Acura sedan. Test drive Acura TLX: incredible softness of being. Strengths of competitors

In our review, the Japanese business sedan Acura TLH, which has undergone planned restyling, with photos and videos, price and trim levels, technical characteristics of a prominent representative of the premium segment of mid-size sedans.

Price Acura TLH 2019

Sales of the new Acura TLX in America will start in early summer of this year. price from 32500-33000 dollars, which is slightly more than the cost offered for 32 thousand US dollars.

The updated Acura TLX sedan has acquired a more modern appearance with a completely new front part of the body, formed by a chic pentagonal false radiator grille, decorated with a scattering of diamonds and large company logos, upgraded Jewel Eye LED headlights with LED turn indicators, new fenders and a hood with a brighter relief, another bumper with solid-sized air intakes with a stylish fine-grained mesh.

Exterior

The new Japanese business sedan is now offered in two main levels of equipment: Acura TLX A-Spec - a version of the car for young buyers with an aggressive exterior design, large round fog lights, huge exhaust pipe tips and a solid-sized diffuser (white sedan in the photo) and Acura V6 TLX (sedan in red) with a calmer appearance, complemented by an abundance of chrome parts for older car enthusiasts.

At the same time, both versions of the new product look like real bullies. I wonder if this will allow the Acura model to at least equal the sales level with its main and eternal competitor. For reference, at the end of last 2016, more than 58 thousand copies of Lexus ES sedans were sold in America, and only a little more than 37 thousand motorists chose the pre-reform Acura TLX model.

Interior

The interior of the updated Acura sedan has changed minimally, but the manufacturer announced the presence of more advanced equipment. The standard ODMD 2.0 multimedia system has been upgraded, providing 30% faster operation of the multimedia complex with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces, and a pair of 7-inch color screens are more responsive to touches.

Also included in the basic configuration of the updated sedan is the AcuraWatch security system, which includes the Collision Mitigation Braking System with automatic extended braking, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keeping Assist systems, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed ​​Follow, and Road Departure Mitigation.

The updated Acura TLX is the only car in its class equipped as standard with such equipment. Competitors offer a similar set of security systems only for an additional fee. The interior also pleases with high quality finishing materials and careful assembly: leather and Alcantara, natural wood and polished aluminum.

Specifications Acura TLX 2019

There are minimal changes in the technology of the updated Japanese sedan. Stiffer springs and a rear anti-roll bar are installed, electric power steering can now boast even greater sharpness, and SH-AWD all-wheel drive has become available as a paid option for the sedan with a four-cylinder engine.
Under the hood of the restyled versions of the Acura TLX, exclusively gasoline engines are installed:

  • Four-cylinder 2.4 DOHC I-VTEC (208 hp 274 Nm) paired with an 8-speed robotic gearbox.
  • Six-cylinder 3.5 SOHC I-VTEC (290 hp 362 Nm) with a 9-speed automatic transmission.


Standard equipment on the Acura TLX includes LED headlights, headlight washers, front and rear fog lights, rain and light sensors, heated washer nozzles, heated/power side mirrors and turn signal repeaters. The interior features dual-zone climate control, a heated multifunction steering wheel, an engine start button, electric front seats, and an electric sunroof. The multimedia system includes nine speakers, a subwoofer and two LCD displays, an Active Noise Control (ANC) active noise reduction system, the ability to connect an iPhone, and voice control of various functions. The electric parking brake is not only more efficient than a conventional manual one, but also saves space in the cabin. The necessary degree of transformation of the interior is provided by the back of the rear sofa, which folds in a ratio of 60:40. In the more expensive Advance configuration, the sedan gets a start-stop system, gear shifting with buttons on the center console, a sunshade behind the rear window (controllable from the second row of seats), ventilated front seats and much more.

In Techno trim, the front-wheel drive Acura TLX is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 208 hp. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that combines two clutches and a torque converter - according to the manufacturer, this solution is used in a production transmission for the first time in the industry. In this modification, the sedan accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. Gasoline consumption is 7.9 l/100 km in the combined cycle. The more expensive option, the Advance, features a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. In this modification, the Acura TLX accelerates to “hundreds” in 6.9 seconds, a top speed of 201 km/h, and an average consumption of 9.1 l/100 km.

