The boldness continues down each side of Acura's new midsize sedan, where unlike the slab-sided TSX, and Cadillac CTS for that matter, the designers penned in fairly dramatic contouring around each wheel. The broad side-profile is further emphasized by a substantive C-pillar rising up from the angular trunk and rear end treatment. Yes, the new TL is more aggressively styled than its predecessor, but I don't think the styling bulls-eye was struck. My rudimentary sense of proportion and design still places Audi and BMW at the front of the exterior-styling lineup.
 |
| The Acura TL's cabin design, fit, finish and tactility is all magnificent. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Although when any of the TL's four doors is swung open the design lineup changes, giving Japan a seat at the head of the interior design table. The cabin's design, fit, finish and tactility is all magnificent. If a better-assembled cabin in a high production sedan exists, regardless of price, I haven't seen it. Joints and seems have been kept to a minimum and those that are required fit together with precision and accuracy.
 |
| There is nothing hard, shiny and plastic about the TL, except for the burled wood trim that may or may not be real. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
I was particularly struck by the quality of the manmade materials that compose the dash, door panels and various accoutrements. Almost every surface, except for switchgear and the like, is textured and forgiving to the touch of hands - mine that have not seen enough hard work in their forty-something years of existence. There is nothing hard, shiny and plastic about the TL, except for the burled wood trim that may or may not be real. Either way, it's very convincing and tastefully applied.
But we all know that style and good-looks can only get you so far in life, otherwise I would be piloting a Ferrari and running neck to neck with Michael Schumacher in F1 (and so would the Honda-powered BAR car for that matter). As it turns out, I am running neck to neck with 1.6 million other motorists fighting to get to point B in the most comfort and least time our local highway system will allow. Fortunately the TL relies on its comfort and overall quality to distinguish itself from the cookie-cutters cluttering up the morning commute, and when the traffic clears its motivating acceleration and refined road-manners.
