Stylish sedan comfortable on the road
When Acura introduced the TSX sedan several years ago, I used to think of it as an entry-level car into the Acura lineup. Now, the new 2011 TSX has me thinking much differently. Although it is still one of the lower-priced cars in Acura's lineup, the TSX can also be seen as a "destination" vehicle - one that fills the needs and desires of many drivers who won't be seeking anything else.
Acura's TSX is what some might call an "entry luxury" vehicle. While the base TSX, priced at $31,890 would certainly fit that description, you can add options to outfit the TSX into a well-equipped luxury vehicle. The Premium package increases the price to $33,680 and includes a great sounding 415watt ELS Surround audio system with DVD audio, XM radio and 10 speakers. Other included features are a memory driver's seat, automatic headlights, USB device connection, fog lights, HID low-beam headlamps and a perforated leather interior. The Premium package is also available with a six-speed manual transmission or the optional five-speed automatic.
We tested the TSX with the Technology package. Pricing starts at $37,990. The Technology package includes the automatic transmission as standard equipment as well as a 60 GB hard drive navigation system with voice recognition, rear-view camera and illuminated steering wheel controls. When I first looked at the dash, there appeared to be a maze of controls, but they are laid out well, easy to reach and logical to use. Many of the controls are redundant, meaning you could change the radio settings with either the dash buttons, steering wheel controls or through voice recognition. Depending on driving conditions, I found myself using all three at various times and all were convenient.
While the above models are all equipped with Acura's 2.4-litre fourcylinder engine, the TSX is also available with a 3.5-litre V-6 engine, if you desire more power. This model only comes fully equipped with the Technology package, so it adds a few more dollars to the sticker price, too. The four-cylinder engine in our test vehicle provided excellent performance. Several internal engine changes have also improved fuel efficiency, which, with today's gas prices, make the four-cylinder an attractive feature. Having the fully loaded TSX available with the smaller engine is good marketing and good for drivers.
Part of the TSX's appeal is its compact exterior size but large interior. With a 4,715 mm overall length, the car feels easy to manoeuvre around town and parking is a breeze with good visibility outside the car and easy-to-define corners. The backup camera display in the navigation screen also helps with parking. Inside, the car feels roomy up front and back seat access is good, although leg room is snug if there's a tall driver up front. I was impressed by the quiet, comfortable ride that still had a nice sporty feel to it when cruising on a twisty road. Throttle response is excellent, and although it only has a five-speed automatic when many others are switching to six speeds or more, the gear ratios were well matched to the vehicle. Paddle shifters on the steering column provide quick control of shift points even when the console lever is in Drive. After several seconds, it will return to normal automatic operation. Move the shift lever to S and the transmission will hold the gears for a sportier driving feel.
I found the TSX very comfortable to drive. Large side bolsters on the front bucket seats hold you in position even when cornering fast, and the upper bolsters are wider to allow for those with wide shoulders. The seats fit me extremely well and I would love to have one for an office chair. I could sit in it all day long. The perforated leather looks and feels attractive and the two-stage heated seats warmed up quickly on our cool mornings. Cargo space is also good, with a trunk opening that allows bigger objects to fit in and a 60/40 split rear seat that folds almost flat for carrying longer articles.
Acura's TSX is a pleasant car to drive, both around town and on the highway. It cruises effortlessly, gets good fuel economy and has all the features you could want. Why spend more when cars like the TSX can deliver it for less?
Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/cars/Acura+delivers+luxury+feel+less/5446105/story.html#ixzz1YooZZ0ki
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