OA Ne its ee e. Automaker drops anonymous Vigor for mid-si ~Greg Wilsen test drive ACURA’S NEW mid-sized TL sedan replaces (and re- invigorates) the Vigor, a competent but plain-looking automobile that remained virtually anonymous since its introduction in 1991. The Vigor’s uninspired styling “was the main culprit of its anonymity, but some people were put off by its unique five-cylinder engine which was one less cylinder than the competition was offering. With its new alphanumeric name, revised styling, a roomier . interior, and the availability of a V6 engine, the TL has a new image — and is now on par with other near- luxury sedans, such as the Lexus £S300 and Infiniti 130. Like the Vigor, the TL slots in between the Integra and Legend in Acura's line- up. The 2.5TL offers the same 176 _ horsepower 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine as the Vigor while the -uplevel 3.2TL uses the Legend’s 200 horsepower 3.2-litre V6 engine. The TL’s new styling borrows a few styling cues from the Legend ‘and a Mercedes or two. [ts front- end features a distinctive chrome- edged grille flanked by large, wrap- around-and-over plastic-covered . headiamps,‘and the big rear tail lenses are definitely Mercedes-like. ze TL sedan Exterior fit and finish is top-notch, but the TL features frameless doors, unusual in a luxury car. Though more attractive than the Vigor, in my opinion the TL still lacks the individuality of cars like the ES300 and Audi 90. The 2.STL sedan uses the same mechuanicals as the Vigor — an injine. SOHC, four-valve-per-cylin- der five-cylinder engine, indepen- dent double wishbone suspension, four wheel dise brakes, and basic platform. However, its wheelbase has been stretched by 3.5 cm (1.4 in.) and the car is stightly longer, wider and taller than the Vigor. Like the Vigor, the 2.5TL's engine is mounted longitudinally in the engine bay. Most front-wheel- drive cars have transversely mount- éd engines to save on interior room, but Acura chose to ntount the TL’s engine longitudinally to reduced drivetrain vibrations, improve weight distribution for better han- dling and stability, and improve crash protection. Indeed, the TL is a nicely-bal- anced, quiet, comfortable-riding sedan with plenty of power, easy- to-manage speed-sensitive power- steering, excellent four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and great out- ward visibility. Its grippy handling is assisted by big, 205/60R-15 all- season radials mounted on five- spoke alloy wheels. The TL’s 176 horsepower 2.5- litre five-cylinder engine lets out a sporty burble when pressed, but is barely audible at highway cruising speeds. This engine has almost as much horsepower as competitor's V6 engines, and offers similar per- formance characteristics. It would be a mistake to discount because it’s a five, in my opinion. A four- speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, but unfortu- nately for enthusiasts, a five-speed manual transmission is no longer offered. Fuel consumption is about what you would expect for a V6 engine, za EL Pagnicdeve cine WHO TO CALL: Auto Editor Andrew McCredie 985-2131 Ps) wags Ven ie Photo submitted THE ACURA 2.5TL repiaces the Vigor. it offers a standard 176 horsepower 2.5-ilitre five-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic trensmission, four whezi dics brakes and imore interior room than the Viger. Test drive a TL at Burrard Acura, 2222 Burrard St., Vancouver, 736-8890. not a five cylinder engine: 11.9 1/100 km city (24 m.p.g.), and 8.5 ¥100 km highway (33 m.p.g.). The TL’s interior has an elegant, quality-built appearance. The tex- ture of the plastic, leather, and wood trim materials is first-rate, and the interior design incorporates horizontal tines on the dashboard and door trira. It looks neat. conser- vative and refreshingly un-trendy. In addition. the floor-mounted shifter’s gated shift-pattern has a handsome polished metal appear- ance, and the instruments are both easy-to-see and attractively designed. (One criticism: the dash- mounted buttons for cruise contro} and fog lights are located out of sight behind the turn signal stalk.) Interior room, thanks to the new extended wheelbase is roomy enough for four or five adults. The TL's trunk is also roomy, easy to load, has a flat floor, and has a pass-through for long objects through the rear center armrest. However, foild-down rear scats are not available on the TL. The 2.5TL starts at $34,000. Standard equipment includes dual airbags, automatic climate control, eight-way power driver’s seat, eight-speaker stereo with cassette and CD players, anti-theft system, ABS, tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, alloy wheels, and heated outside mirrors. Options are few, including keyless entry and additional wood trim, but surprisingly, a sunroof and leather uphelstery are not available on the 2.STL. If you're worried that the 2.5TL doesn’t have a V6 engine, don’t. The five-cylinder engine has more than enough horsepower and is very smooth and quiet. | found the 2.5TL a very enjoyable car to live with, MSRP: $34,000 ; ‘Hype: four-door, five-passenger mid-sized sedan Layout: longitudinal engine/froni-whee}-drive Engine:. 2.5-litre inline five- cylinder, SCHC, 20 valves, multi-port fuel injection : Horsepower: 176 @ 6,300° i.p.m. ; ‘ Torque: 170 @ 3,900 rp.m. Transmission: four-speed auto- matic Curb weight: Ibs.) Lergth: 4,865 mm (191.5 in.) Width: 1,785 mm (70.3 in.) Height: 1,405 mm (55.3 in.) “:; Fuel consumption: City — 11.9 1/100 km (24 m.p.g.). Hwy, — 8.5 1/100 km (33 mp.g.) | front | 1.480 kg (3262 Eniry Level, But All The Comforts! Exciting new 1995 Achieva MSRP $21 1930 A Unique Automobile! 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