Review: Acura TSX

By Russ Heaps - MyCarData

You have to start somewhere. For luxury marques that usually means offering at least one automobile that is affordable enough to lure first-time luxury buyers into the brand. Often compromises are made to achieve that entry-level price point. Those compromises take many forms such as simply putting lipstick on a model from a sister division; using smaller, less sophisticated engines; or offering fewer standard amenities. No matter the avenue taken, an image problem often results. That’s where the last generation Acura TSX found itself. Although a perfectly capable automobile, it was never completely convincing as an Acura. Acura redesigned the TSX for 2009 with a goal of making it a better fit within the family. For the most part, it was successful.

Rare is the redesign that doesn’t involve upsizing. No doubt there is some psychological explanation for it, but typically we equate bigger with better. Why else would nearly every new generation of a vehicle be bigger than those that have gone before? In the case of the redesigned TSX, super sizing is a better description of its growth spurt than just upsizing. The distance between wheels on the same axle (track) is wider by 2.6 inches while the wheelbase stretches an extra 1.4 inches. Its exterior is 2.2 inches longer and 3 inches wider than last year’s version. It is also about half an inch taller at the roofline. Marginally larger, luggage capacity is up from 12.6 cu.-ft. to just over 13 cu.-ft. It should follow that such increases in iron would translate into a hefty weight gain, but not so much for the TSX. Curb weight is up less than 150 pounds to 3,486.

Gone are the rather vanilla styling cues, replaced by a more sculpted lines. The grille includes the familial chrome knife-blade. A defined beltline runs from the chiseled front fender blister along the side continuing up to the trunk lid and around to the other side. Generally creases replace the soft corners on the previous TSX. Reshaped tail lights play a part in adding to the more upscale appearance.

Inside, Acura retained the dual-pod layout up front. The basic flow of the dashboard remains as well; however, the new look relies less on bright accents. The mix of materials is more sophisticated and elegant. A dizzying array of buttons, knobs and controls clog up the center stack. Keep the owner’s manual handy. My test TSX was the $32,775 edition that includes the Technology Package. There is also a $29,675 base version. Both models feature dual-zone automatic climate control, tilt-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power passenger seat, leather seating, power accessories, and a seven-speaker audio system with CD player, auxiliary input jack and USB port.

Well bolstered, the front seats snug around their occupants. The 60/40 split rear seat folds down creating more cargo space. Overall the interior space is generous and all but the tallest rear-seat passengers should be quite comfortable.

For the $3,100 premium the Technology Package commands, comes not only the same navigation system as higher-priced Acuras with real-time traffic and weather, but it also includes an advanced Elliot Scheiner-designed 10-speaker surround sound system with a six-disc CD changer, eight-inch subwoofer and voice recognition. XM satellite radio is also included in the package. In this XM application there is a note feature that allows you to store the name, 10 seconds of the song, the XM station on which it appeared and a time stamp for up to 30 songs. So if you hear a song you want to remember, you just hit a button and it’s saved for future recall.

Despite its larger size, the new TSX retains its athleticism. Once again this is achieved through a superbly matched powertrain and a well-balanced suspension. A new four-banger powers the TSX. Displacement is the same 2.4-liters, but horsepower is down four ponies to 201. Peak torque is up a few pound feet, but it arrives earlier in the rpm band for improved mid-range power. Available for hustling engine output to the front wheels is either a six-speed manual or a no-extra-charge five-speed automatic transmission. The automatic has a manual mode with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Fuel economy is essentially unchanged with an EPA rating of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the manual. The automatic gains two additional mpg on the highway.

Acura has built more strength into the frame and body. The result is not only a quieter cabin, but enhanced control. This sedan responds well to the throttle, running true on the straights and cornering with a tenacious grip. The four-wheel independent suspension is tuned more toward the handling end of the spectrum, but ride quality is still very good. The steering is light and responsive. All in all, the last TSX was fun to drive and the 2009 is no disappointment.

Here’s the bottom line: If you liked the 2008 TSX, you will like the redesigned 2009. It is still priced right, fun to drive and shares the Acura cachet. And unlike the previous generation, it seems more at home in the Acura family.

Acura TL SH-AWD

Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman, www.car-data.com

We were blown away by the looks of the 2004 Acura TL when we first encountered it in 2003. The clean exterior design that moved away from the cookie-cutter look of so many mid-sized sedans in the early part of the decade, including the previous iteration of the TL, came with a load of new fangled technology, outstanding performance, a knock-’em-dead sound system and wonderfulday-to-day livability.

