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2009 Acura TSX Preview

The Acura TSX was a pretty smart play on Honda's part. It is, in essence, the

For '09, Acura continues to build on the TSX's strengths. (Photo: Acura)

European market Honda Accord with that car's top of the line engine and all its optional goodies included. The combination of the European Accord's smaller size, firmer ride and upscale build quality mates perfectly with the premium Acura badge. It's been enough of a success for Acura to create the second generation TSX.

Since the TSX arrived, much has changed in the premium sector. There's a new C-Class, the Lexus IS, and shortly, a new A4 will arrive on the scene. The new TSX, introduced in New York last week, seeks to build upon its strong credentials by focusing on core strengths and improving its content and features.

The original TSX was an understated machine. It looked a bit on the ordinary side, but was clean-cut and elegant. This time around, Acura has really injected some attitude into the car's design. Although elements of the current car are still around - particularly in profile and its cliff-like backside - the styling of the nose mimics the also-new RL, not to mention the MDX, the vehicle

The 2.4's a good engine for the TSX; it now develops a bit more torque lower down. (Photo: Acura)

which started this new geometric design language. The biggest source of change is the big, chunky "shield" that splits up the five-sided grille. Some like it for its boldness, and others seem to find it a little odd. Whatever the case, it's distinctive, which is a plus as it will help to forge Acura's identity.

From a powertrain perspective, not much has changed. This means buyers are locked into a single yet very good engine choice, the 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder which has been slightly revised to improve tractability at lower revs. Horsepower is down to 201, but there's 8 lb-ft more twist, and it arrives a bit earlier. Nevertheless, this is still a fairly high-strung engine in Honda / Acura tradition, with a 7,100 rpm redline. The gearbox is the same as before, meaning slick, sweet shifts with short throws, while a five-speed auto as an option. The automatic does gain paddles for manual-mode shifting. Because the TSX is 160 pounds heavier than before, it isn't any quicker than the old car despite this extra torque, but it is more efficient. The new TSX uses less fuel in the city and on the highway, which is hardly a bad thing in today's world.

Lower fuel consumption means more smiles per tank. (Photo: Acura)

One thing that quite a number of media sources were predicting was the addition of a new engine, specifically one with more power and a turbocharger. Alas, Acura withheld dropping its 240 horsepower 2.3-liter turbo four with 260 lb-ft of torque from the RDX. It also won't be offering a version of the car with all wheel drive, despite the fact that it would certainly cause a whole lot of trouble for AWD traditionalists. Instead, Acura is looking to bring in an even more fuel efficient option, a 50-state legal diesel. More info on this engine will be available closer to its release date. While this new fuel miser will be popular amongst America's thriftier car buyers, and no doubt sporty in its own right, the lack of a more powerful contender leaves the TSX fighting it out with lower end premium compact sedans, like Audi's A4 2.0T, BMW's 328i, Lexus' IS 250, Mercedes-Benz' C300 and Volvo's S40 2.4i, and the Japanese brand's much larger, V6-powered TL to take on six-cylinder equipped versions of these same compact rivals.

The inevitable weight increase comes from a combination of changes, part physical growth and part physical strength. The new TSX is longer and wider than before improving cabin roominess, particularly shoulder and hip room for rear seat passengers. Beneath its skin is additional bracing on the roof, rear bulkhead and stronger rails as part of the unibody structure. These will no doubt allow the TSX to achieve class-leading objectives in crash tests, and

Nav system is similar to the one in the regular Accord. (Photo: Acura)

reduce vibrations through the body over bumps and over imperfect roads. Another key addition is variable assist electric power steering, designed to make the vehicle easier to steer at low speeds while requiring firmer input at highway speeds.

The new TSX mirrors the styling of the cabin in many of Acura's newer products, as well as the Accord. The simple, clean-looking touchscreen system has been replaced by the large rotating center console knob and surrounding buttons with unique functions.

Other notable changes include an optional 10-speaker 415-watt DVD-Audio-based surround sound system that was tuned by Elliot Shiner. Those familiar with the TL and RL will know that the sound

Every parking garage becomes your playground in a TSX. (Photo: Acura)

quality from this system is amongst the best in the industry. It has been upgraded to take inputs directly from USB, allowing one to listen to their iPod or MP3 player in full, high-quality sound. The TSX will also feature live streaming updates for traffic and weather, and also has a reverse camera integrated into the LCD display. The upgraded sound system is a part of the Technology package that also includes navigation.

The TSX has always been a solid performer in the luxury segment, and the new one shouldn't have any trouble living up to the successes of the first run. The new TSX will go on sale this summer, and although pricing hasn't been announced, it will be competitive amongst its international rivals.

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