CanadianDriver.com: First Drive - 2009 Acura TSX

[RiceBoy]

Looks like in Canada, we get an actual "base" model that has no leather (but still has front heated seats), no HID headlights, no auto headlights, no fog lights, no XM satellite radio, and no driver's memory seat. The above comes as a Premium Package. Also doesn't look like XM traffic or weather are available on the Technology Package, probably due to the lack of availability of the service in Canada.

CanadianDriver.com
First Drive: 2009 Acura TSX
Review and photos by Greg Wilson



Kelowna, British Columbia - Acura has never made any pretence about the fact that the TSX is based on the European/Japanese model Honda Accord: in fact, when the first TSX arrived in Canada in mid 2003, Dave Gardner, then National Manager for Acura Canada stated, "We want to stop the migration of Integra, RSX and EL owners to European brands."

It's somewhat ironic then, that the new 2009 TSX, which is also sold in Europe and Japan, appears to have been redesigned with North American customers in mind. For one thing, it's bigger - notably 78 mm (3.0 in.) wider, 66 mm (2.6 in.) longer, with a 35 mm (1.4 in.) increase in wheelbase - presumably to cater to larger, wider North American customers. As well, the ride quality has been improved and the cabin is quieter, two more features attractive to buyers on this continent.

Don't get me wrong though - the new TSX hasn't devolved into a boomer's boulevard cruiser: its handling, braking and overall vehicle dynamics are still superb even though it has gained 65 kg (143 lbs) - in fact, the '09 TSX handles even better than the current TSX thanks to its 65 mm (2.6 in.) wider track, new Showa dual-mode shock absorbers, wider standard tires (225/50R17s vs P215/50R17s), larger rear disc brakes and a new electric steering system derived from the NSX sports car.



In one respect though, the new TSX remains true to its import roots: it's one of the few entry-level luxury cars offered with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine - no six-cylinder engine is available. The 2009 engine is basically the same all-aluminum 2.4-litre DOHC 16-valve i-VTEC in-line four with slightly less horsepower - 201 instead of 205 - but more torque -172 lb-ft (MT) vs 164 lb-ft - over a wider r.p.m. range for more pulling power in the middle of the r.p.m. range. The revised engine has a higher compression ratio, revised valve timing, and improvements to both intake and exhaust gas flow. As well, it incorporates Honda's i-VTEC "intelligent" valve control system (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) which helps give it the power and torque characteristics of a V6 without sacrificing the light weight or fuel efficiency of a four.

In Europe, the TSX's twin, the 2009 Honda Accord, is also available with a 2.0-litre gas engine and a new turbocharged 2.2-liter i-DTEC diesel engine - there's a rumour going around that this diesel engine may be coming to North America.

As with the 2008 model, the '09 TSX comes with the choice of a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual sequential shift mode, but for 2009 the automatic has new paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and a new straight shift gate instead of the jagged gate of the 2008 TSX. Manual sequential shifts can no longer be done with the shift lever, just the paddles.

Though the new TSX is larger and heavier, its fuel consumption has improved slightly, according to Acura's published figures: 10.5/7.0 City/Hwy (manual transmission) vs 10.8/7.2 City/Hwy. As well, vehicle emissions have been reduced: a new rear-mounted exhaust layout, close-coupled catalytic converter, and a programmed fuel injection system have substantially reduced emissions levels, enabling the 2009 TSX to meet Tier 2 Bin 5 emission standards, making it an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).



Also new for 2009 are significant improvements the body design to enhance crash safety. In case of a frontal collision, the TSX's new Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure makes it more compatible with other vehicles of different sizes and different bumper heights. As well, its new deformable hood, hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots help minimize pedestrian injuries. Its new cross-braced roof structure and a stronger rear bulkhead provide a more rigid and vibration-resistant body structure, and the '09 TSX is the first Acura to use inside frame rails and aerodynamic tailoring underneath the car to improve airflow.

