If you enjoy driving but are tired of SUVs, a sporty sedan may be the best choice next time you need a new vehicle. A number of fun-to-drive sedans are on offer these days, and one of the most attractive is the Acura TLX, a 4-door, all-wheel-drive sedan that is fun to drive yet still quite practical for everyday use.
To start with, the TLX is a mid-sized sedan and just the right size for city or suburban driving. On top of that, it’s very good looking, with crisp body lines, a pentagonal grill, a decklid spoiler and narrow four lens “jewel eye” headlights ensconced by bright LED running lights.
The inside continues the sporty theme with well bolstered 12-way power leather clad heated and cooled front seats with racy red accents, a leather wrapped steering wheel, and all the modern technological safety, comfort and luxury features. Thankfully, the audio system has a round knob to adjust audio volume and a toggle switch to tune the radio and satellite stations. Most of the information and functions are displayed and used through a screen in the center of the dash. Unfortunately, it is not a touchscreen and is operated by a square touchpad in the center console which takes some getting used to. It is not as convenient as a touchscreen or even a knob that clicks to confirm that your input has been received. Some functions can be operated by controls on the steering wheel, which are more convenient and precise. Apparently next year’s model will have a touchscreen. Gauges in front of the driver are all digital on a screen.
The interior is roomy and a power sunroof adds to the sense of airiness. Dual automatic climate controls insure temperature comfort for both front seat passengers individually. The rear seats fold down to increase the cargo carrying capacity of the already large trunk, and rear seat passengers enjoy plenty of room, including leg room. Cheap seat occupants also get their own air vents and USB ports.
One of the more unusual features of the TLX is the push button transmission located along the length of the center console—-an interesting setup that harkens back to the push button transmissions found in Chrysler products in the late ’50’s and early ’60’s. It’s easy to use once you get the setup. The transmission and chassis have two drive modes, normal and sporty, and the automatic stop/start that shuts off the engine at stop lights can be defeated with the touch of a button. Sporty may cost you an MPG or two, but it’s worth it to have the enhanced response and sharper handling. Even in sport setting, the TLX offers a comfortable ride. Driving a rural twisty windy road brought out the best in this sedan, and it was truly fun to drive, with plenty of power from the 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder, good brakes, well balanced handling and steering feel, which tightens nicely as speeds increase, and all-wheel-drive, including an active torque vectoring rear axle, which gives more bite in curves.
Safety features abound in the TLX, including lane keep assist, blind spot information, rear cross traffic monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and brake hold, which allows you to take your foot off the brake once you’ve stopped at a red light. Nice feature; just tap the accelerator when you’re ready to go again.
According to Steve Mizulski, salesman at Mungenast St. Louis Acura, “The TLX has great handling with lots of sportiness, plus it offers great gas mileage, even with all-wheel-drive. You always feel like you’re in control of the car.”
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Price:
- Base: $50,000, including delivery
- As driven with options: $51,800
Gas mileage:
- 21 city
- 29 highway
Drivetrain:
- Front engine; all-wheel drive
- 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo engine
- 272 horsepower
- 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
Robert Paster (robertpaster.com) is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.