2009 Acura TL – Runs Faster, Jumps Higher

Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com

The Acura TL is one of the founding members of the near-luxury sedan club. Acura being theluxury division of Honda delivers a supremely well engineered vehicle that has learned that styleand emotion also have a place in the hearts of buyers. The new TL offers the prospects of excellingin both.

The totally new 2009 TL is offered in 2 forms, the TL base which is still a premium midsizesedan and the TL SH-AWD high performance model. Both are fine vehicles that get the job done, butin different fashions. The base model sports a 280 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 with an automatictransmission and the SH-AWD has Acura’s super handling all wheel drive, a 3.7 liter 305 horsepowerversion of the same engine also with an automatic. Base TL’s was indicating 30 miles per gallon offuel economy on leisurely highway cruises during our tests. The SH-AWD model adds even more sportand personality than the base model. The SH has more aggressive suspension components, a lowerrestriction exhaust, larger wheels and tires plus all wheel drive.

The styling on the new TL takes a big step forward. Whereas the previous model was squarish andangular, the 2009 is more sweeping and has some bold styling action happening at both ends. Thegrille now sports the Acura signature distinctive silver chip like the other models in the line.The rear styling is surprisingly imaginative and looks better than many other models’ grilles

The new push button start is an appropriate addition to this model as are the binnacle gaugepods and the center instrument stack. This is an upscale midsize sedan and the interioraccoutrements substantiate that. The interior room has been increased and is now claimed to be thelargest in their competitive suite.

The available technology package is especially well suited to this model. It includes an upscaleaudio system with ELS multi channel surround sound that is outstanding. The nav system, which isstill probably the best in the industry, is now HDD based allowing faster response and largeamounts of information to be downloaded. Music devices can be connected via iPod, USB or Aux plugsand you can even download your own personal wallpaper images viewable on the new 8.1 inch full VGAscreen. The new nav system offer not only real-time traffic and real-time weather but also hasDoppler weather that can be viewed on the screen.

Acura maintains its focus on safety. Passive safety comes in the form of a vehicle that hassuperb handling, stability control, traction control, 4 wheel ABS disc brakes and the security ofknowing that the car will go where you aim it.

In all, I was very impressed with the new TL. It’s really a great car and should be wellreceived.