Acura’s TSX

Acura first unveiled the TSX, as an all-new sports sedan in 2004 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, positioned between the RSX sports coupe and Acura’s top-selling 3.2 TL luxury performance sedan.

The power driving the front wheels for the 2008 model year still comes from a 2.4 liter DOHC, i-VTEC, in-line four-cylinder engine that generates 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 164 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm, with EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (automatic).

The engine capability places the TSX’s performance on a level comparable with several competitors powered by six-cylinder engines. Two gearboxes are available from which to choose: a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic. Fuel is delivered through programmed fuel injection and a drive-by-wire throttle system. Exhaust emissions meet U.S. EPA’s stringent Tier 2-Bin 5 (and CARB LEV-2), exiting through dual pipes, one per side for visual symmetry.

There’s only one extra cost option to consider in a simple menu of only three choices - when you choose your new TSX, you need to determine whether you want the manual or automatic SportShift transmission, what exterior color you prefer, and whether or not you want to pay $2,000 extra for the DVD-based Acura Navigation system with voice recognition and expanded memory.

The TSX is a superbly equipped sports sedan capable of logging 110 thousand miles on the odometer, with no scheduled tuneups. It rides on 17-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels, shod with Michelin HX Pilot V-rated, all-season rubber. The driver’s seat is power adjustable 8-ways with adjustable lumbar as well.

A power moonroof and heated front seats are standard fare too. The steering column is both telescopic and tilting with wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches. The keyless entry system includes window controls, trunk release and a panic button.

A dual-zone automatic climate control system is provided which should keep all occupants comfortable.

In terms of chassis structure, the four-wheel-independent double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear, provides a solid, controlled ride quality with the torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system offering a positive directional input. Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with Traction Control and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) serve up stability and security with High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps showing the way at night.

Visually appealing, the TSX is not simply a stretched version of the RSX coupe, but rather a more diminutive execution of Honda’s midsize platform which includes the Accord, TL and CL.

The design is slippery with a drag coefficient of 0.27. Lines are clean and crisp with sculpted hood grooves and rain gutters. A bright window surround coupled with the blacked-out “B” pillar gives the car a more coupe-like look. The chrome dual exhaust tips provide a sporty flair.

Included for 2008 are: a new Tire Pressure Monitoring System, standard Bluetooth enabled hands-free phone system, dual zone climate control, a power moonroof, power windows and door locks and keyless entry.

The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel provides controls for audio,cruise control, voice recognition and HandFreeLink.

The 360-watt Acura Premium Sound System with XM satellite radio also offers an auxiliary jack located in the center console to accommodate playing MP3 and other digital music devices.

The tested TSX had a base price set at $30,290. The final sticker amounted to $30,960 after adding the Destination and Handling charges.

Bottom-line, Acura’s TSX for 2008 is easy on the eyes with more than adequate performance characteristics and a host of standard features and amenities all at an affordable price. It truly is a sports sedan in coupe’s clothing.

Stay tuned for a completely new TSX for the 2009 model year.