In addition to reduced weight and independent suspension (multi-link at the rear), various systems should contribute to improved ride quality. One of them - Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS) on front-wheel drive versions - helps the rear wheels steer. All-wheel drive versions have the proprietary Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which distributes traction not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the rear wheels, in which components have become 25% lighter and friction losses have been reduced. Agile Handling Assist (AHA) harnesses the power of VSA and brakes to provide confident cornering with less steering input. In addition to this, the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) vehicle parameter settings system is used with four possible modes (Econ, Normal, Sport, Sport+), each of which changes the operation of the electric power steering, gearbox and all-wheel drive, as well as accelerator sensitivity and steering logic rear wheels.

The protection of the driver and passengers in the Acura TLX is provided by curtains and airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver), as well as active head restraints and child seat anchors. The range of systems that ensure vehicle stability on the road includes: ABS, Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control, Hill Start Assist. In addition, the following are standard: cruise control, tire pressure sensors, rear parking sensors, rain and light sensors. The already high level of equipment in the top-end configuration is completed by: adaptive cruise control, a collision avoidance and lane departure system (with automatic course correction by the steering wheel), a blind spot monitoring function and other safety elements. The new business sedan, equipped with the latest technology, received the highest rating of Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests.

At the event in New York, one of the most long-awaited and brightest Japanese new products was shown - the Acura TLX 2017-2018 model in a new body (photos, configurations, technical specifications, prices, video and test drive). Compared to its predecessor, this version has received modern equipment that has practically no analogues.

During the presentation, critics spoke positively about the Japanese man's new appearance. It is worth noting that the exterior is made in the style of the conceptual model that was presented by the company earlier. First, the Acura TLX 2017-2018 will begin to be sold in the States. It is already known that prices will vary between $32,000 and $33,000. It must be said that the cost of the new version of the car has remained virtually unchanged compared to its predecessor.

Acura TLX 2017-2018. Specifications

There are relatively few changes in the technical part of the car. Engineers mainly worked on refining the steering and suspension. But the engine range has not undergone any changes at all. The new version of the TLH model is equipped with the following engines:

  • unit with 4 cylinders with a volume of 2.4 liters. Power output - 208 horses;
  • six-cylinder unit with a volume of 3.5 liters. Power - 290 horses.

Together with a 2.4-liter engine, an 8-speed robotic gearbox will work. The second engine is equipped with a modern 9-speed automatic transmission.

Engineers noted that after restyling, the sedan can be equipped with all-wheel drive with any engine and in any modification.

Exterior Acura TLH 2017-2018 in a new body

As mentioned above, the exterior of this Japanese model is made in the style of the presented concept called Acura Precision. At the rear there is a radiator grille with an acute angle, on which a large brand emblem is placed. On the sides of the grille there are modern headlights with LED filling. The large hood now has original stampings that go perfectly with the smooth and smooth curves of the ribs.

It is worth noting that the company’s designers are ready to offer their fans several body design options. The first option will be suitable for the younger generation. Aggressive elements will be installed on the body (large air collectors, a diffuser and original exhaust pipe covers), as well as a spoiler in the rear and original alloy wheels covered in matte black enamel. Their size is 19 inches.

The standard design of the car will not be so aggressive and sporty, however, even the absence of some elements does not prevent critics from calling the appearance of the Japanese modern. In this version, the car body will have a large number of chrome parts, and original 18-inch wheels will be installed in the wheel arches.

Salon of Acura TLX 2017-2018 and new equipment

The interior of the car can be called recognizable. The fact is that there are very few improvements in it. Basically, more modern and high-quality equipment was installed. For example, already in the minimum configuration the model will be equipped with:

  • multimedia system;
  • two touch displays;
  • many modern systems (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Sirius XM 2.0).

It is worth noting that the new monitors convey images very high quality and colorfully.

For those who want to get a more “complete” car, the company is ready to offer a special package called Advance Package. It will consist of:

  • LED fog lights;
  • roof with panoramic view;
  • charging gadgets without using wires;
  • white interior lighting;
  • electric mirror drive;
  • heated steering wheel;
  • heating of all seats.

