Acura TSX: Quick Test

Everybody liked the first Acura TSX, with its sharp handling and eager (if slightly underpowered) engine attracting rave reviews. The only complaint? Conservative styling. "Good boy" design. No risk. Somewhat... boring.

For its second-generation 2009 TSX, Acura execs have answered that complaint by calling upon the firm's latest "Keen-Edge Dynamic" family design language to present an all-new TSX.

First seen on Acura's bold-if-not-beautiful Advanced Sedan concept car at the 2006 L.A. Auto Show, Keen-Edge Dynamic was the theme for the production MDX. The 2009 TSX is Acura's Keen-Edge "Take-3". Its lines are very modern and very bold but, to me, they just don't come together well.

In blind dates and automobiles, everyone understands the phrase "nice personality" really means "no looker." The new TSX really does have a nice personality.

It looks best in side view, where shear surfaces, machined-looking fender flares and a strong character line do a great job of conveying the technology and precision of the Acura brand. Less successful are the rear view, with random lines gathering willy-nilly at the corners; and the front, where Acura's latest corporate grille suggests a sickly smile.

While the styling begs some questions, the new TSX answers all inside: The most dramatic changes await inside the cabin—an omigosh array of high-tech convenience items in a seamless mix of metal, fabric, leather and high-quality plastic. Lest we forget, "advanced technology with a dose of emotion" is central to the Acura brand. Inside, the TSX - Acura's least-expensive offering and, underneath, basically a European-spec Honda Accord - really delivers on the brand promise.

The new TSX looks bigger, inside and out, and it is: Dimensionally, the new car has expanded in all areas except trunk volume. Gone as a result is the the eager feel of the original TSX, though the willing, 201-horsepower, all-aluminum four responds as before to all explorations of the tach's upper reaches.

Better news is the handling: With independent double wishbones front and rear, the front-wheel-drive sedan is surprisingly well-balanced despite the 60/40 weight distribution, and the wonderful electric, variable, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering deserves sterling mention.

Acura's hope is that the 2009 TSX design conveys both a dynamic driving experience and the advanced technology the brand is known for. Have they tried too hard? Will "nice personality" overcome "too much make-up"?

Time and typically brilliant Acura marketing will tell.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
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