The 2004 TL with its distinctive character line flowing through the door handles upward into therear fender grabbed us by the neck and said, ‘love me.’ It was love at first sight and then love atfirst drive.

Since then that once rather unique styling application has been copied dozens of times withvarying degrees of success. It had, in fact, become somewhat dated.

But some folks back then thought the ‘04-’08 generation TL was, well, bland. Styling likeeconomics brings loads of opinions. In this case we must point out that the last generation TL wasAcura’s runaway best seller.

And that brings us to the all-new TL. Acura is betting the farm on keeping it in thebest-selling category. But for us, love for the exterior package is harder to conjure up this timearound.

Specifically, we can’t get our mind around the snowplow front end. The dominant grille with a’jack-o-lantern’ smile has been called everything from a vegetable slicer to a gladiator shield.The V-shaped rear decklid is also a puzzler. From the side, the design is handsomely conservativerising above the ordinary with muscular wheel arches and interesting character lines. And the TLpresents a wide, solid stance.

Acura officials say they wanted to steer clear of conventional design. We say they succeeded,but to what cost?

Our ambivalence over the front and rear styling is not shared by everyone, however. We stoppedoff to pay a bill (yes we pay our bills) and two people who had never seen a new TL offered usunsolicited, complimentary opinions of the big-blade nose. ‘I like the front, it’s pretty cool,’said one.

‘I could easily live with this car,’ one spouse offered, also unsolicited as we cruised down theinterstate. ‘I could own this car.’

What about the front end? ‘I’ve got no problem with that.’ Beauty is indeed it the eye of thebeholder.

While some of the TL’s styling exercises may be controversial, they are probably the onlyaspects of the new TL that won’t draw rave reviews.

The TL is another standout sedan from Acura, and we hope the polarizing front end treatmentdoesn’t turn prospective buyers away.

The TL is available in two versions ‘ TL and TL SH-AWD.

The TL in SH-AWD guise is a marvelous driving machine. Acceleration is strong if not cuttingedge, the suspension provides just the right amount of ride comfort while performing class-leadinghandling duties. The electronic steering offers excellent feedback, and the five-speed automatictransmission with paddle shifters goes about its duties with the adeptness of six-speed shiftersfound in most entry-level luxury cars these days.

All-wheel drive is a first for the TL and there’s a reason it’s called SH-AWD (Super Handling ‘All-Wheel Drive). The all-wheel system is rather sophisticated normally allotting 90 percent of thetorque to the front wheels, but quickly moving as much as 70 percent rearward in aggressive drivingand then sending as much as 100 percent to either rear wheel to keep the car moving in the properdirection.

Running hard and fast on our usual winding road test route proved smile inducting. The oldtorque steer problem ‘ actually, it wasn’t much of an issue in the last TL ‘ has been wiped away ifyou opt for the AWD model.

There are two engine choices, a 3.5-liter V-6 generating 280 horsepower and 254 pound-feet oftorque in the TL and a 3.7-liter V-6 making 306 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque in theSH-AWD.

Because of the all-wheel drive system, the SH-AWD is more athletic, a true sports sedan. The TLis more in the image of the Lexus ES 350, less entertaining than the SH-AWD but no less a veryacceptable entry-level luxury sedan.

The SH-AWD is one of those cars that fit into the category, ‘feels better than the numbers.’It’s been measured from 0-to-60 in 6.3 seconds and 14.8 seconds at 97 mph in the quarter mile.While this falls a bit short of a couple of key competitors including the BMW 335i, the TL respondsflawlessly whether driven leisurely or aggressively.

Add in the wonderfully designed interior and its wide array of comfort features (great seats,for example) and modern technology (an unequaled navigation system and state-of-the art soundsystem) and the big neon sign in your head lights up, ‘winner.’

The leather-clad driver’s seat, nicely bolstered for wide bodies, proved extraordinarilycomfortable even on long drives. The dual- cockpit design is striking, bluish-white LED lightingelegantly illuminates gauges and controls, and the eight-inch navigation screen is as good as itgets in 2009.

But the most striking feature that comes with the technology package is a 440-watt DVD audiosystem that is simply unrivaled. A demonstration audio DVD produced by Grammy-winning recordproducer and recording engineer Elliott Scheiner is provided by Acura to prove the point.

Scheiner helped develop the Acura ELS Surround Premium Audio System and he shows on the DVD thedifference between two-channel stereo and 5-to-1 surround sound.

