2009 Acura TL
Driving in an Acura wonderland
Snapping open the window blinds, the weather outside was frightful. Snow was piling up faster than a traffic clogged rush-hour highway into the downtown core. This was the perfect day to hunker down and dive headfirst into a good book.
Inside my suite at Inn Walden, the warmth emanating from the gas fireplace was delightful. Since there was no particular place to go on this immensely cold January day, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Later, once the storm had passed, I would dig out the car and enjoy sledding through the backcountry roads of Aurora, Ohio from behind the wheel of the 2009 Acura TL.
Driving would be particularly amusing since the new Acura TL we were piloting wasn’t equipped with Super-handling All-Wheel Drive. Instead, it was the “base” front-wheel drive model. Though some may disagree with me on this point, every now and then, a little less traction is a very good thing.
The 2009 Acura TL is a polarizing vehicle for the luxury brand of Honda Motor Company. Distinctive outward design elements include radical front and rear fasciae with angular styling cues throughout. One of the most striking features is the ground-breaking, platinum-plated Acura grille. Approach the car from any front facing direction and you can’t miss it.
Inside, high-tech functionality is a brand staple and the 2009 Acura TL has plenty to spare.
Front seats offer 10-way power adjustment for the driver; 8-way for the passenger. Both enjoy dual-level heated front seats and excellent side, leg and thigh support. Heat-rejecting green-tinted glass with an acoustic front windshield adds to the overall calm and quiet inside. Getting comfortable and staying that way, even over the course of a full day’s drive, is easy.
At the heart of the 2009 Acura TL beats a 3.5-litre, 24-valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine. Performance is rated at 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm.
Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters, acceleration is strong and smooth. The three hour drive from Detroit to just south of Cleveland had been completely enjoyable.
Inn Walden is one of those truly unique resorts that, for whatever reason, seems to fly under the radar. Without doubt, a contributing factor is its unexpected location. Aurora, Ohio, though beautiful in an understated way, isn’t a top-tier destination for many. But given a chance, the area surrounding the hotel is particularly inviting, with horse stables, golf and Americana deeply rooted throughout the countryside.
The AAA Five Diamond Award Inn Walden features 23 suites on a self described, 1,000 acre exurban oasis in the heart of Ohio’s great Western Reserve.
A suite only resort, room sizes range from 1,250-1,500 sq. ft. Featured names include Equestrian, Loft and Pyramid, among others. Each effectively describes the individual character traits found within. All showcase warm pastel shades of cream, brown and earth tones, (the newest sporting various shades of green) with large windows, comfy seating areas and oversized beds worthy of a full eight hours sleep.
Spa Walden reflects the tranquil ambience found throughout the Inn. Spacious private spa suites define the experience, carrying the suite only theme throughout the resort to its logical conclusion. Floor lighting provides a silent path to your personal journey. At Spa Walden, time stands still as you become reacquainted with the important things in life; namely health and well-being.
Dining at Inn Walden takes place in three distinctive settings. Quick meals are served within the hotel at the Blue Ribbon Café. Located at the golf course, The Club specializes in steak and seafood. A short shuttle ride away, The Barn caters to any request with fine dining and an extensive regional and international wine list.
Refreshed and ready for fun, I brushed off the snow covered Acura TL and engaged the start/stop button. Though it seemed to require a few seconds longer than normal, the V6 engine soon sprang to life. I flipped on every switch associated with warmth as the outside temperature gauge registered -37° C. Scraping away any remaining ice from the windshield, my gloved fingers were numb in a matter of minutes.
Parking lot escapades are one thing, but to truly experience a well-engineered driving sedan such as the 2009 Acura TL, you need to take it out on the open road.
Aurora, Ohio features well-paved two-lane highways with undulating geography. Rolling hills followed by sweeping left and right turns recede towards the horizon for kilometres on end. Making the drive that much more appealing, snow covered the roadway, adding some guess work as to where asphalt ended and gravel began.
Later, as evening waned towards night, I returned to the parking lot and reflected on the drive. The weather on this day was undeniably frightful, but after a few hours of spirited driving at the wheel of the 2009 Acura TL, the fire inside me was certainly delightful.
Summary:
Strong Points
Weak Points
- - the right size
- - comfort
- - drivability
- - V6 engine
- - back seat legroom
- - somewhat overcomplicated dash
Editors Rating:
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