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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Helman students illustrate kindness, love Newly renovated Ashland Hills hosts open house SOU's 'Count Me In' campaign raises $210,000 Aquatics backer announces write-in candidacy for Parks & Rec board Hot Stuff Espresso Education Helman students illustrate kindness, love SOU's 'Count Me In' campaign raises $210,000 Fun, fundraising and art at Helman Elementary School Ashland mourns death of former coach Stan Gida Goal not reached, but don't count out 'Count Me In' yet Environment Rite Aid cub well, could come back to southern Oregon Report: Smaller streams need further protection Bear cub wanders into Rite Aid Kalmiopsis' future at stake if mining goes forward Fires and forests evolved together, but now people are in the mix Business Newly renovated Ashland Hills hosts open house Hot Stuff Espresso Blue Toba erupts onto dining scene Interim president leads in a different direction Silvio Calabi: Acura’s 2015 TLX is two cars in one Politics and elections Aquatics backer announces write-in candidacy for Parks & Rec board Richardson accuses Kitzhaber of 'corruption' in final debate Stricker steps down from Talent council Merkley-Wehby to debate in Medford Ashland land use rule review continues State News Nation - World Obituaries Ronald J. 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Our View: Cheering Ashland's own ... Granlund cartoon: New York Ebola ... 10 things to know for Friday ... Our View: Cheering Ashland's own ... Silvio Calabi: Acura's 2015 TLX is two cars in one By Silvio Calabi More Content Now DailyTidings.com By Silvio Calabi More Content Now Posted Oct. 20, 2014 @ 8:06 am By Silvio Calabi More Content Now Posted Oct. 20, 2014 @ 8:06 am » Social News It’s unusual for a car company to shrink its lineup, but this new Acura replaces both the TL and TSX models — hence its TLX moniker (in Honda/Acura lingo, “X” doesn’t mean AWD) and its size, midway between those two outgoing cars. Furthermore, depending on how it’s configured, the TLX can appeal to two different kinds of buyer. Our sample car, a loaded 2015 TLX 3.5L SH-AWD ADV with a sticker price of $45,595, seems to be aimed at the TSX owner. It has new safety features, a new 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 with stop-start, a new nine-speed pushbutton transmission with shift paddles, an Integrated Dynamic System programmed for Econ, Normal, Sport and Sport+ driving, and the next generation of Honda’s “Super Handling” all-wheel drive that sends more torque to the outside wheels in a corner. And it’s all packed into a trim and comfortable sedan that, in proper Honda fashion, seems bigger inside than out. The direct-injection, 24-valve Six is easy to like. It spins up freely and pulls hard. The transmission engages and disengages so positively at low speeds that at first I thought it was a dual-clutch type, but it’s a fluid-drive automatic. In Sport+ mode, the transmission shifts by itself until the driver makes a manual gear change; thereafter it holds each gear to the engine’s 7000-RPM ceiling. (To return to Sport automatic, pull back on a shift paddle for a few seconds.) Acura calls this Shift Logic #2, and it includes more aggressive engine braking and rev-matching on downshifts. The three other IDS modes — Econ, Normal and Sport — follow Shift Logic #1, which means the transmission returns to automatic duty by itself after a manual gear change. The only difference between Sport and Normal seems to be that Sport holds gears longer before upshifting. The Econ setting damps everything down for better fuel efficiency. (In Normal and Sport modes, we averaged 25 mpg; exploring Shift Logic #2 gave us 23 mpg.) Where a gear lever normally pokes out of the console, there is a fore-and-aft row of pushbuttons: P for Park, followed by R, N and then D for Drive. Each one has a different shape and feel, for eyes-free operation. P, N and D require a push; to back up, stick your finger into the slot in R and pull it backward (for reverse, naturally). It’s harder to describe than to use, and it gets a B+ in novelty. The Integrated Dynamic System also alters the TLX’s steering, AWD and throttle response, but it’s hard to feel the difference. In any setting, the TLX rides and handles beautifully, at least with SH-AWD. This is one of the best dynamic all-wheel-drive systems out there—as useful for delivering speed and maneuverability on dry pavement as it is in providing grip (and maneuverability) on slick surfaces. It also irons away any FWD idiosyncrasies and leaves behind neutral cornering. Along with the expected toys and upgrades, from leather to navigation to parking sensors, the TLX offers what amounts to 1.0 and 2.0 versions of AcuraWatch driver assistance. The Tech package has forward-collision, blind-spot, rear-crossing and lane-departure alerts plus a multi-view backup camera. The TLX ADV, with its Advance upgrade, adds to this adaptive cruise control with active braking and lane-keeping. If it suspects a “road departure” is imminent, the TLX ADV can wiggle the wheel, signal for help and try to pull itself back into its lane — if the lane markers are clear and visibility is good. The system will even apply the brakes. It’s a very long way from self-driving, but if this feature saves my life while you’re texting, I’m all for it. With the V-6 and AWD, the TLX is a highly satisfying all-weather highway commuter and all-around grown-up car. If, on the other hand, you’re younger, hipper, poorer and/or looking for a ride that’s more fun — more like the old Acura TL, let’s say — try the 2.4L 2WD version. That TLX has a 260HP four-cylinder engine and a snappy dual-clutch automatic transmission with eight speeds and a torque converter. It’s front-wheel-drive only (and lacks the ADV safety package), but all four wheels steer and there’s less weight in the nose, so it’s more agile and engaging. It seems the new TLX really can fill the shoes of two different outgoing cars. Plus - Nearly plush driving experience - Super-Handling all-wheel drive - Strong, smooth V-6 Minus - Smart cruise control reacts like a student driver - Dual console screens twice as confusing - Sometimes-inscrutable driver interface Silvio Calabi reviews the latest from Detroit, Munich, Yokohama, Gothenburg, Crewe, Seoul and wherever else interesting cars are born. Silvio is a member of the International Motor Press Association whose automotive reviews date back to the Reagan administration. He is the former publisher of Speedway Illustrated magazine and an author. Contact him at [email protected]. By Silvio Calabi More Content Now DailyTidings.com By Silvio Calabi More Content Now Posted Oct. 20, 2014 @ 8:06 am » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2014 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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