Metal Metallic.
We had an ILX for two months and returned it due to lack of quality and a very squeaky motor mount. This car is not an Acura...but an over priced civic!! We traded ours in on a 2012 TSX Special Edition for the same price!!
Great review as always, Colin, and thank you. That poor, poor RSX, though....RIP. Happy motoring!
Thanks Bob, fortunately no one was hurt in the accident although I did get a rather nasty little burn on my wrist from the airbag. When you look at the RSX, it just doesn't look like the damage was that bad that it couldn't be fixed. Too bad about that car, however, the new one is superior in every respect.
Good luck with your new ILX! That RSX is the same gen as my 2005 RSX Base, which I hope will last indefinitely...such a fine combo of driving pleasure and hatch utility, and several thousands less expensive than the ILX. A true RSX replacement would make my short list some day...I hope Acura gets the clue on that wish.
Without a doubt the RSX was extremely versatile with the hatchback design. However, 10 years have passed since that car was introduced so there is no guarantee that if they did a "true replacement" for it, that it would be the same price. A modern day RSX could very well cost the same as the ILX does.
I now know what happened to make you get a new car and all I can say is "ouch". Sorry that happened to you and the other driver but the new car looks good.
I am glad that you decided to consider making a change to an automatic vehicle, even if you were not too happy about the idea initially. Nice that your iPhone pairs with the car, it's like everything comes on at once. Music to your ears-throaty growl plus your favorite lyrics.
Your description makes me want an Acura.
Thank you for the comments. So far, after a little over a month, things are going well. Driven carefully, I am able to average about 30 miles per gallon. There are very few things on my list of "must change for 2014" but at the forefront, is the need for an adjustable lumbar support (obviously, an individual preference)