Acura TSX Sports car with luxury feel

Acura's 2009 TSX is all new with larger exterior, more interior space and a more powerful powertrain. Now in its second-generation design, the TSX is Acura's entry level luxury/sports sedan and is a good combination of sporty handling and features designed to pamper.
2009 Acura TSX


Acura TSX 013


Acura TSX Center Console
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Available in three trim levels, the TSX pricing starts at $32,900. A premium package ups the ante to $36,200 and our fully loaded TSX with technology package comes in at $39,000 plus destination charges. We tested the TSX with technology package, which includes voice-activated navigation system, 10-speaker premium audio system with steering wheel controls, six-DVD changer, satellite radio and dual zone automatic climate control. It also includes all the features of the premium package such as leather seating with heated front seats or the memory power driver's seat. It certainly feels like a luxury car when you slide into the driver's seat.

Outside, the TSX is the first Acura model to use the new bolder grille design that will be the styling direction used by the rest of the Acura lineup. The large air intake below the body-coloured bumper is flanked by fog lights, widening the look of the air intake. Straight body lines run from the front wheel arches to the rear quarters and impart a sporty look, while the wheel openings are close to the tires and wrap most of the way around so the car looks closer to the ground. The a-pillars are narrower and forward visibility is excellent from the driver's seat.

The new TSX body design is 78 mm wider and 66 mm longer. Both increases are used to advantage. The width not only provides more interior room but also allows a wider track width for improved lateral stability. The longer body enables a longer wheelbase, which translates into better ride comfort on dips and bumps and more leg room inside. Additional structural bracing stiffens the body structure and this shows in the quiet interior noise levels.

Larger 17-inch wheels cover larger disc brakes and are fitted with P225VR50/17 performance all season tires. The tires combined with the electric power steering direct the car precisely around corners and lateral grip feels solid. The low profile tires do make the ride firmer, almost to the point of being harsh over bumps and rough surfaces. This is one area where the sporty image is stronger than the luxury image.

Under the hood the 2.4 litre engine has a wider powerband and five per cent more torque than last year's TSX. A higher compression ratio, changes to valve timing and improvements in breathing provide the power increase while reducing emissions at the same time. The engine revs freely throughout the rpm range and throttle response is quick.

A six-speed close ratio manual transmission is standard equipment fitting the sporty image of the TSX, but the five-speed automatic is just as sporty. Formula 1 style paddle shifters on the steering wheel can be used to operate the transmission manually at any time when the shifter is in drive. Move the shifter to "S" and the paddle shifters provide full manual control. Even in drive mode, the transmission uses grade logic programming to retain gear selection on hilly or winding roads.