If you are an audiophile the sound system alone will sell you this car.

As in all Acura products, there are virtually no options. In the case of the TL, you purchasepackages with the base TL starting at $35,715 and the base SH-AWD starting at $39,265.

We highly recommend adding the technology package for $3,690 whether you opt for the base or theSH-AWD. It includes a hard-drive based navigation with voice recognition, real-time traffic,real-time weather forecasts, GPS-linked and a solar-sensing adaptive climate control system,keyless ignition, a rearview camera and the DVD audio system with 12.7 GB of digital music storage.

Summer tires and 19-inch wheels can be added for another grand.

Our SH-AWD test car with technology package came in at $42,995 including destination charge.

If you can get past the controversial front end as many do, you will find a rewarding drivingexperience worth a serious look.

Acura TSX

Jim Meachen, www.car-data.com

Gaining that wonderful feeling that all is right with the world can be achieved without thebenefit of mind-altering substances.

It’s possible to reach this level of nirvana on the open road behind the wheel of an automobilethat fits like a glove. A car that has the rare ability to become one with the driver; a vehiclethat answers all requests with a can-do attitude.

The Acura TSX has been that car since it was introduced in 2004.

Now an all-new 2009 edition comes along that loses none of the first generation’s attributeswhile gaining the most up-to-date automotive, information and audio technology available.

In this age of horsepower wars, when power seems to equal driving excitement, it’s interestingto drive an entry luxury-segment sedan that provides so much entertainment from a four-cylinderengine.

As a daily driver the entry-level luxury TSX is a pleasant compact sedan with a solid buildquality and a pleasingly quiet interior.

To bring the TSX to its full potential it takes a winding rural road and a cutting-edge CD ormusic DVD cranked up in the remarkable 10- speaker 415-watt ELS Premium surround sound system. Werecommend your TSX be outfitted with the short-throw six-speed manual transmission to get theultimate experience.

We drove the five-speed automatic early in the year in the San Diego area and found it agreeable, but without the excitement a manual transmission brings to a high-revving four-cylinder. Paddleshifters are provided for those who want to shift the automatic for themselves.

Either way, you will be housed in some of the most comfortable front seats in the business.Volvo may still be the leader in seat comfort, but the TSX is very close.

The front-driven Acura, derived from the European Honda Accord, is exceptionally well balanced.It’s a combination of a perfectly tuned suspension, a smallish but wonderfully nimble mid-size,with a high- revving engine that was born to run. It’s enough to make a car enthusiast’s mouthwater.

This TSX responds like putty in a master craftsman’s hands. The sedan is responsive to allinputs whether from the steering wheel or throttle or brakes. Everything works to precision.

Some have knocked Acura’s high-revving 2.4-liter 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine, which makes 201horsepower for a sedan in this segment. But the TSX’s unique personality would be severely alteredwith a more conventional V-6.

The TSX must be wound out to a race-car-like 7,000 rpm to hit max horsepower. To get the mostout of the 4-cylinder, it must tickle redline through the gears. Low-end torque is lacking comparedto bigger engines, but much of the fun comes from winding up the sweet- sounding engine andmatching the six gears to the torque range. This is a sedan that responds best in the hands of adriver who desires finesse over brute strength.

Run through the gears in expert fashion and the TSX will break into the upper ranges of 6seconds from 0-to-60.

Like we said, this isn’t one of the new rocketships that are appearing in showrooms faster thanfront-yard dandelions.

And some have criticized the electric power steering as too highly boosted at slow speeds andwith a lack of on-center feel on the highway. We don’t mind easy turns in a parking lot and wethink this new TSX exhibits exceptional feedback when taking back-road twists and turns atexhilarating speeds. We didn’t notice any fall off from the previous version.

The new TSX is slightly larger than the one it replaces, but for all practical purposes thesedan retains its ‘just-right’ size; being smaller than the American Honda Accord. Four adults fitnicely and a

12.6 cubic foot trunk easily swallows two golf bags or several pieces of luggage.

Styling has been tweaked to a more edgy appearance, but if you know what a TSX looks like, the2009 model is instantly recognizable.

On the inside TSX has a handsome dashboard layout and materials, are for the most part, firstclass. Fit and finish is excellent.

While most of the switchgear used in everyday driving is intuitive, the TSX unfortunately hasgained some of the convoluted qualities of German luxury cars with a myriad of buttons. We thinkthis will result into a forced trip to the owner’s manual for most people who want to changesettings such as power door locks and automatic headlights.

