Vehicle(s): 2005 Acura RSX Premium leather with 5-speed automatic and Type-S
Price as tested: CDN$30750 (Premium)/CDN$34050 (Type-S)

Performance: The RSX is motivated by 2 engines: spicy and extra spicy. The spicy version of RSX uses the same 2.0L i-VTEC DOHC that bumps out 160hp and 141 lb/ft of torque, on the other hand, extra spicy Type-S has 210hp and 143 lb/ft of torque. Although Acura has improved the bottom end of their variable valve timing unit over its preceding DOHC VTEC in Integra, these engine still feel gutless in low rpm. You really have to squeeze out every ouch of rpm in order to get the most power out of these i-VTECs, especially Type-S’s maximum torque won’t arrive till 7 grand. Once the VTEC kicks in at 6000 rpm and its as addicitive as turbo spools in turbocharged vehicles. Although non Type-S’s maximum torque arrives at 4 grand, you still have to rev hard by using the manual shifting column of that sweet 5-speed manumatic. The merits of Honda powerplants remain intact in this facelift. The 6-speed stick in Type-S remains a joy to drive with progressive clutch and well-defined gates. On the other hand, the 5-speed manumatic allows driver redlining before automatically up or downshift itself. That’s a godsent considered this engine really needs to push hard to get power out.

Handling: RSX has always been regarded as one of the best handling sports coupes in its class and rightly so. The steering has plenty of road feel, precise and responsive. There are slight understeer when pushed hard into a corner. However, RSX has lost the oversteer characteristics that defined the Integra Type-R of the past. The suspension is firm which explains the reason why it feels somewhat bouncy on washboard pavements and expansion joints, although still not at the level of bone-jarring as some of its competitors do. Body rolls are minimal.

Brakes: Thanks to a great set of 4-wheel disc brakes and standard ABS, RSX’s pedal feels solid and well-behaved. Its also fade free after a couple of hard stops. Pedal effort is firm and easily modulated.

Interior: Inside the RSX its a true driver’s environment. There are nice sets of sports seats, excellent instrumentation gauges and logically layout center console. Acura is smart enough to place stereo on top of climate control for easier access. The automatic climate control is simple and effective to use, its also very efficient to defrost in today’s overcast weather.

Conclusion: The combination of high refinement, comfortable interior and docile handling continue to make RSX one of the better buys in the premium sports coupe segment. It still has enough merits to hold on its own against its newer competitors. However, you better be patient when going off-the-line due to its shortage of low-end torque in this puppy.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 ACURA RSX PREMIUM/TYPE-S
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Performance: (Premium)3/5 (Type-S) 3.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: (Premium) 4.5/5 (Type-S) 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: (Premium) 4/5 (Type-S) 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: (Premium) 4.5/5 (Type-S) 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: (Premium) 4.5/5 (Type-S) 4.5/5

Overall ratings: (Premium) 4/5 (Type-S) 4.25/5