2018 Acura ILX Special Edition Presents Affordable Race Inspired Features

Acura ILX continues to sell well in the compact premium sedan segment, despite an ever growing momentum subcompact and compact premium crossover sales trend. Strange as it may seem to some, not everyone wants or needs a hatchback, crossover, or compact SUV. For many car owners, a 40/60 split folding second row does the trick.

Sporting a beginning MSRP of $28,100, (ILX Basic model) real-world fuel economy, reasonable performance, and an injection of Acura Precision Performance, this 9th generation Civic platform compact Acura sedan gives Audi, and BMW, a run for the money. I drive the ILX A-Spec, it’s addictive!

With the Acura name plate comes some measure of prestige, this factoid is not lost on today’s young, affluent, and somewhat financially conservative car buyer ILX is the most affordable entry to the Acura lineup. For 2018, buyers will discover a design cue or two taken from ILX A-Spec and this car.

Where goes Acura TLX A-Spec goes 2018 ILX Special Edition

For 2018, ILX buyers may choose from 7 trim levels, including the just off the basic model, ILX Special Edition. As par for the course, the introduction of a special Edition, of S.E., generally signals the last year of a specific generation manufacturing run. Looking to the calendar, and the reinvention of the Honda Civic -- the manufacturing platform for Acura ILX, I anticipate not only the re engineering of ILX for 2019, but the employment of Acura’s version of the well received 1.5 L VTEC turbocharged 4-cylinder throughout the ILX lineup -- good news for Acura performance enthusiasts.

Here’s what you get with 2018 Acura ILX SE

According to Acura News: For 2018, the Acura ILX adds a Special Edition trim, which includes 18-inch wheels, side sills and a rear spoiler from the A-Spec package, making it an excellent value in its class. The Special Edition adds to a long list of standard equipment on all ILX models including Acura JewelEye® LED headlights, an 8-way power driver's seat, multi-view rearview camera, auto on/off headlights, one-touch power moonroof, Bluetooth® HandsFree Link®, 5-inch Multi-View Display, keyless smart entry with push-button start, security system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. In addition, the AcuraWatch™ suite of active safety and driver-assistive technologies is available on all ILX models.

No turbocharger for 2018 Acura ILX

I first experienced a major refreshed Acura ILX A-Spec in Napa, California: Since then, several innovative changes have been made to engine, and active safety features. I also appreciate the updated, TLX inspired look. All trim levels for 2018 will feature Acura’s race proven 2.4 L DOHC 1-VTEC 4-cylinder, port injected gasoline engine -- producing 201 horsepower and 180 lb-ft torque, it’s power band is near Civic Si impressive. MPG: 25 city/35 highway/29 combined.

ILX is front wheel drive with torque transfer mitigated to a state of the autoart 8-speed DCT.(dual clutch transmission) I appreciate the ILX standard feature 8-way power adjusted driver’s seat, reasonably comfortable, well appointed interior, much improved ride dynamic and handling characteristic, thanks to a very good rough road isolating, dampened suspension -- compact but very capable.

With a published MSRP of $28,900, the 2018 ILX AE, is sure to catch the eye while preserving the family budget. However, for those active safety conscious among us, I recommend taking it up a notch and opting for the ILX AcuraWatch ™ +. It’s all good!