Vehicle: 2006 Acura RL
Price as tested: CDN$70930

Handling: One of the most impressive aspects of RL has to be its Super Handling all-wheel drive system. This AWD uses independent torque distribution system to varies between front and rear wheels. Its smart enough to distribute up to 70% for either front or back. When you pushed through a corners aggressively, it could powered up to 100% either way. This system has a desired effects for handling dynamics. Not only does its lightweight compares to other equivalent AWD systems. Its rear-bias also serves RL as a rear-driver until an offending wheel starts to spin, then it AWD begins to work. The rear-bias does work extremely well when pushing into a corner. There is a slight oversteer for adjustability without much understeer. On the other hand, its VSC or Vehicle Stability Control doesn’t kick-in until the moment the law of physics detect the vehicle is going out of control, which very hard given the effective of SH-AWD.

Without a stiff and rattle-free platform, even a magical AWD system can put it to work. The RL combines all the virtues of Acura, which means a solid-as-a-rock chassis with finely tuned suspension. This suspension is sporty enough for enthuisastic drivers to enjoy through curves without sacificing the ride quality one expects from a luxury sedan. The suspension absorbs expansion joints and washboard pavements exceptionally well. On the othe hand, electric power steering provides decent feedback and right level of precision and responsiveness. However, there are two drawbacks to RL’s overall spectaucular dynamic package. The chassis has a certain floaty feel at high-speed and steering needs to be sharper in order to match the best from Germans.

Performance: Acura’s 3.5L V6 SOHC V6 provides exceptional refinement and NVH in RL. Its very quiet and refined inside the cabin, with the right amount of engine note. The use of pedal shifter on manumatic mode already created stick shift’s up and downshift blip throttle for driver’s delight. This engine has plenty of go with 290 ponies and 256 lb/ft of torque. Since the maximum torque arrives at 5 grand, it won’t come alive until 4 grand when the VTEC kicks in. However, the low-end torque is more than acceptable although not as lively as some of its competitors. Throttle response is quick and linear. The 5-speed manumatic has smart use of ratio. The engine just revs at 1600 rpm @ 100 km/h which is impressive for a V6. Like any Honda VTECs, its also entertaining to rev through the redline.

Brakes: The brake pedal feels solid and extremely well modulated. Its standard 4-wheel discs with ABS and EBC have desired effect that can haul this heavy beast to a stop in an efficient and linear fashion. There isn’t any nose dive when driver drops the anchor aggressively.

Interior: Inside the RL, its everything else you expect from a flagship Acura. To begin with a great set of instrumentation gauges, logically done center console with superb navigational system. The automatic climate control works top-notch with efficent “auto” setting for fan speed and tempeature. In terms of materials, everything panels are covered in high-quality grade plastic. The leather seats are supportive and thigh support is equally good. Leather materials are covered in supple and soft hides. Soft to the touch and have a durable wear in the long haul. The ventilated front seats with both cooling and heating is simply a godsent in this weather.

On the back seat, there are plenty of head and legrooms with 3 headrests for maxium safety.

Except for the lack of fold-down rear seats and high liftover, RL’s trunk is well-layout and ski pass through should occupy what has been lost through the lack of fold down rear seats, for the most parts.

Conclusion: With the introduction of new RL, Acura finally has an upper luxury sedan that is able to run with the top dogs. It got an impressive dynamic package, comfortable and very well-priced. One shouldn’t looked pass this wonderful vehicle simply by the lack of V8 engine.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 ACURA RL
=============================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5