Car shoppers looking to the 2017 Acura ILX in Edmonton, have some pleasant surprises ahead of them. The 2017 Acura ILX proves that sometimes, less is more.
This year’s ILX offers just one powertrain among the three available trims. The 2.4-liter inline-4 is sharp and responsive. Improved interior materials and changes to the center dash include upgraded connectivity features with the addition of a dual-screen infotainment system.
The 8-speed dual clutch uses a torque converter for smoothness, but shifts are quick, with rev-matched downshifts and good control via steering-wheel shift paddles. The dual-clutch transmission is excellent, a perfect combination of responsiveness and smoothness.
Comfort, Features & Safety
It feels well built, with high-quality materials. Acura delivered a refined cabin and quietness with thicker glass and noise absorbing wheels in addition to active noise cancellation.
Front seats are comfortable and adjustable for the driver. Headroom is just adequate- owing to the sunroof housing, which takes up an additional two inches. There’s a bit more head room in the rear than you find in most cars in its class. Leg and knee room are ample in back.
The 2017 Acura ILX’s crash-test ratings aren’t out yet, but considering its noticeable mechanical similarity to the 2016 ILX, it may be fair to assume that the 2016’s good safety scores will carry over.
The IIHS gave the 2016 ILX top scores from bumper to bumper and the ILX took “Good” scores in every test, including the challenging small-overlap crash. Its suite of innovative safety systems took a rating of “Superior,” helping the sedan earn the distinction of the Top Safety Pick+ award. Federal testing last year by the NHTSA, pegged the ILX with an overall five-star rating, with a five-star rating for side crash protection and four-star for front crash protection.
The ILX sports the excellent LaneWatch system that displays a wide-angle view along the side and rear of the vehicle, and the new AcuraWatch safety array that includes smart cruise control, lane-assist, road departure extenuation, a forward-collision warning with an automatic emergency braking response. There’s also blind-spot monitors with a rear traffic alert feature for most of the lineup.
The ILX comes in both standard and Premium trim Packages or with the Tech Plus option. Premium and Tech Plus trim packages have an optional A-Spec suite with 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels; spoiler; and fog lights.
Shoppers for the 2017 Acura ILX in Edmonton will appreciate the fact that all models come with hands-free texting that will read your messages aloud allowing the driver to reply with six pre-programmed responses. The ILX also features buffered satellite radio, traffic and weather reporting and Tune Mix, which allows the user to compile a preset combining their favorite stations.