The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

At a time when SUV sales are booming, it’s refreshing to see some automakers haven’t forgotten the two-door coupe.

Coupes have fallen by the wayside as SUVs tromp all over the automotive sales terrain.

While Acura’s CL has seen some success as Acura’s luxury coupe, it hasn’t been a runaway success. That should change with the 2001 model — the CL gets a total makeover, getting its running gear and chassis from Honda’s “Global Mid-Size Platform.” This means the CL shares parts with various versions of Honda Accords, as well as Acura’s TL sedan. Not bad genes to have.

There are two trim levels, CL and CL Type S. Both trim levels have a 3.2-liter double-overhead-cam engine. Base CLs have a 225-horsepower VTEC engine, while the Type S gets a high-performance 260 horsepower VTEC engine. Both versions of the 3.2 are hitched to a five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift.

The test vehicle was a Type S, and the added power gives the car amazingly effortless acceleration. That shouldn’t be surprising since the car only weighs about 3,525 pounds. The engine has a fine-tuned sound, while propelling you forward.

Steering is quick, although not as quick off-center as you might expect. Handling is quite nimble, but not quite the sports-car-like agility you might expect. But it does far exceed most of its competition for sheer fun. While more fun than a Toyota Solara or any Big Three coupe in this class, the CL Type S still isn’t as much fun as a 3-Series coupe.

The five-speed automatic clicked the shifts off with firm precision, although the Sequential SportShift proved disappointing. The test vehicle tended to take care of the first-second upshift itself. It also shifted itself under light throttle, only holding gear under heavy acceleration. Hardly sporty or worth the effort.

Standard on all CLs are four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. The front brakes have been enlarged for 2001. They proved to be progressive and equal to the car’s power. Traction control is also standard. Type S cars also receive the RL’s Vehicle Stability Assist or VSA. It unites the anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability sensors throughout the car to help take corrective action if the driver proves to be driving, ahem, too enthusiastically. (That’s easy in this car.)

Both CLs have the expected double wishbone suspension front and rear. Hydraulic engine mounts keep the vehicle free of engine vibration, as do front and rear sub-frames. While the ride is firm, it does absorb bumps well. One thing to keep in mind, base CLs get 16-inch tires, Type S CLs get 17-inch tires. This will make a difference in ride and handling.

The interior was quiet enough so that one could hear the engine’s sweet symphony, but tire noise was intrusive at highway speeds.

The CLs new agility is contained in a very handsome package. Longer and stiffer than last year’s CL, the new car isn’t exactly small at 192 inches, but it’s light for its size. The conservative shape is chiseled with just the right stance, and the car looks sharp from every angle, particularly the back.

Front seat space is good, as is support and comfort. Unlike most seats, the bottom cushion is sufficiently deep. Legroom is plentiful and a good driving position is easy to find. Some may find headroom a little tight. Rear seat space is better than in previous models, but this is still more a 2+2 than a coupe. Headroom in the rear is quite tight. Getting in the back is made easier, thanks to electrically-activated seats, a thoughtful touch.

One of the reasons that the back seat seems tight is that the CL has a good bit of trunk space. The trunk seems larger than the official listing of 13.5 cubic feet. Gooseneck hinges on the trunk lid limit some of the useable space, as does the optional Navigation System, which resides at the top forward edge of the trunk.

The dash is similar to that of the TL, which means it is easy to use and understand. Like most Hondas, the sunroof switch is located to the left of the driver. The radio and climate controls are in the center stack, as is the sole optional item, a Global Positioning System. Honda’s GPS seems easier to use than most.

The automatic climate control also was easy to use, although some of the controls are housed within the GPS system’s touch-sensitive screen.

The stereo system was complete with cassette and CD player, although the system seemed to have a somewhat flat and tinny sound.

Overall, the Acura CL is a big improvement over the warmed-over Accord version that last wore the badge. The styling is handsome and sophisticated; the engine positively sings. Space for passengers and cargo is better than the coupe norm. While none of this will make you dump your SUV, imagine how much fun you can have zipping around those road mammoths. And that’s this coupe’s coup.

2001 Acura CL Type S
Engine: 3.2 liter DOHC VTEC 260-horsepower V-6 Transmissions: 5-speed automatic with Sequential Sport-Shift Tires: P245/50R17 Wheelbase: 106.9 inches Length: 192 inches Width: 70.6 inches Curb weight: 3,525 pounds Base price: $32,330 As tested: $32, 785 EPA rating: 19 mpg city, 29 mpg highway Test rating: 17.5 mpg Fuel type: Premium