Folks who favor road rockets like the BMW M3 coupe pooh-pooh the Acura 3.0CL for lack of character. Others have criticized its pricetag, and for a shortage of doors--in other words, for not being a sedan.
After spending a week with a 3.0CL, we find these observations mystifying.
True, the V6-powered version of Acura's mid-size front-drive coupe lacks
a manual transmission, optional or otherwise--that sport-driving essential
is available only with the four-cylinder 2.2CL--and its on-road persona
is serenely quiet, composed and competent.
But for all its posh good manners, the CL can handle a slalom course
or series of s-bends in a considerably faster than average hurry, and its
all-around dynamics are on a par with most of BMW's superb 3-Series coupes,
though the M3 is in a class by itself.
Comments about two doors versus four defy comprehension. Yes, sedans
are more versatile. But coupes still have an appeal--sporty, intimate,
personal--that sedans don't. We don't think a coupe has to apologize for
being a coupe.
As for the price issue--well, let's look at that. With a base price
of $25,545, including destination and delivery, the 3.0CL is $3000 higher
than the 2.2CL, and at $27,105 the Premium version, our test subject, is
in near-luxury territory.
At a glance, that may seem a trifle dear. But check the standard equipment
list. This baby is loaded, and the basic 2.2CL is only slightly less so.