We’ve always been fond of Honda/Acura navigation for its accuracy and ease of use, and thelatest iteration of the system lived up to our high expectations. It now includes an extensive listof Zagat-related restaurant listings, XM real-time traffic, and weather conditions.

The voice-recognition system works well and now recognizes 100,000 words.

But the technological highlight comes with the upgraded audio system that plays either standardCDs or music DVDs. We were blown away several years ago when we first heard Acura’s cutting-edgesound in a TL. The new 10-speaker 415-watt premium surround system in the TSX takes the music intoa new dimension.

The system rivals what you would find in most home entertainment set- ups with its sweepingsound with outstanding treble and base clarity and separation. In a word ‘ awesome!

Like all Acura vehicles in recent years there are no options. Buyers can pick between two trimlevels, Base for $29,675 including destination charge or Base with Technology Package for $32,775.Both come with either the automatic or manual for the same price.

We highly recommend the extra $3,000 outlay which not only brings the startlingly good soundsystem, but navigation and a backup camera.

If you’re not a fan of navigation, you will have to forego the premium sound, but the basesystem is no slouch. It features 360 watts of output, seven speakers, a subwoofer and XM satelliteradio.

All Acuras are loaded up with good stuff including such safety features as side airbags,side-curtain airbags, active head restraints, antilock brakes, Vehicle Stability Assist, tractioncontrol, and tire monitoring.

Things that might be optional on other cars in the 30-grand price range are standard across thelineup such as power moonroof, dual-zone climate control, one-touch up and down power windows andleather upholstery.

We agree the TSX is aimed at a limited audience. But for those who desire a great drivingexperience, good gas mileage and one of the auto world’s best sound systems, this may be the one.

2009 Acura TL – Runs Faster, Jumps Higher

Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com

The Acura TL is one of the founding members of the near-luxury sedan club. Acura being theluxury division of Honda delivers a supremely well engineered vehicle that has learned that styleand emotion also have a place in the hearts of buyers. The new TL offers the prospects of excellingin both.

The totally new 2009 TL is offered in 2 forms, the TL base which is still a premium midsizesedan and the TL SH-AWD high performance model. Both are fine vehicles that get the job done, butin different fashions. The base model sports a 280 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 with an automatictransmission and the SH-AWD has Acura’s super handling all wheel drive, a 3.7 liter 305 horsepowerversion of the same engine also with an automatic. Base TL’s was indicating 30 miles per gallon offuel economy on leisurely highway cruises during our tests. The SH-AWD model adds even more sportand personality than the base model. The SH has more aggressive suspension components, a lowerrestriction exhaust, larger wheels and tires plus all wheel drive.

The styling on the new TL takes a big step forward. Whereas the previous model was squarish andangular, the 2009 is more sweeping and has some bold styling action happening at both ends. Thegrille now sports the Acura signature distinctive silver chip like the other models in the line.The rear styling is surprisingly imaginative and looks better than many other models’ grilles

The new push button start is an appropriate addition to this model as are the binnacle gaugepods and the center instrument stack. This is an upscale midsize sedan and the interioraccoutrements substantiate that. The interior room has been increased and is now claimed to be thelargest in their competitive suite.

The available technology package is especially well suited to this model. It includes an upscaleaudio system with ELS multi channel surround sound that is outstanding. The nav system, which isstill probably the best in the industry, is now HDD based allowing faster response and largeamounts of information to be downloaded. Music devices can be connected via iPod, USB or Aux plugsand you can even download your own personal wallpaper images viewable on the new 8.1 inch full VGAscreen. The new nav system offer not only real-time traffic and real-time weather but also hasDoppler weather that can be viewed on the screen.

Acura maintains its focus on safety. Passive safety comes in the form of a vehicle that hassuperb handling, stability control, traction control, 4 wheel ABS disc brakes and the security ofknowing that the car will go where you aim it.

In all, I was very impressed with the new TL. It’s really a great car and should be wellreceived.

2009 Acura RDX – Is Really An All-weather Sports Wagon With A Tall Body

By Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com

Another new SUV? Isn’t the sport-utility market collapsing as buyers turn away from gas-guzzlingsport-utes? What’s Acura’s gambit with the all-new RDX?

