When the 2015 ILX starts arriving in showrooms tomorrow, there will be one model of the original three missing.
Following disappointing sales, Acura chose to discontinue the hybrid version of the ILX compact sedan opting only to sell the 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder non-hybrid versions for the car’s sophomore year on the market. Those models get a $150 price hike compared to last year and continue to be offered with a five-speed automatic transmission for the 2.0-liter model and a six-speed manual for the 2.4-liter version.
“Based on the stronger appeal of the ILX 2.0 and 2.4 models, we are streamlining the ILX lineup to better align with customer demand, Acura will no longer offer the ILX Hybrid starting with the 2015 model year. Customers should still be able to buy a 2014 ILX Hybrid during the next few months as there is still currently dealer inventory,” Acura spokesman Vince Manganiello wrote in response to an email inquiry.
In May, American Honda reported selling 63 ILX Hybrids, representing a decline of almost 68 percent compared to may 2013. Since launching, the ILX hybrid hasn’t been a strong seller.
Pricing for the 2.0-liter, five-speed ILX starts at $27,945 this year while the 2.4-liter six-speed model costs $30,245 and the automatic 2.0-liter model with the “Technology Package,” which includes navigation and an enhanced sound system, costs $32,645.