In addition, the 2017-2018 Acura TLX in the new body will receive a whole set of security systems as standard. This package will include:

  • forward collision warning system;
  • warning the driver about a possible accident;
  • keeping the car in a given lane;
  • Cruise control.

A special camera was installed to monitor blind spots.

Acura TLX 2018 review: model appearance, interior, technical specifications, safety systems, prices and options. At the end of the article - test drive the 2018 Acura TLX!


Review content:

In 2017, during the New York Auto Show, Acura presented a restyled version of the Acura TLX business sedan, which first debuted on the world stage in 2014.

In comparison with the pre-restyling modification, the car received a more modern exterior, a slightly adjusted interior, as well as minimally modified technical components. In addition, the model acquired a new A-Spec modification, which received an aggressive aerodynamic body kit, a rear spoiler and large 19-inch wheels.


The company hopes that the updated Acura TLX will be able to impose a fight on its main and eternal competitor in the person of the Lexus ES, whose sales in 2016 were almost one and a half times higher than the sales volume of the TLX.

But be that as it may, Akurov managed to create a truly stylish, modern and, most importantly, high-tech car, offering one of the best ratios in terms of price, quality and level of equipment.

Exterior of Acura TLX 2018


The updated Acura TLX has not only a stylish and modern, but also a rather aggressive appearance.


Front part of the body acquired a larger pentagonal false radiator grille, decorated with a large company logo and a whole scattering of “diamonds”, modernized Jewel Eye head optics with LED turn indicators, as well as a more prominent hood and a modified front bumper, which received enlarged air intake blocks and neat LED fog lights.


Dynamic and taut sedan profile It is represented by A-pillars strongly tilted back, a window line rising towards the stern, as well as a domed roof smoothly turning into a lean stern.


Behind The car is represented by large shades of LED parking lights, a monumental rear bumper with spectacular chrome inserts and a sporty diffuser with a pair of rectangular exhaust pipes.

As an option, buyers have access to a special A-Spec modification, designed for a youth audience and represented by a more aggressive aerodynamic body kit, huge round fog lights at the front and a larger rear diffuser with round exhaust system trunks. In addition, the A-Spec version offers more chrome elements.

The new product has the following dimensions:

Length, mm4844 (4851 in A-Spec version)
Width, mm1854
Height, mm1447
Wheelbase, mm2775
Ground clearance, mm147 (151 for version with V6 engine)

The ride height is, as we can see from the table, 147 mm for the standard version and 151 mm for the version equipped with a V6 engine.

Buyers are offered a choice between 12 body colors and 8 exterior alloy wheel designs.

Acura TLX 2018 interior


In contrast to the exterior, the car's interior received a minimal number of changes, most of which were due to the installation of more modern and advanced equipment.

Driver's working cockpit represented by a strict three-spoke multi-steering wheel and a laconic, but extremely informative instrument cluster. The central part of the dashboard received two large 7-inch displays, one of which displays navigator information, and the second is responsible for the multimedia component, climate system and other car settings.

Even lower is a block of function keys that allows you to quickly activate the rear view camera, connect a smartphone, etc.

Build quality and finishing materials fully consistent with a premium car (genuine leather, Alcantara, natural wood, soft plastics and brushed aluminum).


The Acura TLX interior has a five-seat layout. For front riders Comfortable and functional seats are offered, equipped with electric drive and heating, as well as clearly noticeable lateral support.

Between the seats there is a fairly wide transmission tunnel, on which the manufacturer has placed a gear selector, an electric parking brake button, a pair of cup holders and a comfortable armrest.


Rear sofa Although it does not offer a record amount of free space, it can easily accommodate three adult riders, although the rather high transmission tunnel will cause some discomfort to the average passenger.

Amenities available for rear passengers include a folding center armrest and a separate air vent unit. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not focus its attention on such a parameter as trunk volume, but if you believe insider information, its capacity exceeds the volume of its predecessor, where it was 419 liters.

