Acura is bucking the trend of coupelike sedans, and focusing instead on its core competence—traditional performance sedans—with the introduction of the 2016 ILX sedan.

What is it?

After some years of slow sales for the Honda Civic-based ILX, Acura is giving the proposition a rethink. It's a thoroughly redesigned and refreshed sedan, according to Acura representatives, and to our eyes, it looks more eye-catching than much of the rest of the automaker's lineup. With the refresh to the slow-selling ILX, Acura is seeking to attract customers who would otherwise go to European brands that tend to show off the latest in technology and performance.

What's new or changed?

The ILX will benefit from the enhancements that made the TLX one of our favorite new midsize luxury sedans to drive, but not everything. It will use one of the TLX's engines as its sole powertrain, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower, and it will share that model's 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. LED headlights and taillights will be standard across the lineup, as will a high-tech interior with optional smartphone-based navigation. AcuraWatch will be optional as well, and the top-of-the-line A-Spec will seek to outshine the likes of Volkswagen's R-Spec line.

The 2016 ILX will not, however, benefit from the Precision All-Wheel Steering or Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive of the TLX; Acura cited customer interest as deciding factors to limit the front-wheel drive sedan slightly.

Can I buy it?

The Acura ILX will go on sale as a 2016 model in 2015.

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