Acura TSX Part 2: Interior & User Experience

With the all-new 2009 TSX, Acura presents a thoroughly revamped, more comprehensively equipped version of its entry-level model. Positioned within the entry level, sport-luxury sedan segment, the new TSX expands on the formula established by its predecessor - the original TSX.

With the emphasis squarely placed on the "luxury" part of that sport-luxury equation, the TSX offers tons of content and refinement, as well as Acura's reputation for reliability and its strong resale value.

Once again based on the European Honda Accord, the TSX differentiates itself from its corporate cousin even more than the last model. While the exterior changes are what you first notice, the most dramatic differences await you inside the cabin. Quite possibly the strongest selling point of the TSX, the interior is befitting a car in this class. There is just about every convenience item you'd expect. For starters, there's Bluetooth connectivity, a voice recognition system for many of the functions in the cabin, an excellent voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information, even a GPS-linked climate control system, and finally, an impressive audio system. Clearly, the TSX has the goods.

While the exterior design of this car will polarize opinions, there's not much to debate in the interior. Ok, it is a little busy in some areas - such as the top of the dash - but the overall design is cohesive and looks quite high-tech. And let's not forget, advanced technology is one of the messages of the Acura brand. One of my favorite elements has to be the instrument panel. It features floating needles for the tachometer and speedometer and layered gauges, which add a three-dimensional look to what is usually two-dimensional.

There is also a nice mix of materials and high quality plastics - again, exactly as you'd expect from Honda's luxury division. One gripe is surprising however; the texture of the upper dash is not in keeping with the rest of the interior, looking rather cheap. Around the navigation screen, it causes an irritating reflection when the sun hits it at the wrong angle. Not the attention-to-detail you'd expect from the folks at Acura, but in all fairness, it's a minor gripe.

Ergonomics are spot on, as is build quality. Again, typical of Acura products and surely a big part of the strong resale value of Acura cars. The steering wheel has a nice thickness and it feels and looks great. The seats are very comfortable and supportive, as well as good looking with their perforated leather sections. Space for both front and rear occupants is plentiful for a car in this class, no doubt due in part to the extra 1.4 inches of wheelbase versus the last generation TSX.

The center console shifter for the automatic transmission is quite nice and just the right size. There are also shift paddles behind the steering wheel, but they are plastic and don't feel as good as similar paddles we've tried on other cars.

Overall, it's a well-designed interior that is true to Acura's corporate message of technology and precision, mixed with a dose of emotion. For buyers looking for a well-made, fully featured vehicle offering strong reliability and resale value for reasonable money, the TSX is a strong contender.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

Acura TSX

Performance
- Acceleration: Adequate for this class - surprising for a Honda VTEC engine
- Handling: Still the TSX's strongest performance characteristic - nice ride/handling compromise
- Braking: Perfectly acceptable, but would benefit from more performance-oriented tires

Design
- Exterior: As we've all been taught, if you can't say something nice...
- Interior: Where you'll spend most of your time, and thankfully, very nicely done

Utility
- Comfort: Great seats and ergonomics - back seat passengers haven't been forgotten - nice place to be all around
- Space: Good amount, especially considering exterior footprint - decent trunk size

Safety
- Dynamics: Sporting moves compromised by all-season tires, but otherwise, excellent dynamics
- Technology: Everything you'd expect from a brand that touts its technological prowess

Value
- Price: Lots of content for your dollar, and excellent Acura re-sale value - very sensible transport
- Mileage: Class leading numbers and clean as well - it is a Honda after all...

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Unfortunately, it's lost much the first generation TSX's enthusiast appeal
- Fun to spank: Not encouraged

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front wheel drive
Engine: 2.4 liter, Inline 4 cylinder
Power (SAE): 201 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 170 lbs-ft @ 4300 rpm
Redline: 7000 rpm
Gearbox: 5 speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3486 lbs.
0-60 mph: 7.0 sec.
1/4 mile: 15.8 sec.
Top Speed: 134 mph
Mileage: 21 city / 30 highway
Base Price: $29,720
Competitors: BMW 328i, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C30