First impressions count for a lot, especially in the automobile business. Designs that fall flat will fail to attract buyers and the dollars go elsewhere.
Acura finally seems to have taken this lesson seriously, which is why Honda’s premium division has performed a bit of surgery on the TLX for 2018.
For the uninitiated, the TLX replaced both the TSX and TL sedans in Acura’s midsize hierarchy, beginning for the 2015 model year. The resulting agglomeration rapidly became — and remains — Acura’s top-selling sedan.
The design template for the TLX’s makeover was the Acura MDX utility wagon that received a similar touch-up procedure for 2017. The resulting angular-shaped “diamond pentagon” grille on both vehicles is certainly more appealing than the shiny shield look that dates back more than a decade. A nearly identical look will be grafted to the larger RLX sedan for the 2018 model year.
Acura didn’t just stop there for the TLX. Restyled headlights and more aggressive lower air intakes, which double as foglight pods, are character-changing, as are the twin exhaust outlets exiting from below the rear bumper through a panel with raised slats, called a diffuser. Without it, the previous TLX, a car with sporting intentions, looked more like a base-level Honda Accord.
The TLX’s image adjustment extends to the interior, which gets a new standard infotainment system with an 18-centimetre touchscreen. It has Apple CarPlay and Android smartphone platforms for listening to and downloading music, receiving/sending calls and text messages, and for GPS mapping.
Left untouched are the TLX’s two non-turbo engine choices. Base power comes from a snappy 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 206 horses and 182 pound-feet of torque. The 2.4 is the go-to powerplant for best fuel economy, registering 10.0 l/100 km in the city and 7.1 on the highway. For more sport, opt for the 3.5-litre V-6 that makes 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet.
The 2.4 is mated to an eight-speed transmission, while the 3.5 uses a nine-speed automatic. Both engines require premium gasoline.
Four-cylinder models come with all-wheel steering, called P-AWS. When cornering, the rear wheels pivot slightly in the opposite direction to the front wheels, helping the car rotate. When braking in a corner, the wheels point inward to improve stability.
The V-6 models aren’t equipped with P-AWS, but they can be optioned with Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD). The system comes with torque vectoring, whereby the outside rear wheel is overdriven in a corner, allowing the TLX to turn in with less steering effort (called yaw assist).
Both the four- and six-cylinder models are satisfying to drive, although, not surprisingly, the V-6’s extra performance is noticeable and the engine growl at higher revs emits a much sweeter note.
The base TLX is priced at $37,000, including destination charges. It comes quite well equipped and includes a range of dynamic safety content designed to prevent of collisions.
The optional Technology package adds premium leather seat coverings, 3D navigation, rain-sensing wipers and a premium ELS-brand audio system. The Elite package for V-6 models includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seat, heated steering wheel, remote engine start, wireless cell-phone charger and surround-view camera.
For 2018, Acura has also introduced the TLX A-Spec trim level. Available with either engine and in front- or all-wheel-drive with the V-6, it builds on the Technology package’s content with a unique bumper design, gloss black rear spoiler and exterior trim, up-level interior finish and unique 19-inch wheels (18-inchers are standard). It would have been nice if Acura had given the engines a few more horses and some handling upgrades, but that’s not the case.
Still, the TLX is a fun, capable and technically proficient sedan that now arrives better dressed for success. It exhibits a badly needed injection of character to help it get noticed, and appreciated.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, front- /all-wheel-drive midsize sedan
Engines (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC I-4 (206); 3.5-liter SOHC V-6 (290)
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic (I-4); nine-speed automatic (V-6)
Market position: The TLX holds its own in an up-level sedan world that’s dominated by the Audi A-4, BMW 3 series, Mercedes-Benz C-class and similar models from North America and Asia.
Points: Mid-generation redesign makes a positive difference to the car’s looks.
• Acura needs more performance, along with the redesign, especially for the A-Spec.
• Optional AWD system is one of the best.
• Likely won’t convince buyers of more popular upscale brands to switch, but a growing number of Honda/Acura fans will appreciate it.
Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); forward-collision mitigation (std.); lane-departure warning (std.)
Fuel economy, L/100 km (city/hwy) 10.0/7.1 (2.4)
Base price (incl. destination) $37,0000
