: the Austin Rover Group, in alliance with Honda. The Sterling 825S and 825SL will be imported by Austin Rover Cars of North America (ARCONA). Mechanically, the Sterling is nearly identical to the Acura Legend, with similarities extending to the manual and automatic transmissions, front- and rear-suspension designs, and some hidden body stampings.
The major differences are found in the exterior body panels, interior executions, suspension calibrations, and the Sterling's higher-class list of standard amenities, which includes ABS, leather upholstery, and several luxury touches that the Legend lacks. In a blindfolded test, you'd have a hard time figuring out which car you were sitting in. The two models are within millimeters of each other in just about every major dimension.
With the blindfold off, the job is a lot easier, especially in the SL edition of the Sterling. The full-house, maximum-effort model is dressed in Connolly leather and equipped with your choice of a manual or an automatic transmission at no extra cost, a trip computer, a heated driver's seat, an eight-speaker stereo, alloy wheels, and power seats with four memory presets. The only option on the SL is, get this, a power-reclining rear seat.
All this may sound like wretched excess, but it works. The Connolly-covered seats are built and bolstered for the long haul. We spent twelve straight hours in them and never once had to call for a skeletal recalibration.
The Sterling's interior is a model of good luxury design, with subtle, true cool, true luxury that underplays its luxo trappings. Unlike some domestic luxury-car makers, ARG hasn't overbaked its product or compromised its essential purpose as a driving machine.
The Sterling's unique blend of British and Japanese engineering creates a compelling driving experience, with precise controls and a smooth engine response. However, the car's high-end features and amenities may be overwhelming for some drivers, making it less accessible to those who prefer a more understated luxury experience.
