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2016 Acura ILX gets a mid-cycle makeover (pictures)

Refreshed for the 2016 model year, Acura's entry point model debuts with new safety and performance technology.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

Acura refreshes its entry-level model at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.

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2 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The 2016 Acura ILX, seen here in A-Spec trim, features an updated look as well as some under the skin improvements.

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3 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The sedan's broad strokes and platform, however, remain unchanged.

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4 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The front and rear fascia are tweaked.

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5 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

Acura makes its "Jewel Eye" LED headlamps standard equipment for all ILX models.

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6 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The shield grill is also tweaked and massaged.

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7 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

Under the hood, the ILX's 2.4-liter engine persists, but the 2.0-liter option is no more.

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8 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The automaker has substantially updated the powertrain for the 2016 model year. Power is still stated at 201 horses, but torque is up to 180 pound-feet.

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9 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The Acura TLX lends its novel eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with torque converter to the new ILX.

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10 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

In addition to the Standard, Premium and Tech trim levels, the 2016 ILX also gains a new A-Spec model.

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11 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The A-Spec model features sportier styling with fog lights, a rear spoiler, and side sills.

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12 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The A-Spec also features black exterior garnishes and darker, sportier interior trim.

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13 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

17-inch wheels are standard, but the ILX A-Spec rolls on 18-inchers.

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14 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The cabin still reminds me of the Honda Civic, upon which the ILX is based. For 2016, Acura's new dual-screened infotainment suite is available.

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15 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The system uses an 8-inch screen at the top of the dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen lower in the center stack.

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16 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

Acura has also tweaked the ILX's suspension and chassis for more responsive steering.

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17 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The automaker makes no mention of the return of the previous model's six-speed manual transmission, so we hope the new automatic gearbox is a good one.

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18 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The standard ILX is less aggressive than the A-Spec.

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19 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The automaker also improves the available safety tech. ILX Premium models feature standard blind-spot monitoring.

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20 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

An available AcuraWatch driver-aid suite rolls in forward-collision warning and braking, adaptive cruise control, and the automaker's lane-keeping assist system.

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21 of 21 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

2016 Acura ILX A-Spec

The 2016 Acura ILX lands at dealerships in early 2015.

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