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Acura TL a contender in the mid-size luxury class Story and photos by Lorne DruryCar Name Metroland NewspapersAt A Glance:Carguide MagazineBODY STYLE:Mid-size entry luxuryThe midsize luxury sedan segment is a sedan.highly competitive one where almost everyDRIVE METHOD:Front-engine, front- or manufacturer has a significant entry.all-wheel drive.But it would be vehicles like the 2011 AcuraENGINE:3.5-litre 24-valve SOHC VTECTL, which offer an all-wheel drive versionV6 (280 hp, 254 lb/ft of torque); 3.7-litrethat would be on my wish list here in the24 valve SOHC VTEC V6 (305 hp, 273 lb/Great White North.ft of torque).While we may not get as much snow as we FUEL ECONOMY:TL (city/highway) used to, having all-wheel drive available 11.6L/100km, 7.5L/100km; SH-AWD when inclement weather strikes is important 12.3L/100km, 8.1L/100km.for many drivers.PRICE: $39,490 to $46,990. As testedThe 2011 version of the TL is the fourth$46,990.generation of Acuras entry-luxury model. ItWEB SITE: www.acura.cawas completely redesigned back in 2009 from the ground up. The Acura TL for 2011 is available in front-or all-wheel drive versions. With front-drive, a 3.5-litre V6Featuring extensive use of high-strength although thankfully, no panic stops were is offered, while the all-wheel-drive version gets a 3.7-litre engine.steel and aluminum, the TL offers a choice of required.two VTEC SOHC V6 engines, a 280 hp 3.5-The Technology Package adds $3,500 to the love it or you hate it. Theres doesnt seem tonicely done.litre and a 305 hp 3.7-litre.price of the TL or SH-AWD and is a welcome be much middle ground.The heated leather seats up front are comfy It was the first Acura ever to offer the choice addition with features like a navigation sys-The prominent chrome grille and theand interior room is spacious. The drivers of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drivetem with voice recognition, 440-watt, chopped rear end seem to the styling featuresseat has 10 power settings, while the passen-when it was introduced in 2009.10-speaker Dolby Pro Logic sound system, that draw the bulk of the negative attention.ger side Starting at $39,490 for the front-wheel-driverearview camera and a 12.4 GB hard drive.While styling is such a subjective thing, itUnlike the interior, the trunk is not so spa-base model, four trim levels are available onIf you want keyless entry you have to buy this can make or break sales of a vehicle andcious. The cargo capacity of 371 litres (13.1 the TL for 2011. My tester was a top-of-the-package because it also includes push button theres no doubt this has hurt sales of thecu ft) is less than many of the competitors. line TL SH-AWD (which stands for Super start.TL.I also gauge the cargo area by how easily my Handling- All-Wheel Drive) with the Even the base TL is well equipped, though, But if youre one of the people who love thebulky hockey bag is to get in and out, and Technology Package that priced out at with items like power moonroof, fog lights, look, theres a lot more to like with the TL. with the TL the wide trunk opening makes it $46,990. In between are the TL with hands-free BlueTooth phone interface, pad-Both front-drive TLs come with the 3.5-litrea snap.Technology Package $42,990 and the TLdle shifters, leather trimmed interior and a 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine. You have toHonda/Acura has always been known for its SH-AWD $43,490.276-watt, eight-speaker Pro Logic sound move up to the SH-AWD to get the 305 hpabundance of safety features and the TL is no The SH-AWD provides more than just trac-system.3.7-litre VTEC engine. Both come with aexception. Four wheel anti-lock brakes with tion in poor weather conditions. If it was my choice and within my budget, Id five-speed automatic transmission with pad-electronic brake distribution and brake assist According to Acura, the package is designeddefinitely go for the SH-AWD model. The dle shifters and Grade Logic Control. Front-are standard. for the enthusiast driver and also includessport-tuned suspension and steering make it drive versions get 17-inch aluminum-alloyThe usual assortment of airbags are standard special suspension and steering tuned tomore of a drivers car and the all-wheel drive wheels, while the SH-AWD gets 18-inchers.as are vehicle stability assist with traction dramatically enhance sporty handling inadds a sense of security in our unpredictable The TL features four-wheel independentcontrol and tire pressure monitoring system. addition to enhancing the vehicles winterwinter weather.double wishbone suspension with multi-lineThe SH-AWD gets co-operative vehicle sta-driving capability.The competition is stiff in this class with rear and stabilizer bars front and rear. bility assist with traction control along with From a pure driving standpoint, theres nocompetitors like the Lexus ES350, Buick Electronic power steering is standard.hill start assist, which applies brake pressure denying the TL is a fine drivers car. It con-LaCrosse, BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Hyundai Inside, the TL has a modern look with alumi-on an incline until you punch the throttle.tends quite nicely in the class against theGenesis and Infiniti G37. But the Acura TL is num trim in place of the traditional woodThe 3.7-litre V6 in the SH-AWD model gets best that Europe, Asia and North Americaa worthy entry in the segment. Now in its found on most luxury offerings. Most sur-to speed well, accelerating from 0-100 km/h have to offer.fourth generation, it has attracted a legion of faces are soft to the touch and the two-tonein under six seconds. The brakes also per-However, from a styling standpoint, its afans and many are now on their second or interior treatment of the SH-AWD tester wasformed well in my time with the vehicle, vehicle that polarizes options you eitherthird TL.OAKVILLES ORIGINAL FORD DEALER 2011FordFiesta905.845.1646 www.kennedyford.ca13 Wednesday, March 9, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com