The Technology Package is apt to be a favorite with drivers who like their ride to have all the extra gizmos. Look for traction control, fog lamps, ABS, and an engine immobilizer standard. The combination audio unit includes a CD player, MP3 capability, and satellite radio with controls on the steering wheel. The leather seats are heated and powered (with eight levels of adjustment for the driver) on both front sides. All onboard communications are hands free with a navigation unit, trip computer, and auxiliary power outlets standard.

Elegant little touches like burled camphor wood trim, front and rear reading lamps, and a center arm rest to the rear firmly confirm that the RL is a luxury sedan. The vehicle competes more than favorably with the Jaguar S-Type, Audi A6, and Volvo S80. In addition to outstanding safety ratings, reviewers have found the RL to deliver a smooth, steady ride worthy of the sedan’s position as the maker’s flagship model.

Granted this is largely a carry over from 2007, but Acura didn’t let the dust settle on its finer touches. There’s little here to disappoint. While not as sporty in appearance as a high-performance coupe, the RL delivers the same level of power with the roominess of a sedan. A V8 engine choice would have been nice, but the V6 offers better than average reliability. Since no major re-design of the RL is expected until 2010 or later, there’s no point in waiting if you’re in the market for a well-conceived, top-level luxury sedan.

Source:carsnext

Priced from $46,280, it isn’t cheap, but that’s expected from Acura. The question is whether it delivers more than less expensive luxury sedans like the Lincoln MKZ. Powered by an overhead cam V6 300 horsepower 3.8 liter engine, the fuel efficiency rating is 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. The five speed automatic transmission delivers whatever is asked of it. And you can add to that a better than industry average warranty.

The Acura RL comes in three models, all four-door sedans - the base, the Technology Package and the Technology and CMBS package. As you would expect, there are a host of great gadgets available. The base model comes standard with dual-zone climate control, 10-way power bucket seats, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, Bose sound system, wireless cell phone link and several other goodies. The other packages add even more freebies.

According to the NHTSA the Acura RL is just about as safe as you can get, with a five star rating in every area they measure. The RL sports the high end braking system and airbags everywhere that you would expect, along with front-seat active head restraints and an emergency inside trunk lid release.

Well then, is there anything wrong with the Acura RL? Actually, there are a couple of issues. One is the mileage. 16/22 is just too low for a car this size, especially with today’s high fuel costs. Another is the seating capacity. As noted, the car is rated for five passengers, but only two adults can ride comfortably. The front seat is fine, but the back seat is just too small.

Another problem is the price. A car this size is usually for young adults, either single or with new families. At this point in their lives, many of them cannot afford even to look at the RL.

Still, with great styling inside and out, the 2009 Acura RL seems to be Japanese engineering at its best. It’s worth looking at if you want a luxury mid-size car.

Source:carsto

Acura RDX Debuts At 2006 New York Auto Show. All-New Entry Premium SUV features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive & a 240 Hp 2.3 Turbocharged engine

The all-new 2007 Acura RDX Entry Premium SUV, made its production debut at the New York Auto Show today. RDX combines Acura’s first-ever turbocharged engine with the breakthrough Super Handling All-Wheel Drive(TM) (SH-AWD(TM)), for sports sedan-like handling in a SUV package. Built on a new global light truck platform, the RDX concept was first designed in California and then developed in Japan. The RDX will be assembled in Marysville, Ohio, on the same line as the Acura TL sedan. It is the first Acura light truck to come from the facility.

Standard exterior features are typical of Acura’s 2007 line: high intensity xenon headlights, fog lights, heated outside mirrors that retain driver-specific settings, and timed windshield wipers with a velocity adjusting feature. Additionally, the TL is loaded with Acura’s usual safety features, including a distant unlock system with driver ID, security rear door locks, race car seatbelts in the front and rear seats, front, lateral-curtain airbags.

The TL’s interior features breathable leather-trimmed seats, and front seats that are not only heated, but also adjustable - motorized back support for the driver, and the front passenger. Both the front and rear seats have a center armrest - the rear one has a locking trunk pass-through, while the front is an adjustable console. Additional interior features standard to all trims are a power moon roof, an 8-speaker AM/FM/Cassette player and a 6-disc CD/DVD audio changer as well as an XM satellite radio and MP3 player jacks. Cruise control is wheel-mounted, and there is also a tilt steering column and a dual zone climate control system.

All the features of the 2007 Acura TL are wrapped up in a fresh, fun package, with fuel efficiency of 20 mpg (city) and 29 mpg on the open road, and a starting MSRP of $33,625

Source:cars

The exterior design of the TL is accentuated by the bold angular grille, whose lines continue on down the sides of the vehicle in clean, sharp lines. The headlights address the same lines as they flare up and back. The interior is clean and functional with logical placement of all gauges and controls. Tastefully elegant upholstery treatments contrast with a utilitarian Bauhaus feeling. A three-spoke steering wheel is a control center in itself with buttons for audio, navigation and phone inset.

Many owners purchase Acura TL accessories to individualize their sedans. Add the distinctive touch of wood grain or carbon fiber to the console and steering wheel. Imagine the difference a wing spoiler, nose mask or a moonroof visor would make to the outside of your 2008 TL. Nothing adds more style to a car that the look of 17 or 18-inch chrome wheels.

Source:newscars

The 2009 Acura TSX is making its mark on the automobile industry with a sleek look, generous power, and numerous technological upgrades. Revamped for the 2009 model year, the TSX is a moderately priced luxury sports sedan available in four different trim levels. The wealth of safety features on the Acura TSX prompted the NHTSA to award the model with a five-star frontal and side-impact crash test rating, among the highest in its class. Overall, the 2009 TSX provides drivers with an unsurpassed driving experience with safety, performance, and convenience at the forefront.

