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| Acura's manual-equipped TL is still quite the driver |
ASSOCIATE EDITOR GRAHAM KOZAK: I don't think many people have really been sure what to make of Acura lately. The neo-NSX has been in the works forever, the TLX “prototype” we saw in Detroit was nice enough but hardly a stunner, and the range-topping RLX can't quite keep up with the German competition.
So the prospect of driving a 2014 Acura TL SH-AWD (one of two models the coming TLX is supposed to replace, the other being the TSX), didn't exactly get the heart pumping. Off the bat, I knew I was going to be confronted with a cluttered, button-laded center console and a fairly solid chassis/powertrain draped in so-so sheetmetal.
Still, I'm always happy to be proven wrong by a car, and though the TL does still sport that unfortunate parts-bin-sourced infotainment cluster, it's easy enough to look past the center console once you leave the driveway.
The TL wasn't just more fun to drive than I was expecting -- an admittedly low-ish bar -- it was genuinely entertaining.
You'll want to tap the sensitive throttle just because the V6 seems so happy to be revved. The engine note is pleasantly mechanical, and it's just loud enough to hear in the otherwise quiet cabin. I like that; it's a nice, subtle reminder of how Honda got to be where it is today. The precise shifter caught me off guard in a good way, and I'm pleased that Acura sees fit to offer the six-speed manual in its higher-level, AWD-equipped trims. Mazda, take note.
Like its engine, the car seems to enjoy being pushed; the AWD system eliminates any torque steer that the 273 lb-ft may have produced. It's flat and solid through corners and confident in the snow.
All in all, this is the most pleasant, most interesting and most engaging Acura I can recall being in recently. It's not exactly a stunner, but its angles stand out from beak to trapezoidal exhaust tips. It's got a great engine and a surprisingly crisp transmission. And the price isn't even that ridiculous when you consider that a comparable Buick Regal GS AWD is in the ballpark.
But -- and you knew there was going to be a “but” -- this is probably the kind of car Acura needs to be presenting as its baseline if it wants to move forward. It's a pretty decent example of the future-techno-luxury (or entry-level luxury, or whatever) that Acura could be bringing to the market, from its smaller cars on up through its big crossovers. And the aforementioned Buick isn't the only thing within this price rage: So is the Audi A4 quattro and the slightly smaller 4Matic-equipped Mercedes-Benz C-class.
I know, I know. I don't have to design, engineer, build or sell cars, so it's easy enough for me to talk. But it's also easy enough for buyers to drive right past the Acura lot in search of something else, which seems to be the case these days.
SENIOR MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: I've always preferred the third-generation TL's exterior styling and proportions to those of this fourth-gen model, but I never have many complaints once I push the start button and begin to give the car a workout. Young Kozak shouldn't be surprised by the six-speed manual's precise action, as it is a long-appreciated Acura staple.
Stuck driving through snow once again as this Nuclear-esque winter drags on with no end in sight, the AWD-equipped TL inspires exceptional confidence thanks to its well-controlled chassis, excellent seating position and chunky steering wheel; perhaps the highest compliment I can pay it is to say the TL is a very fluid package, resulting in spirited driving even in less-than-ideal conditions. Don't mistake that statement as bragging of hooliganism or dangerous driving, but rather to point out how the TL puts you into driver mode immediately. The solid traits mentioned already synthesize with the strong, mildly rumbly engine to produce a well-balanced, mechanical-feeling sport-sedan that I still enjoy very much even now, a good five years post-introduction.
I agree with Graham regarding some of the controls, though I don't necessarily find the center stack too busy; I don't always prefer that each control is embedded within a complex, on-screen only multi-media/navigation/climate/trash compactor setup. But some of the controls that are on-screen only are mildly irritating to discern. And please, Acura, the driver's display message -- and diagram showing three pedals (!) -- instructing me EVERY TIME I get in to depress the clutch before firing the ignition (or in the case of the automatic-gearbox equipped TL, to press the brake first) is asinine.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: This gearbox has been around for a long time now, and it's still one of the best in the business. Perfect throw, perfect height, and perfect snap as it clicks into place. When I was assigned the car for the weekend, I already knew I liked the naturally-aspirated engine; the manual transmission was a bonus.
This V6 delivers fantastic acceleration in nearly every gear, and pushes hard, even when shifting early. The exhaust note sounds a little metallic, reminding me of the Nissan V6s. All-wheel drive kept me cruising over all sorts of terrain, from snow to ice to dusty salt. It even squawked a few tires when I popped the clutch after slowing for a distracted driver.
The shape is pretty boring, and like Mac said, this is one of the few Acuras that looked better in previous years.
The multitude of buttons is kind of a pain, but you do get used to them over the course of a few days. I even changed the settings in the radio so I could skip through all channels, and not just favorites. The navigation system was great when I got stuck in traffic on my way home, and started taking random turns just to get some speed going. The system also quickly connected to my Apple iPhone and played all my stuff.
The TL comes in right at BMW 3-series money, which is a tough sell for people who care about brands.
Would a buyer choose an Acura over the Roundel, all other things being equal? I doubt it.
ROAD TEST EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: I hope everyone enjoyed what most likely will be their last go around with this TL SH-AWD and the manual transmission, because it sure doesn't seem like there are plans for a good old-fashioned, three-pedal setup in the upcoming TLX.
The fact that a manual is available in this generation TL with SH-AWD wasn't a given and is only here because engineers at Honda R&D America fought for it. They got the plan approved and developed it, which is the first time a manual gearbox was used in conjunction with SH-AWD. To make it work, they had to develop stronger engine and transmission cradles and half-shafts. What are the chances of a manual getting approved again? Probably slim, but you never know. We can always hope.
This TL's bland overall appearance has been well documented above, but I do prefer the current softer lines compared to the wild and crazy creases all over the place that this car had when it first debuted. I still find the cabin supremely comfortable, with excellent seats that are cushy and supportive. Materials throughout are of good quality with nice finishes, and the button-heavy center stack is something I've never had a problem with. It's logically laid out and doesn't take much time to get used to. I know Acura is moving towards more touchscreen-dependent interiors like the one found in the MDX, and to be honest I prefer hard buttons over tapping on a screen that will inevitably smudge up.
But this TL remains a solid vehicle even in its old age. Nobody builds a smoother V6 than Honda/Acura and nobody does more fluid manual gearboxes. The engine sounds great at wide-open-throttle and effortlessly revs up high with peak power being made up there. Even down low, there is enough grunt in the V6 to make it a flexible engine. While the manual shifter in the TSX is tops in operation, the TL is a close second, with crisp shifts and a light clutch that's a snap to operate.
It's a dynamic-feeling chassis that's responsive to steering inputs with well-weighted steering feel. It's well-damped to keep the body nicely tied down with minimal body roll. Ride quality is firm but comfortable, with the majority of small and medium ruts smoothed out.
And for $44K, there's good value here, with the Technology trim level packing in navigation with real-time traffic and weather information, a rocking ELS sound system, push-button starter, and Bluetooth. The only thing missing that I would really want is the blind spot monitoring system that's included in the Advance versions, but that's not available with the manual. I would gladly live without the blind-spot monitor for the stick.
2014 Acura TL SH-AWD with Technology Package
Base Price: $44,295As-Tested Price: $44,295
Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V6; AWD, six-speed manual
Output: 305 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 273 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,889 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 17/25/20 mpg
AW Observed Fuel Economy: 18.0 mpg
Options: None
Source;
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140306/CARREVIEWS/140309907
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