It’s pretty simple, actually. The luxury SUV market had grown and diversified to the point that there’s room for a much greater variety of vehicles. That, and it’s more fashionable to field a compact SUV than a station wagon. Only Audi and Volvo seem to be able to pull off luxury sportwagons consistently. Case in point: BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class wagons are rare as the proverbial hens’ teeth, and does anybody remember the Lexus IS 300 Sportcross? Anyone? If Acura wanted to add a small cargo-hauler to the lineup, a TSX wagon wasn’t going to cut it. We’re not complaining; the RDX is just cool enough that we suspect Acura just couldn’t resist building it.

It may be counted with the SUVs, but what this really is, is an all-weather sports wagon with atall body. The RDX has a look that’s not too different from the rest of the Acura family. Up frontthere’s a handsome, compact stacked grille with an argent surround. Unseen to the casual onlookeris an internal hood scoop, designed to feed air to the turbocharger and intercooler without anunsightly hole in the hood. The long nose and stubby tail give the RDX a tall-wagon look that won’tturn off SUV-phobic car buyers. One glance and it’s obvious that the RDX was never intended to gooff-road, with its dual exhaust and big 18″ wheels. Mirror-mounted turn signals are an upscaletouch. The oversized wheels reduce the visual size, so it manages to look svelte. There aren’t anybrush bars or skid plates, but a plastic tailgate panel is ding-resistant. Plastic lower panelsalso ring the car to absorb suburban mishaps.

Further evidence of the RDX’s desire to be a sport wagon can be found on the inside, in the formof racer-style paddle shifters. The cockpit is more sport than utility, with comfortable leatherseating for four and soft-touch surfaces that don’t invite dirty clothes or cargo. That’s not tosay the RDX can’t do any proper work; Acura takes full advantage of this tall wagon’s increasedinterior room, offering a laptop-swallowing center console and a cargo area that will hold mountainbikes with ease. The RDX will be happier aiding and abetting its owners on an active-sports weekendgetaway than hauling bags of dirt, however. Side-curtain airbags, high-intensity dischargeheadlamps and a six-CD changer are standard. The optional “Technology” package gets a slew of coolstuff, including a ten-speaker surround sound system, a Bluetooth-enabled hands-free phone system,XM satellite radio, and a navigation system with Acura’s real-time traffic navigation.

Under the hood, there’s a 2.3 liter iVTEC turbo four-cylinder engine. It’s the first turbo forAcura, and the first US-built turbocharger for Honda.

It’s an intercooled variable-flow turbocharger that helps the RDX to produce 240 horsepower. The2.3’s basic construction is shared with the Acura TSX sedan, with a stronger block and connectingrods to handle the extra power.

The turbo provides variable boost throughout the engine’s range, improving the turbo’s typicallyweak low-speed engine response. Other manufacturers have attacked this problem with twinturbochargers; the RDX’s setup is simpler, using an inlet valve to regulate exhaust flow and theturbocharger’s speed. The turbo isn’t a subtle one, and power is preceded by a distinct whoosh, butthe RDX’s power output is comparable to that of a six-cylinder sedan. The turbo powertrain meansthat towing is limited to a modest 1500 pounds, and a five-speed automatic transmission is the onlygearbox offered.

Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive is standard, and provides optimal torque distribution.Power is split not only to keep the power going to the ground, but also to affect the car’sattitude. The RDX’s SH-AWD is a more compact system than the one found in the RL sedan. On the road, the suspension is taut enough to satisfy sports sedan buyers, though the RDX’s height results insome uncomfortable head-toss. MacPherson struts are used up front, with an independent rear.Floating rear subframe bushings help to isolate the cabin from the drivetrain. It’s reasonably funto drive, with sharper handling than other crossovers like the Nissan Murano or Toyota Highlander.We wouldn’t quite call it a TSX wagon; the RDX still feels taller than a standard sports wagon,because it is. When the handling gets wobbly around the knees, the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)stability control and standard anti-lock brakes are there to step in.

The newest member of the Acura family is a nice package that’s a little rough around the edges,but still worth considering as an alternative to the BMW X3 or Lexus RX 350. Drivers who dislikethe feel of SUVs are unlikely to find joy behind the wheel of the RDX either – but Volvo builds theXC70 Cross Country for them. It doesn’t quite ride like a car, but the RDX will do many of thethings an XC70 will for almost ten grand less, and that’s something. Acura RDX pricing isreasonable considering the long list of standard equipment. The RDX starts at $32,995, and goes upto $36,495 for the Tech package.