Specifications Acura TLX 2018


Under the hood of the updated Acura TLX there are exclusively gasoline engines:
  1. 4-cylinder 2.4-liter “aspirated” engine, equipped with a direct fuel supply system, 16-valve timing and variable valve timing function. Its total power is 208 hp and peak torque is 247 Nm. It is paired with an 8-speed robotic gearbox with two clutches and a DCT hydraulic transformer. According to the passport data, average fuel consumption is around 8.4 l/100 km.
  2. A 6-cylinder 3.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine (362 Nm), which, in addition to a direct fuel supply system, a variable valve timing system and a 16-valve timing system, received a Start-Stop system and a VCM system that can turn off half the cylinders at minimal loads. This engine is coupled with a modern 9-speed automatic transmission, complemented by a manual gear shift function via steering wheel paddle shifters. The average fuel consumption of a car with such a power plant in combined mode does not exceed 9.4 l/100 km.
Unfortunately, the exact dynamic characteristics, such as acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h and maximum speed, are not disclosed by the manufacturer. However, if you believe independent sources, the younger engine reaches the first hundred in 8.2 seconds, and the older one in 6.9 seconds.


Compared to its predecessor, the sedan received a stiffer system of springs and anti-roll bars on the rear axle. The front suspension is represented by classic MacPherson struts, and the rear suspension is a multi-link system.

Deserves special attention P-AWS system, which is standard on the 2.4-liter power unit and provides rear wheel steering to improve handling and agility, as well as optimize braking. The more powerful engine is equipped with an SH-AWD all-wheel drive system, represented by an active rear center differential, hydraulic actuators and a reconfigured traction vector control system. At the same time, for an additional fee, the SH-AWD system can now be installed in the version with a 208-horsepower engine.

Steering complemented by electric power steering, and the braking system is represented by disc brakes on all wheels (additionally with a ventilation system at the front).

Security systems of the new Acura TLX 2018


Acura TLX, like any other premium car, offers its owner a wide range of modern security systems, including:
  • All-round visibility camera with dynamic markings;
  • VSA and CMBS system;
  • ABS and EBD systems;
  • Hill start assist system;
  • Parking assistant;
  • Adaptive cruise control;
  • System for monitoring road markings and warning of unauthorized lane changes;
  • Parking sensors front and rear;
  • Rain-sensing windshield wipers;
  • LED DRLs;
  • Tire pressure monitoring technology;
  • Electronic immobilizer;
  • Central locking;
  • LATCH / ISOFIX fasteners for installing a child seat;
  • P-AWS/SH-AWD system;
  • VCM system and much more.
The body structure widely uses high-strength and super-strength steel, as well as winged metal and magnesium, which, on the one hand, increased the rigidity of the body and increased the overall level of safety, and on the other, reduced the weight of the car.

Options and price of the 2018 Acura TLX


Much to the regret of domestic fans of the brand, the Acura TLX model will not be presented on the Russian market. At the same time, the car is available in the countries of the Old World and the USA, where its minimum cost starts at 33 thousand dollars (2.063 million rubles).

The list of basic equipment includes:

  • LED head optics Jewel Eye;
  • Sports seats for front passengers;
  • Folding rear sofa (40:60 ratio);
  • Dual-zone climate control;
  • Interior air filter;
  • Multifunction steering wheel with leather braid;
  • Adaptive cruise control;
  • Multimedia center with 7” monitor, Bluetooth support, HandsFree and the ability to synchronize with a smartphone;
  • Audio system with 7 speakers;
  • Rear view camera;
  • Airbags front and side + curtain airbags;
  • VSA and CMBS systems;
  • ABS and EBD systems;
  • Hill start assist system;
  • Parking assistant;
  • A system for monitoring road markings and warning about unauthorized lane changes;
  • LED running lights;
  • P-AWS system;
  • Alloy wheels R17.
In more expensive versions, the car is equipped with an expanded list of security systems, a panoramic roof, advanced music, etc.

Conclusion

Acura TLX 2018 is a stylish, dynamic and modern car that offers its customers an aggressive appearance, a spacious interior, as well as a wide range of basic and additional equipment.

Test drive Acura TLX 2018: