By Dr V Palanivel 
The Acura EL was a compact luxury sedan that once graced the Canadian market, offering a blend of Honda’s reliability and Acura’s upscale refinement. Despite being discontinued, the Acura EL remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its balanced performance, comfort, and premium features. With the rising interest in compact luxury sedans, could it be time for an Acura EL comeback? Let’s take a deep dive into the car’s specs, features, mileage, speed, and its potential return to the market.
A Brief History of the Acura EL
The Acura EL was introduced in 1997 as a replacement for the Acura Integra sedan in Canada. Based on the Honda Civic, the EL was a rebadged and upgraded version with improved styling, premium interior materials, and additional features. It remained in production until 2005, after which it was succeeded by the Acura CSX and later the Acura ILX.
Acura EL Specifications
The Acura EL was available in two generations:
First Generation (1997-2000)
Engine: 1.6L SOHC 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 127 hp
Torque: 107 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Second Generation (2001-2005)
Engine: 1.7L SOHC 4-cylinder VTEC
Horsepower: 127-127 hp
Torque: 114 lb-ft
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Features and Comfort
One of the key selling points of the Acura EL was its upscale features compared to the Honda Civic. It came with premium materials, a refined cabin, and a more comfortable ride. Some of its notable features included:
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats (in higher trims)
Power sunroof
Keyless entry
Premium audio system
Alloy wheels
Heated seats (in later models)
Woodgrain interior accents
Performance and Mileage
The Acura EL was known for its efficient performance and decent fuel economy. Thanks to its lightweight design and VTEC engine technology, it provided a balanced mix of power and efficiency.
Mileage: Approximately 8.5 L/100 km (city) and 6.5 L/100 km (highway)
Top Speed: Around 190 km/h
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in approximately 8.5-9 seconds
Pricing and Availability in India
The Acura EL was never officially launched in India, as it was a Canada-exclusive model. However, some enthusiasts have imported the vehicle privately. If Acura were to bring back the EL or introduce a modern equivalent, it could be priced competitively in the Indian market, likely ranging between ₹18-25 lakh, considering its positioning as an entry-level luxury compact sedan.
Possible Launch Date of a New Acura EL
There are currently no official announcements regarding a comeback of the Acura EL. However, with the growing demand for compact luxury sedans in markets like India and North America, Acura might consider reintroducing a modern version of the EL. If Acura were to revive the model, it could be launched in the next 2-3 years, possibly as a hybrid or electric variant to align with current market trends.
The Acura EL was a well-rounded luxury compact sedan that offered reliability, comfort, and efficiency. Its discontinuation left a gap in the market that later models like the ILX attempted to fill. With the automotive industry shifting towards compact and fuel-efficient luxury sedans, a modern-day Acura EL could be a successful reintroduction.
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