Acura TSX – Acura Refines and Polishes Its TSX Gem

By Kelly Foss www.car-data.com

I’ve always liked the TSX. It filled a unique spot in the automotive pallet of choices. Isometimes describe it as the thinking man’s entry luxury model. In the premium compact sedansegment, rear-wheel drive performance models abound and that’s OK. But for the person wanting acompact, upscale sedan that is conservative, reliable and fuel efficient, the choices are limited.

The TSX is the entry model in the Acura lineup. Acura is the luxury brand of Honda. The newTSX is principally the same size as the former model but, within the confines of that package, thevehicle has been optimized and upgraded. The 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine now produces 201horsepower and also delivers up to 30 miles per gallon highway driving according to the newstringent EPA calculations. That means in a real world freeway cruise, on our test drives, we weregetting an indicated 35+ miles per gallon which is very good. Though the TSX is offered with botha 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic, I would recommend the automatic. The manual is fun for awhile but is out of character for this vehicle. Besides, the automatic actually gets bettereconomy than the manual. The TSX has a very engaging driving dynamic. It’s sporty, comfortableand controlled. With a fine suspension, excellent chassis control, it’s both comfortable and funto drive.

The styling of the TSX has added a luxury presence to the vehicle. Its character shows throughand now displays itself with confidence. The interior of the TSX is what really sets it apart. Itis beautiful, expertly crafted, technology laden and functional. The seating is excellent both

front and rear. The materials, fit, finish and feel are superb. The TSX

offers a great seating position for the driver and all controls and indicators are where theyneed to be. An enlarged display screen for the Acura navigation system is still the standard ofthe industry. This year they’ve added real-time traffic reporting which shows congestion on theroads ahead as well as real-time weather forecasting. The climate control is GPS linked so thatthe system monitors the sun’s position and intensity in relation to where you currently are drivingand will automatically adjust each passenger’s fan speed to compensate for it! And, of course, allof this can be controlled by Acura’s excellent voice command system.

The TSX also offers all trip computing functions, an ELS surround sound audio system with XMradio and all the modern MP3 and iPod device plugs.

So, if you want a vehicle that offers quality, reliability, upscale features and is trulyenjoyable to drive and gives you a break at the gas pump, the new Acura TSX may be the right car atthe right time.

Acura TSX – Acura Refines and Polishes Its TSX Gem

By Kelly Foss www.car-data.com

I’ve always liked the TSX. It filled a unique spot in the automotive pallet of choices. Isometimes describe it as the thinking man’s entry luxury model. In the premium compact sedansegment, rear-wheel drive performance models abound and that’s OK. But for the person wanting acompact, upscale sedan that is conservative, reliable and fuel efficient, the choices are limited.

The TSX is the entry model in the Acura lineup. Acura is the luxury brand of Honda. The newTSX is principally the same size as the former model but, within the confines of that package, thevehicle has been optimized and upgraded. The 2.4 liter 4-cylinder engine now produces 201horsepower and also delivers up to 30 miles per gallon highway driving according to the newstringent EPA calculations. That means in a real world freeway cruise, on our test drives, we weregetting an indicated 35+ miles per gallon which is very good. Though the TSX is offered with botha 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic, I would recommend the automatic. The manual is fun for awhile but is out of character for this vehicle. Besides, the automatic actually gets bettereconomy than the manual. The TSX has a very engaging driving dynamic. It’s sporty, comfortableand controlled. With a fine suspension, excellent chassis control, it’s both comfortable and funto drive.

The styling of the TSX has added a luxury presence to the vehicle. Its character shows throughand now displays itself with confidence. The interior of the TSX is what really sets it apart. Itis beautiful, expertly crafted, technology laden and functional. The seating is excellent both

front and rear. The materials, fit, finish and feel are superb. The TSX

offers a great seating position for the driver and all controls and indicators are where theyneed to be. An enlarged display screen for the Acura navigation system is still the standard ofthe industry. This year they’ve added real-time traffic reporting which shows congestion on theroads ahead as well as real-time weather forecasting. The climate control is GPS linked so thatthe system monitors the sun’s position and intensity in relation to where you currently are drivingand will automatically adjust each passenger’s fan speed to compensate for it! And, of course, allof this can be controlled by Acura’s excellent voice command system.

The TSX also offers all trip computing functions, an ELS surround sound audio system with XMradio and all the modern MP3 and iPod device plugs.

So, if you want a vehicle that offers quality, reliability, upscale features and is trulyenjoyable to drive and gives you a break at the gas pump, the new Acura TSX may be the right car atthe right time.