Vehicle: 2006 Acura CSX Premium with 5-speed automatic transmission
Price as tested: CDN$29380

Performance: CSX is powered by the same K20 powerplant as Civic Si. As one expects from Acura, the level of refinement and smoothness are amazing. This DOHC 16-valver 4 banger i-VTEC 2.0L is good for 155 ponies and 139 lb/ft of torque. The maximum torque arrives at 4500 rpm which makes CSX far more drivable than the equivalent Si. On the other hand, thanks to the smart ratios of its buttery smooth 5-speed automatic. This engine revs only at 2500 rpm @ 100 km/h which is awesome for a normally aspirated 2 liter engine. The throttle response is quick and linear. The level of quietness simply outrivalled many cars in its class. The best thing about Honda’s VTEC engine is the addictive engine note after variable valve timing kicks in, the same merit remains in CSX even if its priced as a premium compact car.

Handling: Given CSX is based on the same platform as Civic, its handling dynamics is definitely not sloush from any angles. Its electric power steering has to be one of the most satisfied I have ever driven. There are plenty of weight at low speed without losing excellent feel and responsiveness, its also downright precise when turning in. Although there is still some safe understeer, it has to be one of the most balanced front drivers I have ever driven. Body rolls are well-controlled. When pushed through corners, CSX’s sports suspension is hanged on to the ground without losing any composure. Its just a compact sports sedan that is very harmonic in everything without sacificing ride quality. Even though it already have firmer suspensions and springs than equivalent Civic sedan, its damping through expansion joints as well as washboard pavements are even smoother. The whole car has an upmarket feel that outgoing EL completely lacked.

Brakes: Combined with 4-wheel discs, standard ABS and electronic braking force distribution, CSX’s brakes are as impressive as its dynamic qualities. The stops are short and straight. ABS doesn’t kick-in until absolutely necessary. The pedal feels solid and controlled at all conditions.

Interior: Once you step inside CSX, you won’t have any of those el cheapo feel as in outgoing EL. All the EL’s cheapness are gone for world-class materials and fit-and-finish. Some of the design elements like dual instrumentation gauges and full automatic climate control really put CSX into a new, more upmarket segment than EL. The leather seats are supportive and comfortable. Driving position is easily found, same as all the primary and secondary controls. The beauty of the center console design is one can operate everything with only one hand.

The back seat is as comfortable as the front. Unlike EL, CSX scores with nicely stitched center armrest and headrests. There are plenty of leg and headrooms in all seating positions.

If there is one drawback and that has to be with trunk. The instrusive trunk hinges are unacceptable for a premium compact costing 29k. When a 25k VW Jetta is able to afford this nifty trick, why not Acura? However, low liftover and plenty of space are pluses that are enough to forgive about the minor cost-cutting.

Conclusion: The CSX has to do two things for Acura. Firstly, it has to let consumers forget about EL’s cheapness and accept its upmarket feel; as well as significantly higher price tag. Secondly, its sporty character is good enough to occupy RSX’s position when latter is gone next year. The problem is Acura Canada’s market positioning has put itself into some much much higher caliber competitors, which make this puppy kinda invisible due to its wrong marketing strategy.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 ACURA CSX
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5