Safety has been a core element of Acura’s commitment to excellence since the brand was founded nearly three decades ago. With the launch of the 2016 ILX, the division continues to advance safety performance for not only the driver and passenger, but for occupants of other vehicles and for pedestrians as well. While ongoing efforts to improve safety include designs and technologies to improve performance in a collision, they also include innovations that help Acura drivers avoid collisions altogether.
New Driver-Assistive Technology for 2016
The newest of these measures form the basis of AcuraWatch™, the most advanced array of safety and driver-assistive technologies in the class. The ILX AcuraWatch suite includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation and the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with pedestrian-sensing capability. Additionally, Forward Collision Warning (part of the Collision Mitigating Braking System) and Lane Departure Warning (part of Road Departure Mitigation) round out the comprehensive lineup of AcuraWatch safety technologies.
For 2016, AcuraWatch is included along with a comprehensive list of standard items with the Tech Plus Package. It is also available in a package on the base ILX. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies employ a windshield-mounted monocular camera to identify objects and/or a grille-mounted millimeter-wave radar unit to determine their relative position and speed. The common thread of these safety technologies is to provide driver assistance by initiating alerts and, where necessary, applying various levels of corrective input to the throttle, steering or brakes to avoid a collision or mitigate its severity.
Also new for 2016 is the blind spot information system and the Cross Traffic Monitor feature. Both of these systems use a pair of radar sensors at the ends of the rear bumper to detect the position and movement of objects behind the vehicle and to provide the driver with visual and audible alerts if any are detected in close proximity. Blind spot information and Cross Traffic Monitor are included with the Premium and Tech Plus Packages.
Comprehensive Lineup of New for 2016 Safety and Driver-Assistive Technology
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Blind spot information (BSI)
- Cross Traffic Monitor
In addition to the new AcuraWatch suite of technologies, plus the Rear Cross Traffic Monitor and the blind spot information system, the 2016 Acura ILX employs a comprehensive group of active safety technologies as standard equipment. These include the latest generation of Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with a Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering system, surefooted braking from a 4-wheel-disc-brake Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, and precise handling from its 4-wheel independent suspension.
The 2016 ILX incorporates numerous passive safety technologies as standard equipment, including side-curtain airbags, dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS), front seat SmartVent side airbags and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. A Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps make the ILX highly effective at absorbing and distributing the energy of a frontal collision.
Additional standard safety features include front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle. Driver- and front-passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights (DRL) are also standard equipment. A Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) child seat mounting system is standard for all ILX models. The lower anchors are positioned on the two outboard rear seat locations and the top tether is positioned on the top of the center seating position (near the rear package tray location).
Standard Active Safety Systems
- Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control
- ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Standard Passive Safety Systems
- Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure
- Multi-View Rear Camera with Guidelines
- 3-point seatbelts at all seating positions
- Automatic tensioners with load limiters for front seatbelts
- Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags
- SmartVent ™ front-seat side airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system
- Pedestrian injury mitigation design elements
Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ Body Structure
Incorporating Acura’s Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure technology, the ILX enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The next-generation ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to help distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment and can help to more evenly disperse the forces transferred to other vehicles in a crash. Additionally, Next-Generation ACE helps minimize the potential for under-ride or over-ride situations that can happen during head-on or offset frontal impacts with a significantly larger or smaller vehicle.
Unlike most conventional designs that direct frontal crash energy only to the lower load-bearing structures in the front end, Next-Generation ACE actively channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements—including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. By creating specifically engineered “pathways” that help distribute these frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle’s total structure, the Next-Generation ACE system can more effectively route them around and away from the passenger compartment to help limit cabin deformation and further improve occupant protection. Integral to the Next-Generation ACE design is its unique front polygonal main design structure.
2016 Next-Generation ACE Body Structure Enhancements
For the 2016 model year, the ILX body structure is enhanced to improve performance in small-offset frontal collisions. The main areas of reinforcement are:
- Front wheelhouse upper member
- Front pillar
- Side sill
- Front floor frame
Collision Safety Targets
The 2016 ILX is designed to more efficiently absorb and dispense the energy in a frontal collision and targets a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA*) and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a targeted GOOD rating in the IIHS’ small-overlap frontal crash test.
*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov).