Under the hood, buyers can expect a standard 201 horsepower 2.4L I4 with i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Timing and Lift Control). The i-VTEC feature allows the engine to keep the intake valves open for a prolonged amount of time, which improves the airflow at a high rpm. Not only that, because of the i-VTEC’s sophisticated timing system, it can both decrease emissions and improve fuel economy as well. Nevertheless, buyers might be disappointed with only one engine selection. The TSX comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, or buyers can upgrade to a five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift. This feature allows drivers to have the convenience of an automatic transmission with the adaptability and control of a manual.

Families with children will be impressed by the 2009 TSX’s wealth of safety features. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, a tire pressure monitoring system, and vehicle stability assist are all included. The tire pressure monitoring system includes a digital display in the instrument cluster that will alert drivers if a tire has too much or too little pressure. Also, the six airbag system provides protection for all five passengers in this four-door model. The three-point seatbelts allow owners with small children to customize a belt to fit every member of the family, as well as accommodate infant car seats.

Dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth accessibility, and leather seating are just some of 2009 TSX’s luxury features. The Bluetooth phone system allows drivers to take and make telephone calls completely hands free while driving. Also included in the Acura TSX is a standard security system that will disable the ignition in the event of a break in.

21 city MPG and 30 highway MPG, the 2009 Acura TSX is equivalent to the majority of other full-size sports sedans on the market. However, potential buyers that are looking for superior gas mileage might want to take a look at other hybrid models on the market. Priced at around $28,960, the Acura TSX is a bit higher than other intro luxury models, but the wealth of features makes it worth the money. Families looking for a little style with their safety will find a great match with the TSX, but individuals without children might find that some of the model’s features are unnecessary for their lifestyles.

Source:autoz

As an entry-level luxury sedan, most people will be really pleased with the generous list of standard equipment. Relax in the comfort of the TSX’s fully adjustable seats, dual zone climate control with air filtration, and steering wheel controls for Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. Voice activation is also available for phone, air conditioning, and navigation.

The interior of the Acura TSX is outfitted with luxurious seating surfaces, eye-appealing textured dashboard and steering wheel, and ambience lighting that is both calming and illuminating at the same time. Storage of gloves, maps, and other necessities is accomplished with clever bins and nooks throughout the cabin. Visibility through the windows and windshield is nearly panoramic with minimal blind spots.

While the 2008 Acura TSX offers all of the performance of a sports sedan, it plays a dual role in that it is also a fuel efficient vehicle, with 19mpg city and 28mpg highway for the models with the manual transmission. Even better fuel efficiency comes for the models with the automatic transmission, in the vicinity of 20mpg city and 28mpg highway.The TSX handles the road skillfully with excellent cornering and respectable acceleration, especially at higher rpms.

Source:carnews

Safety features inside the MDX include front and front-side airbags, side-curtain airbags with flip-over sensors, race car seat belts in all three rows (adjustable in the front row) and the LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) child seat system in the second row, as well as child d-rings in the third row. There are also side impact door beams, daytime running lights, and side mirrors with embedded signals, as well as hands-free linking for cell phone connectivity, making it easier to safely teleconference while driving.
The interior of the MDX as comfortable as the exterior is sturdy, with seating for seven passengers, leather trimmed sport seats, and heated 8-way power seats in the front row (with adjustable lumbar support for the driver). The second row seats not only fold down in a 60/40 split, but they also recline, and the third row seats fold down as well (50/50 split). Additionally, there is an 8-speaker sound system with AM/FM/and XM radio, a 6-disc CD changer, and an mp3 input jack. Other interior features include a trip computer, three-person air cooler control, and remote entry with that remembers driver position, as well as throttle control, power windows and door locks, steering wheel mounted controls for the comfort features, and no fewer than three power outlets and ten cup holders.

Source:automotive

The lavishly designed SUV can accommodate up to seven passengers, has a pronounced grille and athletic arched wheel wells, while the rear of the vehicle is exceptionally integrated and sleek. The second row seats provide ample room for adults, while the third row seats are tailored to small children. Both seats fold flat into the floor to provide more cargo space when needed. There is only one trim level, with option packages available to distinguish one vehicle from the other. The base model is dressed in sporty 18″ wheels and is equipped with a sunroof, heated front seats, automatic climate control and an audio system that can accommodate up to six CD’s and also has MP3 capability. The option packages available include the Technology package, which adds an industry superior navigation system with voice recognition, surround sound, and real time traffic updates. Also included in the Technology option package is leather upholstery and a rearview camera. The Sport option package includes all the features of the Technology package and beefs it up with larger wheels and perforated leather. The Entertainment option package includes a rear seat DVD entertainment center, power lift gate and heated second row seats.

Source:Autonews

Inside, the 2009 MDX includes tri-zone climate control. This allows the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers to each control the climate to meet their specific needs. Steering wheel mounted controls let the driver connect to the Bluetooth system, adjust the volume or radio station, and access the navigation system directly from the steering wheel. A multi-informational display is located in the instrument cluster. This digital readout will alert drivers when maintenance is needed on their MDX and if a tire has too much or too little pressure.

One of the biggest selling features of the 2009 MDX is the Acura Navigation System. Available with the upgrade to either the Technology or Sport Package, this in-dash navigation unit includes an eight-inch LCD screen and a voice recognition system. The voice recognition can understand commands and automatically insert the data into the unit, without a driver even having to lift a finger. AcuraLink Real-time Traffic will provide drivers with up-to-date traffic reports, and the Zagat Survey feature can give owners restaurant suggestions in the area. However, buyers should be aware that even with the purchase of an upgrade package that includes the nav unit, the extra features on the system expire after 90 days and require a fee-based subscription to continue services.

Source:Autoscar

Newer Posts »