2005 RL

The new Acura RL luxury showcases the latest technology from . All that is missing is a hybrid engine. Sportier than the preceding version, the 2005 RL features a very sophisticated four-wheel-drive system that makes it a serious contender in the mid-size sport sedan category dominated by the Europeans.

Interior and trunk

Access is easy to the very comfortable front seats. Electric seat heaters keep occupants warm; a flow of air through perforations in the leather keeps them cool. Both modes work well. The driving position is excellent thanks in part to the tilt-telescopic steering column. Short people will find that the seat cushion is too long.

In back, getting in is easier that getting out because of the limited space between the B- pillar and the seat cushion. The rear bench seats two adults. No one can sit in the middle of the seat because of the transmission tunnel. Legroom is sufficient but a tall person’s head will brush up against the ceiling. The seatback does not fold down, but it has a small ski pass-through.

The roomy trunk is handicapped by a small opening.

Convenience and safety

The cabin is nicely appointed in quality materials. Fit and finish are very good, though we noticed some uneven joints especially near the doorsills. A car in this price range should be ultra-quiet, especially one equipped with a noise-cancellation system. Here, road noise is too clearly audible. On the other hand, you can’t hear the click of the turn signals. In our tester, the dashboard creaked from time to time. On a positive note, there is an abundance of storage spaces.

Instruments and controls are well located and lighted at night. The climate control system is efficient but for certain settings, like DEFROST/HEAT, you have to use the multifunction screen, taking your eyes off the road. In addition, ventilation must be controlled manually when it rains or snows or else the windows fog up. The navigation system is simple and easy to use.

Photos: Acura

The remote locking system is slow and works only if you are close to the door. We also noted a problem with the excellent audio system’s automatic volume control. If you didn’t notice it in the vehicle specifications, you might not know it was there.

The RL is equipped with panoply of safety features, including two front, two side and two side curtain air bags; antilock brakes; skid control; four-wheel drive; and active HID lights. The front head restraints do not adjust high enough for tall people. The three rear restraints are unsuitable for average-to- tall individuals; a power feature lets you fold them down to improve the view to the rear. It is nearly impossible to judge the distance when backing up. An obstacle detector can be installed by the dealer; it should come as standard equipment. The top of the dash reflects off the windshield. The power headlights light such a wide path that the system that pivots them 20 degrees is almost superfluous.

Engine and transmission

The 3.5-litre V6 engine develops 300 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, for invigorating acceleration. Initially a bit slow, acceleration is so progressive, the driver may underestimate how fast this car is. The RL has the power it needs to meet all requirements.

Though the five-speed transmission is smooth, you can feel it shift, especially from second to third, and downshifts are perceptible when coming to a stop. The driver can change gears manually using the shift lever or the paddle controls on the back of the steering wheel. The paddle shifts seem quicker than the lever shifts.

The unique SH-AWD (Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive) system is very sophisticated. It not only determines how torque is distributed front and rear but also how much goes to each rear wheel. The system sends up to 70% of torque to the front wheels in normal driving and up to 70% to the rear wheels in heavy acceleration. In a curve, in sporty driving, up to 100% of rear-wheel torque goes to the outside wheel. Torque distribution is instantly displayed on a dashboard screen; in many situations, it is divided 50/50 front and rear.

On the road

The firm independent suspension is tempered by a touch of compliancy. Though controlled and nicely smooth, the ride is stiffer than before and some rough spots can elicit a surprisingly harsh reaction. In curves, the RL has a quick, tenacious grip worthy of the best sport sedans. Suspension limits are high and you have to push the car hard for the system to send torque to the outside wheel. The RL slips through turns so

Photos: Acura smoothly that you practically have to watch the display to know what is happening with torque distribution.

The is another strong point. Well tuned, stable, precise and quick, it conveys a bit of feedback on how the tires relate to the road. The four-wheel disc brakes are powerful and fade resistant.

On the lift at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, the RL displayed good design and a sturdy undercarriage.

Conclusion

With its generous equipment, quality materials, comfortable seats, outstanding roadability, the RL is serious competition for the European sedans. Though no V8 engine is available, the V6 provides perfectly adequate performance. Acura should extend its basic warranty to 4 years, to bring it up to the level of the competition.

PROS: comfortable seats, handling, roominess, drive train, very efficient SH-AWD system, equipment

CONS: road noise, dashboard reflections in windshield, small trunk opening, head restraints do not adjust high enough, back-up visibility, length of basic warranty

2005 ACURA RL

Engine: 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6 Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6200 rpm Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully automatic Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 491.7 cm Width: 184.7 cm Height: 145.2 cm : 280 cm Weight: 1,815 kg Tires: 245/50R17 Towing capacity: 454 kg Air bags: dual front, side and side air curtain

Fuel consumption: − Transport Canada rating: city: 12.9 L/100 km (24 mpg); highway: 8.4 L/100 km (34 mpg) − Test result: 12.9 L/100 (22 mpg) − Temperature: -5oC to 15oC

Photos: Acura Fuel tank capacity: 73 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds 60-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds

Competition: Audi A6, BMW 530i, Cadillac STS, Infiniti M35, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS300, Mercedes E320, Volvo S80

Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Major components: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/unlimited kilometrage − Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited kilometrage − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device)

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $930 Front brake disk: $204 Brake pads: $71 Muffler: $657 Front fender: $534

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,397 to $2,936

Price according to trim line: $69,500 Main options: Back-up detector: $1,136 18-inch wheels: $2,708

Price as tested: $69,500

Freight and preparation: $1,200

Dealers: Quebec: 11; Canada: 41

© CAA-Quebec, April 2005

Photos: Acura