Acura, the luxury division of Honda Motor Company, is shoring up its marketing efforts, aiming squarely at Lexus, BMW and Infiniti shoppers. Acura was launched in March 1986 with two models, an entry-level Integra and the top-of-the-line, flagship, Legend sedan. The NSX sports car and Vigor sedan were introduced a few years later. Currently, Acura has a nationwide network of 300 dealers. The front-wheel-drive, four-door, five-passenger TL Series, which debuted this past spring as a '96 model, is the first in a series of alphanumeric automobiles marketed by Acura. All subsequent full model changeovers will adopt alphanumeric designations. The mid-size luxury TL replaces the Vigor, which ceased production in 1994. TL is Acura's designation for 'Touring luxury.' Our test-drive model was, a cream-colored, 2.5TL with tan leather interior. The 2.5 numerals refer to the engine's 2.5-liter size. Retail price starts at about $28,000, which includes a long list of standard items. Add to this a $420 destination charge and a $2,000 premium package (moonroof, leather upholstery), and the bottom line totaled $30,370. If the 2.5TL's engine has a familiar ring, it's because this a similar 2.5-liter five-cylinder, 176-horsepower inline powertrain used in the last generation Vigor. TL is also sold in a slightly pricier 3.2 trim level, which includes leather upholstery, keyless entry and a more potent V-6 engine. Both engines are arranged longitudinally, which Acura says provides better weight distribution and maximizes front impact protection. The 2.5TL is one of the few remaining upscale luxury models sold today offering the smaller, more noisy, five-cylinder, cast-aluminum alloy engine. Most of TL's competitors opt for the more powerful and prestigious six-cylinder types. The 2.5TL boasts one of the longest wheelbases ( distance between front and rear axles) in its class. A longer wheelbase, allows greater interior and cargo space and smoother ride. The 2.5 TL's 111.8-inch wheelbase is 1.4 inches longer than its Vigor predecessor, and its overall length is 191.5 inches. Ergonomically speaking, this car is a winner. Interior buttons, gages and large, dual cup holders are all within easy reach. The dashboard's simulated wood trim adds a very friendly feel. Our upgraded leather seats, with eight-way power adjustments are very comfortable, especially during long trips. Front seat riders have good head and leg room. Lights activate from the left-hand-side turn signal stalk. Dual-speed windshield wipers are found on the right-hand-side stalk. Cruise controls are located on the steering wheel, although the system must be turned on from a dashboard button. The stereo, with eight speakers, is within easy reach and has large, lighted, easy to find pre-set buttons. A large storage bin is located between the front seat occupants. Fuel and trunk release levers are located on the floor next to the driver's front bucket seats. The optional power sun roof is activated from a dashboard toggle switch, which is different from most other designs which positions these switches on the roof. Road visibility is excellent. Slim rear pillars minimize side blind spots. The floor-mounted, electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission features a gated shifter. When shifting out of park, the transmission lever follows a zig-zag-shaped template into the desired gears. This is in contrast to more traditional ' forward and back' design, and takes a little getting used to. Acura says this ensures correct selection of the desired gear. The impressive list of standard equipment includes dual air bags, power steering, automatic climate control, tilt steering column, cruise control, rear defogger, fog lights and power windows and locks. A CD player is also standard with the stereo package. While four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard, traction control is an option only in the 3.2TL. Rear-seat passengers find good head, and decent leg room. Ceiling handles help exiting the vehicle. A small, locking port hole behind the fold-down armrest in the middle of the backrest provides access to the large trunk for transporting snow skies and other long items. The trunk's low liftover design makes loading and unloading items easy. TL's silky smooth ride is attributed to a four wheel, all-independent, double-wishbone suspension. Exterior wise, Honda engineers took a conservative, rather than a radical approach. While there's nothing wrong with this philosophy, TL seems less distinctive-looking than many of its more aggressive-looking competitors. Other rivals in the competitive mid-level luxury segment include the Lexus ES 300 and BMW 3-Series. The fuel tank holds 17.2 gallons of unleaded fuel. Estimated economy is 20 miles per gallon city, and 25 mpg highway. Our test model, with 9,000 odometer miles registered 23 mpg combined driving. Acura assembles the TL Series in Japan. |