AcuraWatch™
New for 2016, the ILX can be equipped with a host of AcuraWatch driver-assistive technologies that help to improve the driver’s situational awareness and, in certain circumstances, intervene to help avoid a collision or mitigate its severity. These include:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Included in the ILX’s Tech Plus Package as well as standard models with the AcuraWatch™ Package, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) allows the driver to set a desired speed and following distance interval behind a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. This significantly reduces driver stress in traffic. The system uses the Millimeter Wave Radar and a Monocular Camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle detected ahead, and then adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected.
ACC functions include the following:
- A preceding vehicle is detected in the lane ahead — Decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following interval.
- Another vehicle merges in between the ILX and the preceding vehicle — Automatically switches “targets” to the nearest preceding vehicle.
Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS)
Included in the ILX with Tech Plus Package or Base models equipped with AcuraWatch, Acura’s newest version of its Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) is one of the most sophisticated driver-assistive technologies available. It continually scans traffic conditions ahead of the ILX, alerts the driver when it determines there is the potential for a collision, and then takes emergency autonomous braking action to help reduce the severity of a collision if the driver fails to initiate corrective action.
When CMBS detects a potential collision, visual and audible alerts prompt the driver to take corrective actions. The visual alerts appear on the Multi-Information Display (MID). If the system determines that a collision is imminent, full braking force is applied to help reduce vehicle speed and potential collision forces.
Further distinguishing the 2016 ILX, its CMBS also recognizes shapes, and can differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver in each case. A Millimeter Wave Radar unit located behind the front grille and a monocular camera mounted at the upper portion of the windshield are used to detect vehicles, pedestrians and other objects. The radar unit and camera work simultaneously and cooperatively to control the VSA modulator, which provides any required braking. This “sensor fusion” of radar and camera allows the system to more quickly determine a potential collision, significantly increasing the likelihood of slowing the car and avoiding impact.
It is important to note that CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead, nor is it intended to replace the driver’s assessment of traffic conditions and control of the vehicle. The driver must intervene in certain situations, and must always be attentive when using the system. Although in certain cases CMBS can stop the car, it is not designed to prevent collisions. Based on the conditions, the system also may not perform all visual-, audible- and tactile-alert stages, and may instead automatically engage the brakes if the system deems it necessary.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses a camera mounted in the upper portion of the windshield to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead and to determine whether a collision is imminent. If the FCW system detects a vehicle or pedestrian in front of the ILX and then determines that a collision may occur (due to a speed differential between the ILX and the object), it will trigger a “BRAKE” message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and an audible alert. The FCW system will not automatically brake, and the driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions.
Drivers may adjust the distance at which FCW alerts occur and may choose between “Long,” “Normal,” or “Short.” Drivers may also select “Off” to disable the FCW system entirely.
Note that the FCW system cannot detect all objects ahead; accuracy will vary based on weather conditions, speed and other factors. In addition, there are certain conditions under which the system may not engage or operate, including inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice or heavy rain) and extreme cabin heat conditions (due to operability of the camera).
Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
Included in Tech Plus Package and Base models equipped with AcuraWatch, the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) provides a less stressful driving experience by reducing steering correction movements and driving effort on the highway. LKAS uses a camera to read and detect lane markings and uses EPS to assist the driver in keeping in the middle of the lane.
Designed for the U.S. road structure, the system uses a monocular camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify painted lanes, Botts’ Dots and Cat Eye markers at speeds between approximately 45 mph and 90 mph. When LKAS senses that the driver is drifting from the middle of a detected lane, the system generates corrective steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining lane position.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is leaving a detected lane without a turn signal having been activated. The system functions at speeds from 45 to 90 mph on straight or slightly curved roads, alerting the driver of deviations from a detected lane.
If the vehicle begins to move out of a detected lane without the turn signal activated, LDW illuminates a Lane Departure message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and sounds an audible warning, advising the driver to take appropriate action. The system can be activated and deactivated by pressing the LDW button located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.
There are certain conditions under which the system may not engage or operate, including inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice or heavy rain) and extreme cabin heat conditions (due to operability of the camera). It will automatically suspend operation when the brakes are applied or a turn signal is used. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle.
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Included in the Tech Plus Package and Base models equipped with AcuraWatch, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts’ dots and Cat Eye markers. RDM uses both steering force, via EPS, and braking force, via VSA, to help the ILX stay on the roadway or a solid-marked lane.
