Head Office: CAA-Quebec 444 Bouvier Street Québec, QC G2J 1E3 2004 ACURA TL The all-new Acura TL is higher and wider than the previous model, and nearly 16 cm shorter, though the wheelbase is practically the same. Honda now has its sights on the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E- Class, rather than the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class, as before. In putting up a front-wheel drive against the recognized value of RWD and/or 4WD, Honda is definitely not short on ambition. Interior and trunk Access to both the front and rear is easy. The front seats prove to be either comfortable or very comfortable, depending on your frame. Heavily built people find their back resting against the side bolsters, instead of the backrest, which is not comfortable on long trips. But if you can settle in between the bolsters, you’ll fully enjoy the seats. Thanks to the tilt-telescoping steering column, the driving position is excellent. Two adults fit comfortably into the rear, with good headroom and legroom. The seatback has a ski pass-through but does not fold down. The latch plates are located further down on the fender wells than before, but they can still catch or soil your clothing all too easily. The roomy trunk has a good, big opening. The trunk-lid hinges are recessed now and won’t squash things underneath. Convenience and safety Our test car was well finished but afflicted by creaks and rattles. As usual with Honda, road noise is clearly audible—to much so for a car in this price range set to compete with the midsize sedans from Germany. Pictures: www.acura.com Gauges are well designed and easy to read. Most controls are well located. However, the turn-signal and windshield wiper levers are too close to the wheel and too easy to hit, especially when wearing gloves. Two things need attention, turn signals that are almost inaudible, and the tight space for the accessory plug. We have no complaints with the air conditioning and nothing but praise for the audio system sound quality. It seems odd that fog lights are not available for this vehicle. The TL has a full complement of safety devices, including two front and side air bags, two side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability assist, traction control, four high-adjusting head restraints, and more. Visibility is generally very good, though the rear head restraints are a hindrance when looking straight back, and the wide C-pillars block the view on a ¾ rear angle, especially when backing up. The bright headlights do a very credible job. Engine and transmission The 3.2-litre V6 is an improved version of the engine that equipped the former TL. It develops 270 hp and 238 lb-ft of torque. Though torque may seem modest, launch and passing accelerations are quick to a point where the driver has to watch out for torque steer, especially in heavy acceleration. This engine climbs smoothly through the rev range, and the VTEC system modifies valve admission starting at 4,700 rpm. In certain conditions, the electronic accelerator lacks progressiveness. This V6 engine meets “LEV2 ULEV” ultra-low vehicle emissions standards. The five-speed automatic transmission is well geared and shifts very smoothly. Gear changes are a bit slow in manual mode. On the road The fully independent suspension is on the firm side but almost always provides a comfortable ride. The 45-profile tires cause a harsh reaction at low speed on pavement defects like small potholes. Road holding is excellent, on all surfaces, and handling is fairly neutral even though 60% of the weight rests on the front wheels. However, the suspension isolates the driver from the road, wiping out a big part of the pleasure of driving a performance sedan. The power steering is steady, precise and fast. However, it is a bit heavy at low speed, when it should be light, and a bit light at high speed, when it should be heavy. It provides a bit of road feel. The four-wheel disc brakes are powerful and fade resistant. A technical inspection by CAA-Quebec showed that the Acura TL is very well assembled, with a sturdy, thoroughly rust-proofed underside. Conclusion With its spacious, comfortable cabin, powerful engine, smooth automatic transmission, generous equipment, very good handling and quality to price ratio, the new TL is an undeniable success. However, there is a serious lack of road feel, which may send some sport sedan buyers elsewhere. Though the TL compares favourably in size with the European intermediates, it lacks the aura of prestige surrounding the German marques. That said, and driving sensations aside, the TL has what it takes to be a serious contender in the $40,000 to $50,000 price range. FOR: roominess, road holding, powerful engine, smooth automatic transmission, finish, trunk space AGAINST: road noise, levers too close to steering wheel, rear door lock plates, narrow front seats for heavy builds, turn signals barely audible, ¾ rear and rear visibility 2004 ACURA TL Engine: 24-valve, 3.2-litre V6 Horsepower: 270 hp @ 6,200 rpm Torque: 238 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm Transmission: 5-speed auto.; 6- speed man. Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 473 cm Width: 183.5 cm Height: 144.1 cm Wheelbase: 274 cm Weight: 1,585 to 1,626 kg Tires: 235/45R17 Towing capacity: non- Air bags: dual front and side; dual recommended curtain Fuel consumption with automatic transmission: − Transport Canada rating: city: 11.6 L/100 km (24 mpg); highway: 6.7 L/100 km (37 mpg) − Test result: 11 L/100 (26 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 64.7 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 7 seconds 60-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds Competition: Audi A4 and A6, BMW Series 3 and 5, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type and S-Type, Lexus ES and GS, Lincoln LS, Mercedes Class C and Class E, Saab 9-5, Volvo S60 and S80 Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 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: $443 Front brake disk: $122 Brake pads: $71 Muffler (dual): $1,037 Front fender: $342 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $913 to $1,413 Price according to trim line: Base: $40,800 Dynamic: $41,800 Navi: $44,000 Main options: Backup sensor: $930 Sport suspension: $1,400 (Dynamic only) 18-in. mag wheels: $2,108 Price as tested: $44,000 Freight and preparation: $950 Dealers: Quebec: 11; Canada: 41 CAA-Quebec, June 2004 .