34 — Friday May 29, 1998 — North ——_ north shore news 2 AU TO f Acura coupe an unpretentious r ride drive THE decline in popu- larity of luxury coupes has left buyers with fewer choices in this segment, but there are signs of a coupe revival by import car compa- nies. Mercedes-Benz just intro- duced the new CLE, Volvo the.new C70, BMW is about to introduce a new 3-Sei and Saab has revised the 900 calling it the 9-3 . From Japan, Honda : recently introduced a revised Accord Coupe, and Toyota will soon be introdacing the “The Acura CL is also a relatively new player. [t was introduced in, 1996, and ~ though it’s based on the p vious-gencration Fonda Accord Coupe plattorm, it has unique styling and 2 higher level of standard equipment. More importantly, ina segment where style is cru- cial, the CL has a “cachet @elegance” that few luxury cars do nowadays. Its clean fines are uncluttered and unspoiled, inside and out — there are no “gee whiz” sty’ ling elements or “boy “racer” performance features. The CLis simply an unpre- tentious, stylish luxury coupe. While the front of the car s‘obviously very Honda * Accord-like (it’s a shame - Acura didn’t add more dis- tinctiveness here) the car’s profile and rear-end styling are unique. In particular, the ~ hump-like rear decklid and Grog Witson Photo THE 1998 Acura 2.3CL has a slightly larger four-cylinder engine for 1998 (up from 2.2-litres), and includes such standard features as leather upholstery, automatic climate contro!, AM/FM/CD stereo, and four wheel disc brakes with ABS. Prices start at $30,000. Test drive the new Acura 2.3 CL at Burrard Acura in Vancouver. stylish taillights are reminis- cent of luxury cars from the °4Gs and °50s. The interior is also unique, with a simple, hori- ntal theme that includes just the right amount of wood trim and a discreet use of chrome on the door han- dles, door locks, window ledges, and around the leather-covered shift boot. Leather seating and ste wheel are standard equip- ment. Details, such as the cle- gant stalks for turn signals and headlights, the harmo- 2 nious use of interior colors and tnaterials, and the exe jent fir and finish, mak an interior in which you can enjoy spending some time. Like most Hondas and Acuras, the CL has a very low hood which makes for panoramic visibility forwards, and adds to the airy, open fecling of the cabin. Side and rear vision too, is also better than average. While many coupes seat four passengers only, the CL has five seatbelts. In addition, the CL has sufficient rear headroom and legroom for nvo or three adults, ‘Entry to the rear is made easier by a front passenger seat that automatically slides forw: when the seatback is folded. However, tsk, tsk, it does not automatically stide back when the seatback is folded up. Also, the driver’s seat docs nat have this feature. The CL’s trunk is quite large fora coupe, and tas a nice flat, carpeted floor. It can be opened with an interi- or trunk release or a remote key fob, but curiously, there is no keyhole in the trunklid. A fold-down rear scat is not available, but there is a fold- ing center armrest with 2 ski- sack pass-through feature. Though it’s nor a perfor- mance car, the CL is tun to drive, perhaps even more so than the Honda Accord coupe. Fully independent double wishbone suspension, standard 16-inch tires, and four wheel disc brakes with ABS make for nimble han- dling, responsive steering, and sure stopping. The CL’s compact size and excellent ounvard visibili- ty make it easy to drive in the confines of the city, while its comfortable ride and quiet: engine make it a pleasant | highway cruiser. The standard powerplant on the 2.3CL has been upgraded to a 150 horsepow- er 2.3-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine trom last year’s 145 horsepower 2.2-litre VTEC unit. The 2.3CL is available wiili a five-speed manual or four-speed auto- See Coupe page 36 * The all new 1999 9-3 starts at $33,200* The all new 1999 9-5 starts at $39,800" See them today at Morrey Saab. Available for immediate delivery. 294-1831 ‘includes PDI, add $800 transportation