The monocular camera recognizes lane features and identifies the lane. If the RDM system detects that the ILX is about to leave the detected lane or roadway, it will provide steering assist (primary) and, in certain circumstances such as crossing over a solid lane line, braking assist to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road. Only lane departure is activated if the driver is passing over a dashed line, Botts’ dots, buttons or Cat Eye markers, while deceleration support is disabled. In this case, the ILX uses active steering force to return to the lane. RDM is integrated with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to provide moderate braking, and with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to provide steering input.
Multiple visual and tactile warnings alert the driver when the RDM system is taking corrective action. These include a lane departure warning on the driver’s Multi Information Display (MID).
RDM also has a customizable initial warning of either a steering wheel shake/vibration, or an audible alert. When the audible alert is selected, RDM does not take corrective steering action. This can be customized in the vehicle settings.
Other Advanced Technologies
Additional technologies in the 2016 ILX assist the driver when backing up or with objects approaching from the rear.
A multi-view rear camera that provides a choice of normal, wide angle and top-down images is standard on all ILX models. The camera image is displayed in the 5-inch (based models) or 8-inch (Premium and Tech Plus models) color TFT screen in the instrument panel center stack.
Included on models with the Premium and Tech Plus packages are the blind spot information system and the Cross Traffic Monitor.
Blind Spot Information (BSI)
The blind spot information (BSI) system uses two radar sensors to continually monitor conditions behind the ILX and alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in close proximity — especially a car that is approaching from the rear and blocked from the driver’s peripheral view. The BSI system uses LED indicators on the A-pillars and an audible warning to alert the driver.
There are two warning levels: 1) If a vehicle is detected in the driver’s blind spot, the LED indicator on the incoming side illuminates; and 2) If a vehicle is detected and the ILX turn signal is activated, the LED indicator on the incoming side blinks and a buzzer sounds three times.
To prevent false alarms while maneuvering at low speed, the BSI system is disabled below speeds of approximately 20 mph.
Cross Traffic Monitor
The Cross Traffic Monitor works in conjunction with the ILX’s BSI radar sensors to enhance driver confidence when backing up. The system is especially useful when reversing in congested parking lots with an obstructed view from driver’s seat.
The system utilizes a pair of BSI radar sensors located in the rear bumper corners. When Reverse is selected and an approaching vehicle is detected, arrows indicating the approaching vehicles direction are shown on the 8-inch center display’s rear camera image. Simultaneously, an audible warning is initiated when vehicles are detected approaching from the side.
Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design
Structures in the front of the ILX are designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. By maintaining a sufficient clearance between the hood and hard engine parts, the hood is able to deform if contact is made with a pedestrian. Additional features include energy-absorbing fender brackets and deformable hood hinges.
Advanced Vehicle Stability Assist™ with Traction Control
The ILX has as standard equipment Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) which is an electronic stability control system that works in conjunction with the vehicle’s Drive-By-Wire™ throttle and 4-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) to enhance control while the vehicle is accelerating, braking or cornering, or when the driver makes an emergency avoidance maneuver. VSA functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels while simultaneously managing the throttle, ignition and fuel systems to control engine power with the goal of helping the vehicle maintain the driver’s intended path of travel.
The VSA system constantly analyzes data from six sensors that monitor wheel speed and vehicle speed, steering input, lateral G forces and yaw rate. VSA compares the driver’s inputs with the vehicle’s actual response. When the actual response falls outside of a predetermined acceptable range, VSA intervenes with a corrective action. For example, if VSA detects an oversteer condition, the system may apply braking force to the outside front and rear wheels to counteract the unintended yaw moment. In the event of understeer, VSA may apply braking to the inside rear wheel while reducing engine power to help return the car to its intended course.
VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. VSA is calibrated to function in a nearly transparent manner, and in many cases a driver will not be aware of its operation. However, any time that the system is enhancing vehicle stability, an indicator light flashes in the instrument cluster. While the driver can deactivate the VSA stability enhancement and traction-control functions via a switch located on the instrument panel, ABS remains fully operational at all times.
A new and additional type of control algorithm in the VSA system enables more responsive handling under icy or slippery conditions. The concept for this additional algorithm is based on patented knowledge gained from humanoid robotics research and development work.
The conventional VSA feedback loop, which operates by comparing the actual vehicle course with the intended course, based on an ideal vehicle response, is augmented by additional control applied via a secondary feedback loop. This additional feedback loop is a type of filter that, in effect, quickens the estimation of the intended path (based on the driver’s inputs) and acts in parallel to the conventional “actual versus intended course” stability control, and is used to augment that control.
