I’ve always liked the style of the Acura TL and my recent road test with the 2008 model further cemented my opinion. I was also reminded of its pleasant driving experience. This car flies under the radar, attacking the road with stealth and restrained power. Those who love refined performance will be delighted.
Lack of visual punch
Acura is known for being a bit too conservative in terms of styling and the TL is no exception. Only the rear end of the car really caught my attention, with a subtle spoiler on the trunklid enhancing its sportiness. I found this addition pretty well executed.
Much like the exterior, the build quality inside is flawless. The layout is rather plain yet it includes all the features of a top sports sedan. Overall, the environment has been cleverly thought out, but a few details need to be revised, like the size and shape of the sun shades which do not offer enough protection. Handy storage compartments are found throughout the interior, while the trunk proves quite convenient. As for the audio system, I can only make positive comments.
Driver-oriented cockpit
The 2008 Acura TL Type-S puts the driver in a nicely sculpted, highly supportive seat, with power adjustments to suit any body size. The dashboard boasts a comprehensive instrument panel featuring easy-to-read gauges and intuitive controls. I particularly liked the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
The outside mirrors require extra attention from the driver; I often had to double-check to make sure that the adjacent lane was free before I could make a transition. On the plus side, the headlights and windshield wipers met all my expectations.
I don’t know if it’s because I drove a press vehicle or a Japanese car, but the windshield defogger took more time clearing the driver’s side than the passenger’s. That proved to be kind of annoying on cold early mornings.
Safe on the road
Despite keeping a fairly low profile, the Type-S offers fun, sporty driving dynamics. It literally sticks to the road even though it’s a FWD car. There’s quite a solid feel to it, too. An ultra-rigid chassis allows this TL to attack corners with remarkable confidence. The steering is precise, although a bit heavy for parking maneuvers.
Stability control steps in at the right time, never putting a damper on the driving experience. The 286 horsepower allow brisk takeoffs (0-100 kph in 7.7 seconds) and convincing reaccelerations. It’s preferable to use the manual mode with the paddle shifters on the steering wheel to perform passing maneuvers; this way, you’ll be able to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear and sprint from 80 to 120 kph in 4.3 seconds (instead of 5.7 seconds in auto mode). The optional 5-speed transmission is a true wonder. A 6th gear might have been appreciated, but I never felt it was needed. While the TL Type-S comes standard with a 6-speed manual, I have to admit that the paddle shifters of the autobox won me over.
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