Luxury is a word that definitely applies within, even in the basic 2.2CL.We're not big woodgrain fans, but the CL's burled walnut is tasteful, enhancing a dashboard that is typical of all Honda products--straightforward and handsomely functional. Typically Honda also applies to the extensive glass area of the CL's greenhouse, which affords excellent driver sightlines all around. Unlike smaller sport coupes such as the Ford Probe and Mitsubishi Eclipse, the CL's back seat is useable, but this is one area where the Chrysler Sebring takes the prize. Consistent with its luxury theme, the CL's front seats are a little roomier and offer a little less lateral support than the boy racer buckets in a BMW. But they're long on comfort, with a wide range of power adjustability and plenty of legroom. The seat heaters in our test car were welcome, too, during the January doldrums. Nifty touches: The driver's seat automatically eases forward to make rear seat access easier, and a small trapdoor next to the digital quartz clock shelters easy-to-use reset controls. Small demerits: Undersize audio controls, spoke-mounted horn buttons (instead of a center switch) and a relatively tight rear seat area. Fit and finish were flawless, and interior noise levels were hushed. There are lots of goodies baked into this purchase price--power everything, excellent sound with an in-dash CD player, a power moonroof and plenty of storage for small items. For the extra $1500, the Premium edition adds leather to seats and door panels, plus the seat heaters. So what you really have here is a superb luxury coupe executed on a relatively small scale for what looks to us like a terrific price.
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