The driving position is perfect and the dash seems to instinctively wrap itself around the driver. There is a certain feeling of "oneness" with the surroundings and with the car itself.

The Acura Navigation system is, at the moment, the easiest and most comprehensive to use. The displayed commands below the screen are complete and they include a joystick. The screen is touch-sensitive and the menus could not be any simpler. The HVAC and audio controls may take a little time before their positioning is remembered, however the opposite can be said about the ones mounted on the steering wheel - they are crystal clear. The in-dash mounted 6-CD player creates a clear and formidable sound. This sound system also has the ability to read audio DVDs and improve sound quality.

Technical

The only mode of motivation available for this model is a 3.2L VTEC V6. It puts out 270 hp at 6 2000 rpm and a very respectable 238 lb/ft of torque at 5 000 rpm. There are two transmissions to choose from: A 5-speed automatic with manual mode called SportShift and, for the Dynamic package, a 6-speed manual equipped with a limited-slip differential. The Dynamic ensemble also includes larger stabilizer bars, meatier front discs that are clamped down by Brembo callipers and completed by hi-performance summer tires.

On the road

The engine has tons of usable power in the lower rev range and as they climb, thrust increases exponentially. The compromise for all this vigour is an important dose of torque steer. I can deal with it only because I have owned a 1989 Mazda MX-6 GT turbo that was notorious for insane bouts of steering-wheel wrestling. For most drivers, if they can keep the go-pedal off the floor, it will be more of a manageable inconvenience. The engine's output is greater than the BMW 330i and the Audi A4 3.2, but falls just short of the Infiniti's G35's 280 hp. The V6 creates a nice subdued and refined sound. It is not as intoxicating as the Infiniti's V6, but it reminds you that there is something potent under the hood. Fuel consumption is somewhere between reasonable and heavy. The best I managed was 14L per 100 km and the worst was 17L per 100 km. The higher of the two amounts came with heavy traffic and very cold weather.

The synchronization of the manual transmission takes a little time to get used to. The difficulty is between 1st and 2nd gears and when trying to start off smoothly from a complete stop. The shift lever action is precise through the gates and the clutch pedal is light. The old heel-toe is difficult to manage as the pedals are a little far apart and the fact that the brake pedal is sensitive makes the manoeuvre all the more difficult.

The chassis is rock-solid. This makes for a "dynamic" (the name is no lie...) ride that is both compliant and ultra-enthusiastic. Compared to the previous TL I tested, the larger sway bars seem to really have a positive effect on the car's handling as it corners with more urgency than the base model. The variable assist power-steering is accurate and well balanced, however the turning radius is very large. The 4-wheel disc brakes are powerful and backed up by a firm but pliable brake pedal.