Acura TLX
!
The TLX has potential but
lacks panache, ultimately
falling short of the best
luxury compact sedans.
It's available with a four-
or six-cylinder engine, but AWD is
available only with the V6. The
2.4-liter Four uses an eight-speed
automatic transmission that delivers
quick, direct shifts and contributes to
the very good 27 mpg overall. The V6 is a gem, with plenty of power, but it's
paired with a nine-speed automatic that isn't all that smooth or responsive.
We found the ride to be quite comfortable and handling to be responsive
though not sporty. The cabin is quiet, but the infotainment system is distracting
and awkward to use. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision
warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
$33,000-$48,950
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
2
ROAD-TEST SCORE 76-79 MPG 25-27
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa's compact luxury sport
sedan corners and steers
like a sports car. But it's
filled with everyday annoy-
ances, such as its unin-
tuitive controls. The 280-hp, 2.0-liter
turbo four-cylinder engine is mated to
an eight-speed automatic transmis-
sion and provides punchy acceleration
even in the all-wheel-drive version.
The firm ride absorbs most bumps, but it's less plush than that of many
competitors. Fuel economy is excellent at 27 mpg overall. The attractive interior
has matte wood and nicely textured surfaces, but some switchgear is cheap.
Seat comfort is compromised by a short cushion and limited range of adjust-
ments, and the cabin isn't as quiet as that of its peers. The high-performance
Quadrifoglio version is even sportier, but at the expense of comfort. Forward
collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard for 2020.
OVERALL
SCORE
51
$39,345-$74,445
RELIABILITY
1
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE 70 MPG 27
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Stelvio delivers
fantastic handling that
makes it fun to drive on a
twisty road. That, however,
doesn't mean it's fun to live
with on a daily basis, and it falls short
of most competitors on the refinement
and luxury quotients. The standard
engine is a punchy 280-hp, 2.0-liter
turbo four-cylinder that gets 24 mpg
overall on premium. The ride is a bit jittery, but the suspension absorbs bumps
rather well. Among constant annoyances are a driving position with a limited
range of seat adjustments and controls that are not user-friendly enough. Like
with the Giulia, the parking sensors are too sensitive and go off constantly in
an urban environment. Rear and side visibility are wanting, and the cargo hold
is modest. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are
standard for 2020.
OVERALL
SCORE
67
$41,345-$80,445
RELIABILITY
3
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 MPG 24
Audi A3
!
Audi's A3 is a compelling
entry-level luxury car, but
it lacks certain expected
features for its price,
and the interior, though
well-made, feels austere. It's solid
and quiet, and has a drum-tight body
structure. Crisp handling and a firm,
controlled ride make the A3 enjoy-
able to drive. We tested it with the
now-discontinued 1.8-liter engine, which delivered a respectable 27 mpg in our
tests. The cabin is quiet, and the front seats are comfortable and supportive.
The rear seat is tight. It takes a bit of time to get used to the MMI infotainment
system, but it ultimately proves to be logical. It's easy to hit $40,000 with just
a few options. A sporty RS3 is also available. Forward collision warning and
automatic emergency braking are standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
74
$33,300-$56,200
RELIABILITY
4
SATISFACTION
3
ROAD-TEST SCORE 77 MPG 27
Audi A4
!
The A4 is among the
highest- ranking luxury
compact sports sedans,
thanks in large part
to its fantastic driving
experience. Power comes from a
smooth and punchy 2.0-liter turbo-
charged four-cylinder engine, mated
to a slick seven-speed dual-clutch
automatic transmission. We got a
commendable 27 mpg overall. Handling is nimble and precise, the ride is firm
yet supple, and the A4 feels tight-as-a-drum solid, with a very quiet cabin.
The instrument panel shows pertinent information in front of the driver in a
clear, comprehensive way. Interior fit and finish is excellent, and the front seats
are comfortable, though the rear seat is tight. The A4 has standard forward
collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency braking. The wagon
version is called the Allroad.
OVERALL
SCORE
$39,200-$58,350
RELIABILITY
5
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE 88 MPG 27
Audi A5
The A5 is based on the A4.
In addition to the coupe
and convertible versions,
the A5 is available as a
four-door hatchback called
the Sportback. The A5 gets a 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine
matched to a seven-speed dual-
clutch automatic transmission. More
potent S5 versions are powered by a
3.0-liter turbo V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is stan-
dard. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning with city-
speed automatic emergency braking. We found that the A4 drives well, with
nimble handling and a firm yet supple ride, and we expect the A5 to behave
similarly. The convertible's soft top can be operated up to 30 mph. Based on
our experience with the A4, the controls require a learning curve but prove to
be logical with familiarity. The gear selector, however, is not intuitive to use.
OVERALL
SCORE
NA
$44,200-$74,200
RELIABILITY
4
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA
Audi A6
The redesigned Audi A6 fea-
tures lots of new technology,
including a new infotainment
system. Most versions come
with a 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder engine; a 3.0-liter V6
engine with a mild hybrid system is also
available. Both engines are paired with
a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
transmission, which is short on refine-
ment at low speeds, and the car hesitates before launch or from a rolling stop.
In our tests, the four-cylinder returned a commendable 26 mpg overall. Agile
handling gives the Audi a sporty driving experience. The ride is taut, with under-
lying firmness, but still comfortable. The quiet cabin is a delight in terms of fit
and finish; the seats are extremely comfortable and supportive. The dual-screen
infotainment system is daunting at first, but we found it to be ultimately logical.
Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
65
$54,900-$79,600
RELIABILITY
1
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE 93 MPG 26
Audi A7
The A7 is pretty much a
more stylish take on the A6.
It has more emphasis on
style, luxury, and high-tech
features than its predeces-
sor had. It maintains the same swept-
back profile and the practical benefit
of a hatchback. Powering the base
A7 is a 335-hp, twin-turbocharged V6
engine coupled to a seven-speed dual-
clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This mild-hybrid
powertrain includes a 48-volt electrical system to ensure that accessories don't
tax fuel economy. Inside, a new control system consists of two touch screens
that prove to be fairly easy to use. Fit and finish and seat comfort are superb.
Both 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and V8 engines will be added later. The high-
performance S7 brings a 444-hp turbocharged V6. Forward collision warning,
automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
NA
$69,000-$89,500
RELIABILITY
1
SATISFACTION
4
ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA
OVERALL
SCORE
88
NEW CAR PROFILES ACURA — BMW
50 CR.ORG APRIL 2020