The TL’s hidden treasure: the cabin
The TL’s cabin has a tremendous level of depth, detail and contrast throughout-- and the tester benefited from a set of terracotta-colored seats, a black dashboard and numerous metallic accents. Build quality and materials selection are very good, and no issues were noted with entry, exit or visibility. There’s plenty of space for smaller items, a big centre console, and plenty of covered storage.
Designers have even put a pair of deep cup holders in the middle of the console, right where they belong. They're low-tech, but this setup is preferred by most java-lovers to the flimsy, over-engineered pop-out gizmos found in some German machines.
A ‘Technology Package’ added features including a Bluetooth phone interface, navigation, voice command and even a hard-drive for music storage. Said music is played back through an ELS surround audio system. It’s a nice bit of hardware, though certainly not the most powerful-sounding unit in the price range.
Ultimately, the interior is one of the TL’s strongest attributes as long as rear-seat headroom isn’t an issue with you. Taller folks sitting in back will become quickly acquainted with the ceiling liner—but this cabin remains a great atmosphere to take in a performance.
Anyone for a romp?
Bring the TL to life, and the 3.7 litre V6 announces its ignition with a subtle, muted growl. Jump on the throttle, and the TL jumps off the line with no fuss. Power is dosed out more generously as the revs climb, and there's a peaky and entertaining power curve that’s got a definite shape to it. There’s a nice snarl when the VTEC system switches to high-power mode, too.
Of course, the TL’s 305 horses have a lot of steel to haul around-- so it’s not the ‘superstar drag racer’ amongst its peers. Regardless, the buttery smooth driveline is a real treat to push.
Really, it’s the handling that stands out as the TL’s prized performance possession. With the SH-AWD’s various computers and clutches shuffling torque around in real time, the car feels like a lively rear-drive sedan when tossed around. Mainly, that’s due to the system’s ability to accelerate the outside rear wheel in a hard corner.
When pushed, TL behaves with none of the neutral or front-heavy feel some AWD sedans can deliver. The result is a car that steers, turns and handles like it’s smaller and more nimble than its size leads on. Though SH-AWD will be used mainly as a bad-weather companion for many owners, it’s nice to know your family sedan is ready to pick off corners all day long with a smile on its face.
End of the day, if you can stomach the TL’s controversial looks, you’ll find it a unique contender with a slick drivetrain, stand-out interior and plenty of high-tech.
photo:Justin Pritchard
The TL’s cabin has a tremendous level of depth, detail and contrast throughout-- and the tester benefited from a set of terracotta-colored seats, a black dashboard and numerous metallic accents. Build quality and materials selection are very good, and no issues were noted with entry, exit or visibility. There’s plenty of space for smaller items, a big centre console, and plenty of covered storage.
Designers have even put a pair of deep cup holders in the middle of the console, right where they belong. They're low-tech, but this setup is preferred by most java-lovers to the flimsy, over-engineered pop-out gizmos found in some German machines.
A ‘Technology Package’ added features including a Bluetooth phone interface, navigation, voice command and even a hard-drive for music storage. Said music is played back through an ELS surround audio system. It’s a nice bit of hardware, though certainly not the most powerful-sounding unit in the price range.
Ultimately, the interior is one of the TL’s strongest attributes as long as rear-seat headroom isn’t an issue with you. Taller folks sitting in back will become quickly acquainted with the ceiling liner—but this cabin remains a great atmosphere to take in a performance.
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| Really, it’s the handling that stands out as the TL’s prized performance possession. |
Anyone for a romp?
Bring the TL to life, and the 3.7 litre V6 announces its ignition with a subtle, muted growl. Jump on the throttle, and the TL jumps off the line with no fuss. Power is dosed out more generously as the revs climb, and there's a peaky and entertaining power curve that’s got a definite shape to it. There’s a nice snarl when the VTEC system switches to high-power mode, too.
Of course, the TL’s 305 horses have a lot of steel to haul around-- so it’s not the ‘superstar drag racer’ amongst its peers. Regardless, the buttery smooth driveline is a real treat to push.
Really, it’s the handling that stands out as the TL’s prized performance possession. With the SH-AWD’s various computers and clutches shuffling torque around in real time, the car feels like a lively rear-drive sedan when tossed around. Mainly, that’s due to the system’s ability to accelerate the outside rear wheel in a hard corner.
When pushed, TL behaves with none of the neutral or front-heavy feel some AWD sedans can deliver. The result is a car that steers, turns and handles like it’s smaller and more nimble than its size leads on. Though SH-AWD will be used mainly as a bad-weather companion for many owners, it’s nice to know your family sedan is ready to pick off corners all day long with a smile on its face.
End of the day, if you can stomach the TL’s controversial looks, you’ll find it a unique contender with a slick drivetrain, stand-out interior and plenty of high-tech.
photo:Justin Pritchard
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