Like conventional VSA, the additional control loop also considers steering wheel angle, vehicle yaw rate, wheel speeds, throttle pedal position, vehicle acceleration and other variables. VSA then lightly brakes individual wheels as needed to predicatively direct the vehicle along its intended path, and is able to induce more yaw more quickly than conventional VSA on low friction roads. This advanced VSA system control loop results in faster reacting stability control and reduced transient understeer, which may occur on icy or other slippery roads. This makes the vehicle more responsive, improving path accuracy, and enhancing the fun-to-drive character that is a trademark of Acura vehicles.
Brake Assist
A function of the VSA system, the Brake Assist feature recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly helps the driver apply full braking force. This Brake Assist feature is controlled by special logic that evaluates the pedal application rate and force to recognize a panic stop situation and apply maximum braking force, an action that can significantly shorten braking distances and help avoid or mitigate the severity of a collision.
Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution
All models of the ILX are fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes with vented front rotors and solid rear rotors. The ABS system also incorporates Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions brake force based on the vehicle’s weight distribution.
Dual-Stage Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags
Both the driver and front passenger seating positions have advanced front airbags (SRS) that incorporate dual-stage, multiple-threshold activation technology. One or both of these airbags will be deployed only in the event of a sufficiently severe frontal impact. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seatbelt usage and other factors. Like all Acura vehicles, the driver’s front airbag is located in the steering wheel while the passenger airbag is located in the upper portion of the dashboard.
Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags
Driver and front passenger SmartVent® side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to help provide pelvis and thorax protection in the event of a severe side impact and also allows side airbags to inflate with low risk of injuring an out of position occupant. This eliminates the need for Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS).
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
The ILX includes as standard equipment a side curtain airbag system that provides protection for all outboard seating positions. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in each roof rail in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. The side curtain airbags have a wider deployment profile and, if a rollover is detected, remain fully deployed for an extended time to further mitigate the possibility of an occupant being ejected from the vehicle.
Seat Belts
Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seat belts are equipped with automatic tensioners and load limiters to help minimize injury potential in a frontal collision. When an impact occurs, the automatic tensioner tightens the seat belt (shoulder and lap) to help hold the seat occupant firmly in position. Each front seat belt retractor incorporates a load limiter that works in conjunction with the automatic tensioner. The load limiter functions by permitting a small amount of controlled seat belt slack shortly after the automatic tensioner is activated to limit the peak restraining forces, thus reducing the potential of serious injury. The front seat belts also feature adjustable height shoulder anchors. To help increase seat-belt usage, a reminder for the driver and front passenger has been incorporated into the instrument cluster. After starting the vehicle, a weight sensor detects whether the front passenger seat is occupied. If the driver or front passenger has not already fastened the seat belt, an icon in the cluster illuminates and a chime sounds as a reminder to do so.
Whiplash-Mitigation Front Seat Design
The driver and front passenger seats are designed to help mitigate the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact. A wide spring range is incorporated in the seatback and bottom cushions.
Adjustable Head Restraints for All Seating Positions
The front and rear seats feature individually adjustable head restraints for all passenger seating positions. All rear head restraints comply with the latest Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The rules closely specify the size, position and operation of the rear-seat head restraints.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) provide a simple and convenient method to install compatible child safety seats in a vehicle. In all models of the ILX, the rear outboard seating positions are fitted with dedicated LATCH attachment points. The LATCH system features built-in, ready-to-use anchors allowing compatible child safety seats to be installed without using the vehicle’s seat belt system. In addition, the rear center seating position features a tether anchor (located at the top of the seat near the rear package tray) that can be used to secure a single child safety seat. The ability to choose which location works best for individual needs can help families more conveniently maximize interior space.
Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts the driver whenever the air pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires decrease significantly below the recommended level. The system has been updated for 2016 to show the air pressure of each individual tire. Using four sensors (one on each wheel), TPMS monitors and transmits information on tire air pressure to the ECU. When the pressure in one or more tires drops to a potentially critical level, it causes a low tire-pressure indicator (located in the multi-information display between the speedometer and tachometer) to illuminate.
Safety RD Facilities
Acura’s parent company operates two of the world’s most sophisticated crash test laboratories specifically created for the development of improved safety designs and technologies. The Tochigi facility in Japan contains the world’s first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility and plays a critical role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant safety, pedestrian injury mitigation and vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility.