The EL also offers a long list of standard features including air conditioning, dual front airbags, fog lights, front bucket fabric seats (leather is available in the Premium model), body coloured bumpers and mirrors, power doors and windows, keyless entry remote and steering wheel-mounted cruise control; all the amenities essential for everyday driving and then some.
As I mentioned, the ride of the EL was indistinguishable compared to the Si. Visibility was also good out all four corners of the car. Fuel economy is also favourable with a modest consumption of 7.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km on the highway. The only thing I snarled at was that the EL requires premium fuel. Why? Beats me! Maybe because it's an Acura and therefore needs to make some sort of a statement? The same engine in the Honda takes regular. Go figure.
With all said, did I really notice a difference between the two nearly identical models? No. They're both "cute little boring cars." And when it comes down to it, Honda and Acura have excellent initial quality and reliability ratings, plus offer exceptionally stable and comfortable cars. So why opt for the EL? Doesn't the name "Acura" sound that much more prestigious than practical old Honda? What a vain world we live in.
Specifications:
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| Whether you pick the Acura or the nearly identical Honda, they are both "cute little boring cars." (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
With all said, did I really notice a difference between the two nearly identical models? No. They're both "cute little boring cars." And when it comes down to it, Honda and Acura have excellent initial quality and reliability ratings, plus offer exceptionally stable and comfortable cars. So why opt for the EL? Doesn't the name "Acura" sound that much more prestigious than practical old Honda? What a vain world we live in.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $22,200 - $25,200
- Freight & PDI: $900
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: Front engine, FWD
- Engine: 127 hp, 114 lb-ft torque, 1.7-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: 1,205 kg (2,677 lb)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume: 365 L (12.9 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 7.8 / 6.1 L/100 km (31 / 45 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Cavalier / Cobalt, Dodge SX 2.0, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra/Tiburon, Kia Spectra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac Sunfire / Pursuit, Saturn ION, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf/Jetta
- Web Site: www.acura.ca
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