Vehicle: 2009 Acura TSX Premium with automatic
Price as tested: CDN$39225

Performance: Before Acura introduces the 2.2 liter i-DTEC diesel engine sometimes next year, TSX is currently powered by one engine. Its the same 2.4 liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC that has been widely praised in the outgoing model. Even though the hp has been dropped from 205 to 201, its torque actually increases from 164 to 172 lb/ft of torque for driver’s disposal. This kind of torque figure was only seen in more expensive 6-cylinder sports sedan a few years ago, Honda is able to tune with such an impressive numbers for a 4-cylinders.The result is a refined sports sedan that provides a much wider powerband for better acceleration. With 172 lb/ft of torque arrives @ 4300 rpm, there is plenty of bottom end for quick acceleration off-the-line. As expect with all Honda motors, this 2.4 is a rev-happy powertrain. It never run out of breath at high rpm, as it has the eagerness to rev with even more entertaining engine note. The throttle response is quick and linear. Its available with both a wonderfully smooth 6-speed manual or the 5-speed manumatic in our tester. The beauty of this manumatic is the “sport” mode. Whenever you put it into “S”, you can just drive it regularly or perform a manual shifting. The manual shifting has duplicated the rev-matching style we have usually associated with sequential gearbox. The shifts are smooth and clean, with proper gear ratios for low-speed acceleration while high enough for comfortable highway cruising. It also encourages a shift to high rpm before up and downshifting, that is a perfect match for rev-happy Honda motor.

Handling: As with the outgoing model, TSX’s European Accord dynamic trait has shown through its driving demanor. Although the new version has grown-up with more refined road manners, its still provide as much fun as its predecessor. The electric power steering provides decent weight and feedback, its also wonderfully precise and responsive. The suspension is compliant without losing its European flavor. It has a level of suppleness tuned in with its firmness to provide a comfortable ride, without losing the grip one expects from a sports suspension. It is a very composed car through the corners even during the pouring rain. Both the body rolls and understeer are minimal, while the VSA, what Acura called for stability control, won’t step in until absolutely necessary. Its got to be one of the most balanced front drive sports sedans I have ever driven. The delightful surprise is the new TSX is more civilized than before, it has grown-up without losing the fun loving character of the superb predecessor.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and ABS, TSX’s braking performance has matched its handling prowess. The ABS doesn’t kick in until necessary, even under the heavy rainfall on the day of our testing. Both the brake feel and modulation are excellent. The EBD, or Electronic Braking Force Distribution, has eliminated nose dive properly during heavy braking. A very well-engineered system indeed.

Interior: As you would expect from an Acura, the interior is loaded it to the ninth. It got everything from 8-way power driver’s seat to dual zone climate control. The leather seats are well-foamed with nice leather materials. Both the dashboard and door panels are wrapped in high-quality plastic. The center infocenter is useful without being washed out by sunlight. If there is any criticism, it has to do with too many buttons on the center console and steering wheel. There are 13 buttons on the steering that controls stereo, Bluetooth and cruise control.

The backseat is spacious, with plenty of head and legrooms. Its the 3rd passenger who sit in the middle will find a little bit cramped.

The single biggest criticism has to be the cargo area. Despite of its 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, its high liftover and narrow side cut-off have limited the level of versatility into the trunk space. Once you are able to access, it got 12.6 cubin inch of cargo space.

Conclusion: When Acura first introduced the original TSX back in 2003, it was considered as one of the best sports sedans you can buy for 40 grand. It was a runaway success for Acura from the get-go. Fast forward 5 years later, Acura needs to repeat the successful formula with the original car by providing more to the overall package. More interior space, more torque and more standard feaures without losing the fun character. TSX will be even more successful by the time its highly anticipated 2.2 liter i-DTEC introduces next year.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Acura TSX
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5