July 14, 2006
 
ON THE ROAD: Acura TL Goes Far in 'Near Luxury' Market
 
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
 
More than a decade after its introduction, the TL mid-size sedan remains the most popular vehicle bearing an Acura badge, though 2006 sales through June are down more than 5 percent.
 
Competing in the "near-luxury" segment that accounts for about a third of the luxury market, the TL's top challengers include the BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35 and Audi A4. The TL matches or surpasses the competition in style and luxury amenities but comes up short of the benchmark BMW 3-Series in terms of performance.
 
The TL arrived in 1995 as Acura remodeled its fleet led by the full-size RL luxury sedan. The second generation TL debuted in 1999, with the current generation coming in 2004 with more power, more razzle-dazzle technology and an exterior built around the Bauhaus design concept that form follows function.
 
The mid-size sedan's muscular persona is enhanced by large wheels, fender blisters, well-defined character lines and a beautifully arched roofline that flows gracefully to the tightly tucked tail. The sedan's face expresses confidence and power.
 
The 2006 TL has received minor updates, such as a tire-pressure monitor, while retaining an enviable list of standard features, particularly in the electronic communications department.
 
Cars in this class are typically powered by strong V6 engines. The TL's 3.2-liter, 24-valve, all-aluminum VTEC V6 cranks 258 horsepower, plenty for a car that tips the scales at 3,483 pounds. Fuel economy is true to parent Honda's commitment to the efficiency of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway.
 
To prove the TL's performance bona fides, Acura equipped the TL with a standard six-speed stick that whips through the upper gears with elan but requires some initial nursing; finding the clutch pedal's sweet spot on takeoffs took some practice. Frankly, I see no reason to bypass the five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission that is available at no additional cost.
 
The front-drive TL uses a drive-by-wire throttle system that replaces a mechanical connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine. Evolved from the drive-by-wire system in the NSX sports car, the system modulates the throttle during automatic transmission shifts.
 
TLs with the six-speed manual transmission are equipped with a limited slip differential designed to overcome torque steer, the tendency for a front-drive car to be steered by variations in acceleration of the front wheels. During hard acceleration into a turn, some torque steer was still detectible.
 
Ride quality on the independent suspension is high, though a little below the benchmarks set by the German luxury brands.
 
The panoply of electronic wonders includes premium eight-speaker Surround Sound with six-disc CD, DVD-Audio and DTS changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby Cassette. The audio uses six distinct channels instead of the typical two for sound resolution 500 times greater than CD.
 
The TL also comes with a Bluetooth-based hands-free phone system as standard equipment. The Acura Navigation System with voice recognition is available on the TL as a factory-installed option. The system has a menu of 293 voice commands and an 8-inch touch screen display.
 
A heavy ration of comfort and convenience features make the TL a tough package to beat at a base price of $33,325. Ergonomically, the TL is extremely considerate with large, simple audio knobs that don't pose as major distractions from the road. Controls for the audio system, as well as the telephone, voice command and cruise control are also duplicated on the steering hub.
 
There's very little need to add options with standard equipment that includes leather upholster, aluminum or wood-patterned trim, 10-way power-adjustable heated driver's seat and four-way power-adjustable heated passenger's seat.
 
The instrument panel is beautifully backlit with light emitting diodes. The power-window switches and front center console are also illuminated.
 
The automatic climate control system has controls for driver and passenger zones, with vents for the rear passengers. A power moon roof can be operated with the keyless entry system. A theft-deterrent and immobilizer system is also standard.
 
Safety features include front and side curtain airbags.
 
The new tire pressure monitoring system has four sensors and four initiators and a receiver to capture and relay information, the system alerts the driver when it detects that tire pressure in one or more tires drops significantly below the recommended pressure.
 
The TL's Maintenance Minder system alerts the driver when routine service, including oil and filter replacement and tire rotation, are needed. When the TL is started, Maintenance Minder information is displayed on the multi-information display located on the instrument panel beneath the fuel gauge.
 
WHAT'S NEW: Tire-pressure monitoring system.
 
PLUSES: Styling, comfort, standard equipment, safety.
 
MINUSES: Weak low-end torque.
 
BOTTOM LINE: Acura's bestseller falls short of benchmark in performance.
 
Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.