The Acura TLX is a refreshing take on an entry-level luxury sedan with its edgy design and sophisticated profile. Priced perfectly at $34,900, it's an affordable alternative to its counterparts. But is it compelling enough to attract buyers in the market for a 3-series or the newly designed C-class? I recently had the opportunity to test one and here’s what I like and dislike about it.

LIKES

LIKE: Great fuel efficiency

Throughout my test, I was surprised by the fuel economy I achieved in the TLX. My test vehicle was a 3.5-litre V6 engine that generates 290 horsepower. Most of the V6 cars I have driven achieve an average fuel economy between 12 and 14 liters/100 kilometers (L/100km). The Acura achieved an average of 10.6 L/100km. To put this in perspective, a Ford Fusion 1.6 I drove achieved 11.4L/100km and the Ford Focus achieved 9.8L/100km.

LIKE: Concept-like headlights

The jewel-eye headlights on the TLX have a sleek appearance, yet are quite functional. The five square projector bulbs similar to the ones found on the Acura RLX and MDX look stunning at night, while also acting as LED daytime running lights during the day.

LIKE: Performance when you need it

My first few days of testing the Acura left me unsatisfied and wanting more. I wondered how a 290-hp V6 engine made me feel like I was driving a four-cylinder Accord. After some research, I noticed I wasn’t taking advantage of the IDS system. The Integrated Dynamics System allows the driver to select between a range of driving modes such as Economy, Normal, and Sport-plus. Most of my driving was done in Normal mode. To solve its performance issues, I shifted the TLX to Sport-plus which instantly boosted the RPMs delivering a roaring sport-tuned sound and increasing throttle sensitivity in the process. The result is an exhilarating drive – and the most fun I’ve had behind the wheel of an Acura.

LIKE: Power seatbelts

The seatbelts on the TLX are unique because they dynamically adapt to the way you drive. The seatbelt is generally loose and comfortable until you take a tight turn or apply the brakes hard – at which point the seatbelt tightens itself and holds you in your seat.

DISLIKES

DISLIKE: Unintuitive Gear Shifter

The gear shifter on the TLX isn’t very welcoming. The traditional shifter is replaced with a series of buttons that read P, R, N, D and S. Now usually if I wanted to shift into a gear, I would simply move the lever up or down without having to look. On the TLX, I found myself constantly looking down at the buttons in order to shift into the right gear, requiring me to take my eyes of the road.