Orlando Sentinel's view

Despite its snazzy new looks, the Acura 2.2CL is a car we already know.

The 2.2CL basically is just a Honda Accord coupe with a new set of duds and a handsome new interior.

No matter, because the Accord coupe is a fine starting point.

The 2.2CL has the same engine, same suspension layout, same underpinnings and same smooth, quiet performance as the Accord coupe.

From any angle, the2.2CL is a handsomely styled machine. The rear end, with its pronounced accent line in the middle of the trunk and tapered taillights, is particularly attractive.

For once, a Japanese automaker went for style and didn’t come up with something weird (the original Infiniti Q45’s awkward styling), something boring (the generic look and feel of the Toyota Camry) or something borrowed from another automaker (the Lexus LS400’s Mercedes-like looks). The 2.2CL’s stylish body is fresh and original. Its conservatively classy style is excellent for the times.

But my initial enthusiasm for the 2.2CLwas dashed slightly once I turned the ignition key and motored out into the world. There is nothing special about the 2.2CL’s performance, and the handling is not particularly sporty.

PERFORMANCE, HANDLING

As with the Honda Accord, the 2.2CL is powered by a 2.2-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine that has an overhead camshaft and 16 valves. Horsepower is rated at 145 in the Acura, 15 more than the Accord.

The 2.2CL weighs about 200 pounds more than the Accord coupe. The extra weight might be one reason why the Acura’s performance was uninspiring, despite the increase in power from the VTEC engine.

VTEC is a Honda buzzword for Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control, a system that governs operation of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. VTEC enables the engine to run more efficiently and produce greater power while using less fuel.

That sounds fine in theory, but the 2.2CL’s acceleration is fairly leisurely from a stop. However, once cruising at about 45 mph, the 2.2CL performs much better. With a slight head of steam, it can pass slower traffic without much fuss.

Our test car came with a four-speed automatic transmission. The shifts were smooth and well-timed in most instances, but sometimes the transmission hunted for the proper gear. This happened mostly at speeds of around 40 mph, which was when the transmission tended to shift inconsistently between third and fourth gear.

Acura soon will add a 190-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 to the CL’s option list. The new engine should take care of the performance shortcomings.

One wonders if Honda also will beef up the suspension to handle the extra power.

Right now, the 2.2CL sports independent double-wishbone suspension and disc brakes on all four wheels, front and rear stabilizer bars and rack and pinion steering.

The 2.2CL’s ride is more luxurious than sporty. I would compare it to that of a $17,000 Chevy Lumina sedan: It’s quiet and competent, nothing more.

In a curve at 25mph or so and the 2.2CL will lean slightly before the suspension system firms up. The car hangs on during such turns without losing traction, but the feeling you get does little to increase your pulse.

The ride, however, is very quiet.

The steering and brakes work well, but they are not exemplary.

FIT AND FINISH

Our test car was one of the first 100 2.2CL’s built at the Honda factory in East Liberty, Ohio. It had been test-driven about 10,000 miles, which is much more than I am used to seeing on a test car.

Auto writers tend to push test cars to the limit when they are trying to learn about a vehicle’s performance. This may explain why our dark red 2.2CL fared so poorly in the quality department.

For instance, the shifter for the automatic transmission came apart in my hands. Screws popped out and a big spring went flying to the floor.

With the driver’s window down, I heard a loud b g from inside the door when I closed the door. And when I rolled over a bump or uneven pavement, a loud, annoying squeak came from the passenger seat.

This car clearly is not representative of the high quality of most Acuras I have tested over the years. In fact, the company owns one of the industry’s highest quality ratings.

So I went to a local Acura dealership and grabbed another 2.2CL. I found the car had none of the problems that our test car did.

Still, the poor quality made me wonder how well Acuras hold up. I usually only see them when they have 200 or 300 miles on them.

Problems aside, the 2.2CL is a well-equipped coupe. Our test car came with a sunroof, cruise control and a full array of power accessories, plus a leather interior and remote controlled door locks.

Generally, Honda did a fine job with the interior layout. There is plenty of room front and rear, and visibility is excellent. Even though the 2.2CL is a compact, you don’t feel cramped.

The dash is trimmed with a nice-looking faux wood treatment. And the classy-looking white numbers on the analog gauges are quite pretty.

The air-conditioning system worked well, but adjusting the fan speed was somewhat bothersome because the button was so small.

If you are looking for an entry-level imported luxury car that offers relaxed cruising and a comfortable ride instead of tire-screeching high performance, the 2.2CL is worthy of consideration.

Specifications: Base price: $23,960 Safety: Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes and side-impact protection Price as tested: $24,495 EPA rating:23 mpg city/29 mpg highway Incentives: None

Truett’s tip: Acura’s 2.2CL is a sharp-looking machine. However, beyond the snazzy styling, this semi-luxurious coupe doesn’t offer much in the way of performance or athletic handling.