2015 Acura TLX
Out with the old, in with the new… and so goes it in the automotive world. And one of the latest to do so is Acura with the 2015 TLX.
Partially an exercise in consolidation, the TLX enters the Acura lineup as both the TL and TSX depart. Wheelbase measures the same as the TL-just over 109 inches—though the chassis is different with four-wheel steering on most models.
While the bodywork is still conservative, there are cues that lend aggression: short front and rear overhangs, sweeping profile with a teardrop like greenhouse, and optional larger wheels. Acura’s jeweled LED headlights make an appearance here, as well.
But to us it is the interior that really shines. The TLX rivals some of the best for comfort, with great seats and materials. Technology is always an Acura focus and there is quite a lot of it inside. The dual screen center stack is an evolution of the Honda trademark setup. Again true to Acura form, the overall looks is certainly premium but not over the top.
Power is by way of a 206 horsepower 2.4 liter inline 4 with an in house designed 8-speed dual clutch automatic, or a 290 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 with a 9-speed ZF box that includes push button gear selection. Front wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive an option for the V6.
Neither engine felt particularly sporty, but the IDS drive mode selector can spice things up.
So with plenty that’s new for Acura this year, the TLX is on sale now, starting at around $32,000.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4 liter/ 3.5 liter
- Horsepower: 206/ 290
- Price: starting around $32,000
2024 Chevrolet Trax
After a one-year hiatus, the Chevrolet Trax compact utility is back and all-new for 2024, aiming to entice young buyers with modern looks and amenities, all at a condensed value.
This sharp new design illustrates a significant growth spurt, now 11-inches longer on a 6-inch longer wheelbase. Inside, this means 3-more-inches of rear legroom and over 25 cubic-feet of cargo storage with the second-row seats up– or up to 54 cubic-feet seats-down.
This is the same for all five trims; of course, there are some key differences. For example, the entry LS and 1RS trims come with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. LT, 2RS and ACTIV come with both an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument panel. The higher trims also come with some extra content, like heated front seats and keyless start; but, some of the more important features, like certain driver safety systems, come standard on all.
Also standard is the sole powertrain: A turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three rated at 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque sent through a six-speed automatic. The Trax is front-wheel drive only this time, and it proved to be up to the task during our North Carolina First Drive.
ALEXANDER KELLUM: “Now, for those of you who may be concerned about some of the powertrain figures there, ‘cause I know, like, 3-cylinder may not sound the most attractive to some buyers. Um, but for what this vehicle is meant to be, just a compact commuter that gets you from point-A to point-B and offers, again, a healthy amount of standard features, this three-cylinder’s doing great. I’m cruising around Asheville right now and I’m not having any problems. I could keep up with traffic on the freeway; yet, back here on some of these roads, uh, it’s perfect. It’s quiet, it’s smooth and, yeah, it feels great.”
The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is an impressive experience from powertrain to features, especially when you weigh its value. A base-level LS starts at $21,495 with delivery, while the top-level 2RS and ACTIV start at $24,995.
Chevrolet ticked all the boxes when they set out to create a compact utility for the young and modern buyer, all for a great value! And we’ll have more Quick Spins… soon!