Let’s get this part out of the way — the 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD w/Tech is not the most attractive sedan in the luxury segment. I’ll qualify that claim: I tend to favor softer, full designs that inspire. When I think of this new Acura, I think arrow head.

And so, though this is an entry-level luxe sedan, I decided we didn’t go anyplace fancy. My backseat sidekick spread out in comfort as we zipped around the neighborhood, and found that TL had lived up to it’s mantra — a car that runs exceptionally well.

It’s been four and a half years since I tested an Acura TL for my Ladies’ Choice column in Automotive Rhythms. While I really liked driving the Acura, it wasn’t the most lovely of designs. However, I think I still prefer it to the pointy 2009 model design.

What I did enjoy about the new Acura was it’s nifty clutch. Ohh, the response! Here was an easy breezy manual transmission with a sturdy shifter that revved with considerable joy. The TL remains a car that is a stimulating drive, a study in well-calibrated systems. The 3.7-liter V-6 is respectably equipped with 305 eager horses and the SH-AWD display indicates where the weight is distributed. It also passed the requisite mama test, with plenty of storage space for strollers and junk unhindered. Acura tender lover, hold the grille.

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