Acura is hoping that its sub-$30,000 price for a premium hybrid sedan will be enough to entice environmentally conscious buyers to check out its latest product. The 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid is out, a vehicle that is priced just $2,000 above the standard gas-powered sedan. It is a model that Acura expects will appeal to young buyers much in the same way that the standard ILX has done.
Pricing and Fuel Economy
On Tuesday, the 2014 Acura ILX Hybrid officially went on sale with a base price of $28,900. Choose the technology package and this vehicle retails for $34,600. The Acura ILX Hybrid is priced about $3,000 below the base Lexus CT 200h, its chief competitor. The fuel economy edge, however, goes to the Lexus that is rated a combined 42 mpg to the Acura’s 38 mpg.
The ILX is powered by a 1.5-liter four cylinder engine and an electric motor, paired with a continuously variable transmission. It represents the first application of its advanced hybrid system in a premium brand, tapping the same system that powers the Honda Accord Hybrid. By comparison, the Honda delivers a combined 44 mpg.
Standard and Available Amenities
To entice shoppers beyond its green credentials, Acura has packed the ILX Hybrid with numerous amenities as standard equipment including keyless entry with push button start, Bluetooth connectivity, a Pandora Internet radio interface, an SMS text message function, a power moonroof and aluminum wheels.
This model also is equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, electric power steering, four wheel disc brakes, all-season tires, and projector beam headlamps. Folding heated side mirrors and a rear spoiler are included. Front bumper integrated fog lights are available.
Inside, the front-wheel drive five passenger Acura ILX Hybrid is equipped with a tilt and telescopic steering column, stainless steel pedal covers, sport-style cloth trimmed seats, a 60/40 split bench rear seat with access to the trunk, and power accessories. This sedan also offers a 12-volt outlet, in-door storage compartments, a front center console storage area, four beverage holders, overhead map lights, a rear view camera, an automatic dimming rear view mirror, and vanity mirrors.
Acura ILX Hybrid Technology Package
Choose the technology package and you get a navigation system with voice recognition, real time traffic reports with rerouting, real time weather, USB port and auxiliary jack connectivity, a premium 7-speaker surround sound audio system, and a satellite communication system.
Bringing the Acura ILX Hybrid to the market comes as consumers continue to provide mixed signals whether they are willing to pay for the technology. Its smaller price premium notwithstanding, the successful hybrids include the entire Toyota Prius line that still outsells all other comers combined. The premium segment has been a tougher sell with Lincoln seeing some success as it prices its MKZ Hybrid to match the base price of its gasoline model.
See Also — Entry Level Premium Sedan: 2013 Acura ILX
Photo courtesy of Acura.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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