The 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid's new single-motor gas-electric drivetrain delivers up to 38 mpg Combined.
The new Acura ILX Hybrid has charged into dealer showrooms. The question is whether anyone will notice.
Aimed at entry-luxury buyers, the ILX seems to have missed out on what has generally become the fastest-growing segment in the high-line market. But with increasing interest in “green” technology among the younger buyers fueling that growth, Acura is hoping the ILX will finally plug in.
The new hybrid model will carry a relatively modest $2,000 price premium over a comparable, gas-powered Acura ILX, at a base MSRP of $29,795. Equipped with the Tech Package – which includes such nicety as satellite radio, navigation with real-time traffic, and an upgraded audio system — the price jumps to $35,495. Both figures include $895 in destination charges.
Even the base model will carry such upscale touches as keyless entry, push-button start, a moonroof, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, Pandora radio and an Active Noise Cancellation system. But the EPA Combined rating of 38 mpg is expected to be an equally important selling point.
Inside the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid.
Competing luxury makers have been struggling with how to price hybrid versions, some carrying significantly higher premiums while the Lincoln MKZ can be outfitted with either a conventional gas engine or a gas-electric package for the same price.
(New Honda Accord Hybrid starts out at just over $30,000. Click Here for more.)
The 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid marks the first time Honda has used a new generation of gas-electric drivetrains in its upscale brand. For more than a year, the Japanese maker stuck with its original IMA, or Integrated Motor Assist, system. But it has since developed three new hybrid drives. That includes:
- A base, single-motor version that recently launched in the Honda Civic and now will be shared with the 2014 Acura ILX;
- A two-motor, more powerful system that is being used for the new 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid;
- A high-performance, three-motor hybrid that will soon debut in such luxury models as the Acura RDX sedan, MDX crossover and the newly-revived NSX supercar.
In the ILX, a 1.5-liter gasoline engine produces a maximum 90 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor can kick in up to 111 hp and 127 lb-ft. The two sources of power are paired through a continuously variable transmission.
(Toyota latest to cut battery-car pricing to charge up sluggish sales. Click Here for more.)
The maker isn’t offering performance figures but the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid to delivers more oomph than the outgoing gas-electric model which could hit 60 only in a sluggish 11 seconds or so.
What’s likely to be more appealing is the EPA-rated fuel economy, at 39 miles per gallon in the City cycle, 38 on the Highway, and a combined 38 mpg. Hybrids routinely deliver better mileage in stop-and-go traffic that keeps their batteries charged. To put into perspective, the little Honda Civic gets 44 mpg Combined out of the same hybrid driveline.
(Still a month from launch, BMW already may increase production of new i3 battery car due to strong, initial demand. Click Herefor the story.)
Acura clearly needs to charge up the ILX. The maker expressed high hopes when the new model was launched in late 2012, and continues to beat the drum, a company release suggesting, “The ILX is the only luxury model on the top ten list of Generation Y car shoppers according to J.D. Power and Associates.”
Perhaps, but sales were slow out of the gate and have yet to gain much momentum. In fact, Acura dealers have been saddled with some of the highest inventories in the market as unsold ILX sedans have piled up on dealer lots in recent months.