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2019 Acura ILX details announced

2019 Acura ILX
Photo: Acura
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Derek Boshouwers
The automaker’s entry-level sport sedan gets a revamped front end, upgraded tech

Ahead of the model’s market launch in October, Acura has released details of the changes being made to the ILX for 2019. These apply to the U.S. edition, but we expect there won’t many differences if any with the model we get north of the border.

The entry-level luxury sedan is getting some relatively major revisions for the new model-year; in fact the 2019 ILX is the last of the company’s current models to be modernized and revised. This means, for example, that the ILX inherits Acura’s new signature grille, and that every one of the automaker’s models now features the suite of AcuraWatch active safety and driver-assistive technology systems as standard equipment.

What’s new
The new ILX features a sportier design that aims for greater refinement as well, and comes in an A-Spec variant (the fourth Acura after the TLX sedan and the RDX and MDX SUVs to get this treatment).

Acura’s signature diamond pentagon front grille is now incorporated in the heavily modified front end, completing the transformation of the lineup to the brand’s new design language. Overall much of the design is new, from the 7-element Acura Jewel Eye LED headlights and a more sharply sculpted hood in the front to the all-new decklid, fascia, LED taillights and lower diffuser with exposed exhaust outlet in the rear.

The wheel designs are also new, with each trim getting its own uniquely finished 17-inch split-5 spoke wheels, while the A-Spec gets exclusive 18-inch wheels.

 

2019 Acura ILX
2019 Acura ILX
Photo: Acura

Inside, the sport seats have been reshaped in both rows, and can be had with available contrasting piping and stitching. The driver’ seat now includes power-adjustable lumbar support. The dash gets silver-finished trim with a chrome insert and machine-finished push-button start.

The 2019 ILX comes with an available refreshed dual-screen On Demand Multi-Use Display interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. New software improves system response time, offering more intuitive menus and command structures for what Acura promises is a 30%-faster user experience. An enhanced 7-inch touchscreen has a capacitive display that is more responsive to touch and is positioned within easier reach of both the driver and front passenger.

The 2019 ILX's existing Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic exterior colours options are now joined by five new colours: Platinum White Pearl, Majestic Black Pearl, Performance Red Pearl, Canyon Bronze Metallic and A-Spec-exclusive Apex Blue Pearl (exclusive to the A-Spec). Inside, buyers can now choose the Espresso colour scheme in addition to Graystone and Ebony, while the A-Spec get its own Ebony and Red colour options, both with ultrasuede inserts.

2019 Acura ILX
2019 Acura ILX
Photo: Acura

The A-Spec
This version of the 2019 ILX is available with the Premium and Technology packages. On the outside it gives the model dark chrome trim for the front grille and lower fascia, LED fog lights, dark appearance for the headlights and taillights and a gloss-black decklid spoiler. Inside, exclusive elements include a graphite-silver dash accent with chrome insert, A-Spec badged steering wheel with contrast stitching and aluminum sport pedals. The new sport seats are finished in A-Spec-exclusive Ebony or Red leather with black Ultrasuede centre panels and contrasting stitching.

Acura Watch
This suite of systems incorporates Collision Mitigation Braking System with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.

We expect to get details and pricing for the Canadian version of the 2019 Acura ILX in the coming days or weeks, so stay tuned!

Derek Boshouwers
Derek Boshouwers
Automotive expert
  • Over 5 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 50 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 30 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists