2009 ACURA TL

The new, fourth-generation TL is noticeably larger than its predecessor. It gains 15.7 cm in length, 3.5 cm in the wheelbase, 4.6 cm in width and 1.1 cm in height. It is weightier, too, by 70 to 155 kg, depending on the model. The latter weight increase is explained by the fact that, for the first time, the TL has access to Super Handling-All Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD for short. The base model houses a 3.5-litre V6 under the hood, whereas a 3.7-litre V6 powers the SH-AWD model.

Interior and trunk

Front access is complicated by wide doorsills that attract dirt, and beefy seat bolstering. The seats are very comfortable and hold the occupants very snugly in place. Some people will find that the head restraints crowd to their head. Drivers enjoy a very good driving position. Headroom and legroom are relatively generous.

The rear doors do not open very wide, the openings are small and the doorsills are wide and pick up dirt, which makes it difficult to access the back. Grime collects on the rear edge of the rocker panel and can easily end up on your clothes. The seat is comfortable for just two, as the middle section is anything but accommodating. Headroom and legroom are average. If the front passengers adjust their seats even a bit lower, there is almost no foot room left for the rear passengers. The seatback does not fold but it does have a small ski pass-through.

Luggage capacity is not very impressive. The trunk is irregular in shape and a bit low, which limits what you can stow inside. The trunk opening is adequate but the load sill is a bit high.

Convenience and safety features

Cabin finish and the quality of materials are excellent. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for soundproofing, which lets road and wind noise through a bit too easily. Storage space is good.

Instrument displays and controls are well laid out, with the exception of the heating system controls, placed to the right of the centre console and too far from the driver. The many controls require a period of adaptation. Some people may be overwhelmed by the 39 buttons and controls lodged on the centre stack in models equipped with a navigation system. Certain controls are small, particularly some of the dozen or so found on the steering wheel. To sum up, we’ve seen better in terms of ergonomics. Everything is illuminated at night.

Photo: Acura The heating system and seat heaters are rapid. The turn signal and wiper levers, and the transmission shifter, have a quality feel.

The windshield is deeply recessed from the front roof pillars, especially at their base. This allows snow to build up, which can prevent the wipers from reaching their full scope and force the wiper motor. The washer nozzles, under the edge of the hood, can easily be blocked by snow.

Safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, stability control, five head restraints including two active ones in front, and the ACE (for Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, which enhances passenger safety in a frontal collision with a higher or lower vehicle. Visibility is generally good but the A and C pillars create relatively large blind zones that make it hard to judge distances when backing up. The Xenon headlights are effective.

In U.S. government tests, the TL obtained five stars out of five for driver and front- occupant protection in a frontal impact. It also received five stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the TL a Good rating, its highest, for driver protection in a frontal offset crash, for all-occupant protection in a side impact and for all-occupant protection in a rear impact.

Engine and transmission

The 3.5-litre V6 outputs 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. The 3.7-litre V6 makes 305 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. With both engines, acceleration and pickup are spirited and very well felt, and both engines provide very lively and very smooth performance. With the two-wheel drive version, you have to watch out for torque steer. Acceleration times are about the same, which can be explained by the fact that the four-wheel drive version weighs 114 kg more. Both engines met Tier2/Bin5 emissions control standards.

The five-speed automatic transmission—we’d prefer six speeds—generally shifts very smoothly. However, you can feel it downshift at times. Gears are well spaced, and manual mode is relatively quick. You can drive off in second gear. A hill start assist system prevents the car from backing up when starting off on an incline by holding the brakes for two seconds when the driver releases the brake pedal.

The SH-AWD system is very sophisticated. It not only varies torque distribution front-to- rear but also between the front wheels. In normal driving, up to 90% of torque is directed to the front wheels. In strong acceleration, up to 70% is transferred to the rear wheels. When accelerating into a curve, in sporty driving, up to 100% of the torque sent to the rear wheels can be directed to the outside rear wheel to facilitate cornering. The system lets the outside wheel turn a bit faster than the other three, which allows the vehicle to turn, or pivot, more easily, thus reducing understeer. Torque distribution is instantly displayed on a screen in the dash.

On the road

The TL’s four-wheel independent sport suspension is rather firm. In general, the ride is smooth. However, certain bumps set off a firm reaction that not everyone will appreciate.

In some cases, the reaction is almost harsh. Road holding is very good, particularly with the SH-AWD model thanks to better weight distribution, a firmer suspension and four-wheel drive. Both versions drive with a solid feel, but with little road feel.

The electric-assist power steering is very well weighted, stable and precise. The steering system is a bit heavier with SH-AWD. It transmits little in the way of road sensation. Braking is powerful and fade resistant.

Inspection

In an inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical centre we saw that the TL rests on a robust frame and front suspension. Rust proofing is adequate. Debris can get through openings under the front bumper and damage the air-conditioner condenser. The overhead camshafts are chain driven.

Conclusion

The new generation of the TL is more spacious, more powerful and more upscale. With the most sophisticated all-wheel-drive system in its category, the SH-AWD model can now compete with all its four-wheel-drive rivals. Unfortunately for sporty driving enthusiasts, the feel behind the wheel is limited. Once again, in a Honda product, road noise is a disappointment.

PROS: powerful engines, smooth transmission, comfortable front seating, careful construction, road comportment, very efficient SH-AWD system

CONS: road noise, access especially to back seats, no folding seatback, windshield washer nozzles under hood edge, wide doorsills attract dirt, trunk capacity

2009 ACURA TL

Engine: 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6; 24-valve, 3.7-litre V6 Horsepower: 280 hp at 6,200 rpm; 305 hp at 6,300 rpm Torque: 254 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm; 273 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 277.5 cm Length: 496.1 cm Width: 188 cm Height: 145.2 cm Weight: 1,683 to 1,803 kg Tires: P245/50R17; P245/45R18 Maximum towing capacity: forbidden Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags

Fuel consumption with 3.5-litre: Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 11.6 L/100 km ( 24 mpg) Highway: 7.5 L/100 km (38 mpg) Test result: 11.7 L/100 km (24 mpg) Test temperature: - 20°C to - 6°C

CO2 emissions: 4,656 kg/20,000 km

Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres

Fuel requirement: premium grade gasoline

Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 6.8 seconds 60–100 km/h: 4.3 seconds

Competition: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac CTS, Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 350, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes C-Class, Saab 9-5, Volvo S60

Warranty: ‚ Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km ‚ Major components: 5 years/100,000 km ‚ Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km ‚ Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km ‚ Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system).

Factory replacement parts: ‚ Rear bumper: $423 ‚ Front brake disc: $145 ‚ Brake pads: $80 ‚ Muffler: $289 (right side); $593 (left side) ‚ Front fender: $379

Price according to trim level: ‚ TL : $40,160 ‚ TL SH-AWD : $44,660

Main options: ‚ Technology package: $3,500

Price as tested: $40,160 (TL); $48,160 (TL SH-AWD)

Freight and preparation: $1,825

Dealers: Quebec: 11 Canada: 41

© January 2009. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec