photo courtesy of Acura
Considering a new 2013 hybrid and wondering about the 2013 Acura ILX hybrid? Here’s a roundup of what we know about the vehicle so far. Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom if you have questions, or something to add!
The 2013 ILX hybrid isn’t totally a secret. We didn’t have to contract the CIA to find out about it. In fact, a concept of the car was displayed at a number of auto shows including the 2012 Chicago Auto Show held in February. Acura’s website is showing videos of the car and it’s due out in late May. If you want to get in on the ground floor, so to speak, there is a page on the Acura website where you can sign up to receive details on the vehicle before it is released. According to Acura, the registration commits you to nothing and you can opt out of the process at any time. Pricing for the hybrid ILX starts at $28,900.
Car and Driver — 2013 Acura ILX: More than a Civic by another name?
Car and Driver said that the 2013 Acura ILX takes its cues from the Honda Civic. It comes with a choice of three engines including a hybrid powertrain taken from the Civic Hybrid. The 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine gets a boost from a 20-horsepower electric motor and there is also a continuously variable automatic transmission. They say that the total system generates 111 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque, which is the exact specs for the Honda Civic Hybrid system. This car also includes a stop/start technology that shuts off the engine at stop lights.
EPA rates the fuel economy as 35 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. That proves to be lacking when compared to the Civic hybrid, which has fuel economy of 44 in the city and 44 on the highway. Car and Driver speculates that the car is probably heavier than the Civic due to more content, better materials, and more sound suspension. They caution that because of the weight, the ILX hybrid won’t perform like the Civic Hybrid. Car and Driver notes that it is longer (179.1-inches), lower (55.6-inches) and wider (70.6- inches) than the Civic.
Kelley Blue Book — 2013 Acura ILX: 2012 Chicago Auto Show
Kelley Blue Book suggests that Acura is targeting the so-called Gen Y buyers who want to move up to an entry-level luxury car. The car is the first Acura model to include a hybrid powertrain as an option. According to KBB, the front-wheel-drive, four-door sedan has a “well-appointed” cabin with a lot of creature comforts like keyless entry that includes remote start, SMS text messaging, stability assist, anti-lock disc brakes, and airbags for the front of the car as well as both sides.
Cars.com points out that the seats are covered with cloth and the front seats include side bolsters made of imitation leather. The car allows for smartphone integration. The navigation system is extra, but there is a color display that resembles the Honda i-MID system. They said that the center control area is easy to use and features a multifunction controller knob. They add that the car includes such safety features as front, side and side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and an electronic stability control that includes traction control.
Inhabitat.com — Acura Debuts Its First Hybrid, the 2013 Acura ILX
Inhabitat.com notes that Acura is offering the model as a means for consumers to enter into the Acura luxury car line. It is the first ever hybrid for Acura. They also point out that the car achieves 111 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 127 lb-ft of torque between 1,000 and 3,000 rpm. They say that when the driver applies the brakes or when the car is stopped, the gasoline engine shuts off for better fuel economy and to reduce emissions. They add that a Pandora Internet Radio interface and an SMS text messaging system is included. There are also packages available for an additional cost. The Technology Package features a surround sound audio system and a navigation system with real time traffic information. The Premium Package includes leather seats, heated front seats, a rear-view camera and a 360 watt sound system.
UPDATE:
Since we first wrote this article, several test drives have been published:
Road & Track — 2013 Acura ILX: First Drive
Vehix.com — 2012 Acura ILX First Drive
Daily Tech — Driving Impressions: 2013 Acura ILX Base, Manual, and Hybrid
What’s your take on this hybrid? Leave a comment and help out the people who are researching this car!