Acura’s first stab at a small luxury sedan was the vigor, a model introduced in 1991. Featuring an inline 5 cylinder engine, the vehicle failed to challenge against the BMW 3-series – its targeted market – and barely held its own against the similar size Lexus of the day. After three less than stellar model years, the Vigor was dropped from the Acura line up, but replaced by the TL, an automobile that really has energised the Acura line up. Where the animation lagged, the TL has excelled : so much so that the TL is the best selling Acura and a robust competitor against similar cars from Mercedes, Infiniti, Cadillac, Lexus, and BMW.
Sometimes failure is the most powerful catalyst for change. O.K, the Vigor wasn’t a total flop, but it certainly was not a car that could compete successful in the midsize high end car class. As with so many products developed by Honda, the company is a quick learner and the evidence has been borne out in the TL, the most popular selling Acura on the market. The current TL is not bad, neither will it bust your financial position. Here is what you get for the regal sum of roughly $33,000 :
powerful Engine — A 24 valve V6 motor powers this baby to provide 258 horses and 233 lbs of torque. Featuring VTEC technology, the TL’s engine squeezes out every ounce of power while manufacturing an ultra low quantity of emissions.
Tranny Wonder — A 6 speed manny tranny is standard and a 5 speed automatic shift gate transmission is optional. Both transmission selections work effortlessly and are precision tuned to provide maximum reply.
Wheels and Brakes — 17 in. tires and aluminium wheels help the TL navigate each curve and bring the sedan to a sure stop each time. 4 wheel drive disc brakes, ABS, brake assist, stability assist, and traction control round out the security features found in every TL.
postpone This – For final driving satisfaction, each TL comes provided with an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Add in gas filled shocks and stabilizer bars and you have got a vehicle that can conquer the hardest corners as well as do justice on the famed Nurburgring race track.
Luxury Abounds – Creature comforts abound for the TL driver and its passengers. An eight spokesperson ELS surround system envelopes the cabin, a HandsFreeLink makes phone conversation while driving a breeze, and heated seats ward off the coldest chill a dark winter’s morning has to offer you.
Safety, Safety Everywhere – Front and side airbags with a seatbelt tightening system supply the ultimate level of safety for all cabin occupants.
Now in its 3rd generation, the TL is still updated to take on the BMW 3 Series, its chief rival. Though most critics still give the three Series the engineering lead, the TL is turning out to be more reliable in the long run. Count on Honda to further close the overall gap when the fourth generation TL shows up in about three years time : perhaps, just perhaps, we’ll have a new leader in the midsize luxury car class. If the TL does wring the lead from BMW, current owners won’t be surprised as they continue to heap praises on a car that already leads many shopper satisfaction surveys.
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