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2005 Acura RSX Type-S Road Test

Type-S, Heck Yes

Im a traditional kind of gal. I like it when people open doors or pull out chairs for me, and I like being the passenger, not the driver, when I go out on the occasional date.

But its the 21st century and times have changed. Im lucky if my date physically opens the passenger-side door for me despite keyless entry remote! Yet when Im inspired by a car, and cant get enough of it, Ill leave my inhibitions at the passenger door, and drive it myself.

Such was the case one Saturday night recently. I had a date, and I drove. I couldnt help

During my test week, I just couldnt leave the new Acura RSX Type-S sitting in my garage. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

myself. I just couldnt leave the new Acura RSX Type-S sitting in my garage. It begs to be driven and I cant deny its needs, nor mine.

The date went well, but I didnt go straight home afterwards. The little Acura coaxed me into taking

I really felt at home behind the wheel of this sultry sports coupe. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

the extra-long route home, causing me to spend another good half-hour cruising the city streets while taking in some quality tunes. I felt at home behind the wheel of this sultry sports coupe, comfortably nestled in the redesigned and heated leather-faced front bucket sport seats. The tunes and heating were turned up and I had no worries.

The Type-S drives like an economy car or a sports car, depending on the circumstances. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press) align="justify">The inspiration to drive the Acura not only rubbed off on me, but on my friend Rob, too. Impressed with its articulately-designed cabin, smooth handling, and high-revving engine, he decided to take a Type-S out for a drive from a local dealership to feel what it was like to be behind the wheel. He and I concur that its sensational.

With its high

The 2.0L, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, DOHC engine produces 210-hp and 143 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

revving i-VTEC engine, the Type-S drives like an economy car or a sports car, depending on the circumstances. Maximum power and torque achieved through the 2.0L, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, DOHC engine are 210 hp at 7,800 rpm and 143 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm (an increase of 10 horsepower and 1 pound-foot of torque from the 2004 model).

When driving in dreaded stop-and-go traffic, an additional tap of the throttle doesnt send the car flying like it would

The standard six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission is fluid and fast. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

a VW 1.8T, for instance, being that the naturally aspirated engine came to life at 5,500 rpm or higher. It redlines at 8,300 rpm, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, shaving off 0.2 seconds from last years version.

The extra jolt of VTEC-tuned power at higher rpms is smooth and stable, propelling only the speedometer needle and not the driver. The phrase I came to use while accelerating and feeling the wrath of all 210 horses was, "Type-S, Heck Yes!" They made me giggle like a little school girl.

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