Getting into a sedan like the new Acura TL, it doesn't take my mind long to wander over to some of the competition for comparisons. Cars like the Infiniti G37, Cadillac CTS and Audi A4 are some of my favorite vehicles, so I have an emotional investment when I have to compare a new car to them.
The
2010 Acura TL is a midsize luxury sedan that evokes many emotions, most very positive - and that's why the TL has been so successful, even following a 2009 redesign that brought lots of attention to some rather unique exterior design cues. Most notably the brash treatment of TL's nose.
Looking back at famous noses, I see Jimmy Durante, Karl Malden, Geddy Lee and Ringo Starr as perfect examples of less-than-perfect proportion. All were/are well-respected entertainers whose abilities minimized a perceived exterior fault. They later made their noses into calling cards of sorts, exemplifying that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.
When it comes to sedan noses, I'd put this TL somewhere north of Ringo. Which is to say, if you don't like the initial look of the TL, get behind the wheel and give the whole car a chance. As I crawled behind the wheel of my TL tester, I figured if there was any talent under its sleek exterior skin I might be in for a real treat.
And I was.
The Acura TL is available in base or a sporty SH-AWD model. The price range of the 2010 model starts at $35,100 and tops out at $43,400. My TL tester was the superhandling all-wheel-drive version. Equipped with a 305-horsepower engine and amazing road-hugging drive characteristics, the SH-AWD brings the outstanding reliability of Acura products together with notable interior luxury and a real sport enthusiasm to make this TL a competitor with the best in this class. For 2010, under pressure from driving enthusiasts who know a sporty sedan when they drive one, Acura added an optional six-speed manual transmission to the SH-AWD model.
Acura says that a vast majority of the SH-AWD models have the optional technology package added by their owners.
Once I got a chance to surround myself with all the gadgetry, it was not hard to see why this is the case. The tech package adds a navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic, real-time weather forecasts, keyless ignition/entry, a rear spoiler,
rearview camera and a 440-watt 10-speaker Panasonic/ELS surround-sound system.
With so much media attention, good or bad, focused on the exterior of the TL (I guess I'm guilty of it too), one might find the love-it or hate-in design as a reason to opt for the TL. I like the edgy styling because it surely looks like no other sedan on the street. Luckily for TL, there is a lot to like about what's inside and beneath the hood, too.
The all-wheel-drive TL SH-AWD offers a 3.7-liter V-6 that delivers a notable 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
A standard five-speed automatic transmission was more than capable of producing enthusiasm from the driver to the road.
Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters add to the fun factor in the TL unless you opt for the aforementioned six-speed manual transmission, available only on SHAWD models with the tech package.
Look for the SH-AWD to reach 60 mph in just more than 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the 3.7-liter TL is 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway.
What makes the TL's AWD system so impressive is its ability to transfer different levels of power to individual wheels, which maximizes traction on the pavement or for inclement weather.
Inside the quiet cabin of the TL you will find a minimal aesthetic treatment that is highly functional and attractive, yet simple and straightforward. Gauges are highly visible and the dash treatment is set up for complete driver access with minimal movement in the driver's seat.
My one criticism of the interior was that the aluminum accents had a cheaper feel to them than the rest of the interior. Another bold statement, not unlike that shiny nose on the outside, these accents became less obtrusive during the week I drove the TL.
Believe me, with the tech package and the audio system, there are plenty of better things to focus on in the cabin.
My tester had lots of room for passengers in front and back. The driver's seat had endless position options and was comfortable with plenty of side bolstering and lumbar support. Leather surfaces were high quality, as were the soft-touch surfaces and fit and finish (you expect this from a Honda company).
The TL scores the maximum star rating in government frontal and side impact testing. Safety features in the TL abound: antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags and active front restraints.
My tester handled admirably in many road conditions. Ride quality is excellent, braking outstanding and the sporty handling allows you to have all the fun you might like while resting amid luxury accoutrements and refinement.
2010 ACURA TL SH-AWDENGINE: 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6
TRANSMISSION: five-speed automatic
DRIVETRAIN: all-wheel drive
FUEL ECONOMY: 17 city/25 highway
BASE PRICE: $42,385
AS TESTED: not available
WEB SITE: http://www.acura.com/