Vehicle: 2010 Acura TSX V6 Auto w/Tech Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$42790

Performance: Acura promises lots of things with the new TSX V6. Does it deliver? We will find out after this test drive.

Acura decided to slot a TL-derived 3.5 liter DOHC V6 instead of using the originally planned diesel version in the uplevel TSX. While it might be a good thing for those who are seeking for V6 refinement without having to upgrade to TL, it does lost a bit of customers who have been waiting for the exceptional Honda diesel powerplant. This 3.5 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 is good for 280 ponies and 254 lb/ft of torque, all deliver in Acura’s refined manners. Its so smooth and refined really have proven Honda’s the world’s top engine producer. No matter you are low at the bottom or revving through the rev range, this VTEC V6 always feel eager when pushed. This engine is only available with 5-speed manumatic which is as sweet as a nut. As it delivers superb low gear ratios for 1st and 2nd for peppy launching, while leaving a tall 5th for comfortable cruising. The middle 4th gear always be in full boil between the lower and higher gears. Acura engineers have done a really good job on mating the gearbox with the engine, which have worked in perfect harmony. One thing that is really pitiful is the extra 79hp and 82 lb/ft have to offset an additional 194 lb, which makes this V6 doesn’t feel particularly powerful when compared to lesser 4-cylinder silibing especially with both mated to 5-speed manumatic

Handling: TSX has always been known for its sporty handling dynamics. With the V6 guise, Acura engineers decided to trade a bit of sportiness for more luxurious ride. Despite that, the TSX V6′s driving experience remains pretty sharp and precise. Thanks to the stiff chassis and well-calibrated suspension, its able to attack corners with utmost precision and confidence. While the front is a bit heavier than its lesser 4-cylinder silibing, its amount of understeer is very well-tempted when pushed through the corners. The electric power steering provides decent feel and feedback with excellent path-tracking abilities, its also surprisingly precise. TSX’s Vehicle Stabiility Assist is an uninstrusive type, which means it doesn’t step into the equation unnecessarily. Last but not least is TSX V6′s superb ride quality. We have always been praised about TSX’s excellent combination of ride and handling since its inception in 2004. With the V6, it takes its class-leading ride quality into even higher note. It absorbs all the bumps and roughness with ease without losing a sense of European suppleness through the transition. Even if the V6 is primarily developed for North American market, it doesn’t lost the plot that TSX’s European Accord roots.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the TSX V6′s braking performance is about as good as its dynamic abilities. The stopping distance is short while pedal always feels firm and solid, without a sense of numbness. The ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily is an additional bonus.

Interior: Except for the rather high liftover and narrow side sills, TSX’s trunk space remains spacious especially when the rear seats folded down. While the trunk hinges aren’t uninstrusive type, it has boxed in with nice padding. That means it won’t crashed into anything else underneath. If you want more practicality in TSX’s tidy package, its sportswagon promises to bring both versatility and style into the party in the coming year.

In the front, V6′s interior is typical TSX fanfare. That means nice use of classy materials and fit-and-finish. Both the navigation system, Bluetooth and auto climate control are very initutive in typical Honda fashion. As we have complained with many of the Acura interiors lately, its just too button-happy. That’s already excluded the multi-function steering wheel.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the V6, TSX will be more into the mainstream market instead of only focusing on enthuisasts as with its exceptional predecessor. The only problem I have seen is TSX V6′s pricing. Like our loaded V6 with Technology Package which costs $42790, it isn’t too far from TL with Technology Package, which costs $45385. With the TL, you got a larger car with more spacious interior but more cramped trunk space. Albeit an ugly looks compared to TSX’s more conservative styling.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Acura TSX V6
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4/5