Friday, April 17, 2009

Acura's TL: All Grown Up Again

What's New About the TL:
The all-new Acura is larger and roomier with its bold looking grille and Lexus-like rear-end.
Must Have Goodies:
The TL JeffCars.com reviewed was equipped with a tech package, which consisted of a voice activated navigational system, a rearview backup camera and an up-to-date traffic and weather information system. The TL also included a keyless push button ignition system and a world class 10-speaker audio system with Surround Sound and 6-disc in-dash CD changer. And the TL is compatible with a Bluetooth cell phone and MP3 player, too.
What Rocked:
The current generation TL now has a personality (whether you love it or hate it) with its aggressive design grille and V-shaped rear end. JeffCars.com also liked the smooth shifting synchronized 5-speed automatic transmission. Moreover, JeffCars.com loved the great handling abilities of the all-wheel-drive TL, when cornering with the standard 19-inch wheel package. And furthermore, we found the heated front seats to be both supportive and comfortable, which is a rarity for most premium sport luxury sedans.



What We Hated:
Not everyone we encountered during our review was receptive to Acura’s new grille. We found that most brothers loved the masculine look, while sisters believe it didn’t exude the subtle, but understated sex appeal, found in some of its competitors. Regardless of what you think, the new design definitely is a standout among its competitors. For a $40,000 plus vehicle, air conditioned front seats and a rear (manual or power) sunshade to block the sun light for cars considered as true luxury vehicles.
Any Juice:
A 3.7-liter 6-cylinder Honda engine is outfitted underneath the hood, kicking out 305-horses. (A less powerful 280-horsepower TL is available).
Verdict:
Like a little kid wanting to be a grown-up, Acura is yearning to be in the same league as Lexus and BMW. While this may be Acura’s first car to be considered a true luxury vehicle, the brand continues to be criticized for not offering an 8-cylinder engine. Added to that, the extremely firm suspension of the TL doesn’t quite place the vehicle in the luxury-class territory. Besides those minor (or major) details, tech lovers will be enthralled with the easy-to-use cockpit style entertainment system, which contained controls for the dual temperature controls and the nav system, the interior rivals its competitors. Once seated behind the steering wheel of the redesigned TL you immediately realize how much you love the car – regardless of the distinctive grille. The TL is available in five trim levels. Pricing starts at $35,000 and rises to $44,000 with the all-wheel-drive tech package. Pricing undercuts some of its competitors by several thousand dollars.
Competitors:
Cadillac's CTS, Infiniti's G-Class, BMW's 3-Series, Lexus' ES, Lincoln's MKS, Mercedes' C-Class and Volkswagen's CC
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To price out a new TL or another new vehicle, visit JeffCars.com's New Car-Buying Guide.

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