Acura has declared that the 2009 TSX will achieve the highest ratings in both U.S. government (NHTSA) and private insurance (IIHS) crash testing. The 2008 TSX received a "Good" rating in IIHS frontal offset crash tests but only an "Acceptable" rating in side impact tests.

Interior impressions

With its wider body and longer wheelbase, the new TSX has a noticeably roomier cabin. Passenger volume has increased by about four per cent to 2677 litres (94.5 cu. ft.), but trunk space has decreased by 4.5% to 357 litres (12.6 cu. ft.), although the trunk opening is wider and the liftover height is lower.



The big news for those who don't like to sit on cowskin is that cloth seats are now available in the base model - and seat heaters are included! Perforated leather seats are still standard on uplevel models with seat heaters.

As before, the TSX's level of interior quality and workmanship is top-notch and the look of the interior is both sophisticated and businesslike. The new instrument panel features sharper creases and flowing "satin-metal" trim on the dash and console; a new gauge layout with metal rimmed gauges and illuminated markers; a redesigned centre stack with the optional navigation screen moved from the middle to the top of the dash in a deep cavity free from glare; and a new menu-style control knob in the centre dash for stereo, navigation and information functions. The new navigation/information screen is no longer a touch-screen, so all inputs must be done using the control knob and buttons, or voice commands.

Also new for 2009 is a thicker steering wheel rim with additional fingertip controls for Bluetooth and voice activation controls, a dash compass, an automatic up/down front passenger window, one-touch moonroof operation, door-mounted electric trunk release, and a passenger mirror that pivots down when the transmission is put in Reverse.

Standard TSX features include a premium AM/FM/CD/MP3 seven-speaker sound system with auxiliary jack for portable music players, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free telephone operation, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, eight-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjuster, four-way power front passenger seat, and keyless entry with folding key.



Also standard are dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, new dual-chamber front seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Three-point seatbelts and head restraints are provided for all five seating positions including new active front head restraints to help prevent whiplash in a rear-ender. The rear seat has Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system that allows for two child seats to be installed.

The TSX Premium Package adds perforated leather seats, XM satellite radio, USB port for memory sticks, two-position memory for the driver's seat, front fog lights, HID low-beam headlights, and automatic headlight operation.

To the Premium Package, the Technology Package adds a bi-lingual navigation system with voice recognition, colour screen, rearview camera, illuminated steering wheel controls, and an Acura/ELS premium sound system with ten speakers, and six-disc CD/DVD changer.

Driving impressions

Before driving the new TSX, I was a little worried that its larger size would compromise the nimble handling that the TSX is known for. I mean, if you want a larger Acura, why not buy a TL, or even a Honda Accord? Once out on the open road though, I found that the '09 TSX is still a very nimble, athletic sedan, but now with an improved ride and a quieter cabin.



I hate to use a cliche like "It's grown up", but essentially the new TSX is a more mature automobile, more refined, more comfortable, and more sophisticated. The front seats are really, really comfortable, with terrific lateral support, and the suspension (front double wishbone/rear multi-link) absorbs bumps well at high speed despite the fact that there's almost no lean when cornering. The new Showa dual mode shocks are supposed to improve ride and handling at both low and high speeds, and on a lonely winding road in the Okanagan Valley in B.C.'s central interior, I was able to toss this car around and feel in complete control, without punishing the car or myself.

I had the opportunity to drive both a TSX equipped with the six-speed manual and one with the five-speed automatic "Sportshift" transmissions. The former has quick, short throws and a light clutch with easy take-up that makes spirited driving a real pleasure and city driving easier than it could be.



The automatic transmission is very smooth and can be shifted manually with the steering wheel paddles when the shifter is put in the "S" position - or even in "D" if the driver pulls on the paddles. It will automatically return to automatic mode after a few minutes. If you forget to shift down as you slow, the transmission will shift down for you. The only thing I didn't like about it is that the driver can't shift with the floor lever, and using the paddles when making sharp turns is difficult.

I also noticed that when cruising, the engine revs higher with the manual transmission: I recorded 2,800 r.p.m. at 100 km/h in sixth gear whereas with the five-speed automatic, I saw 2,200 r.p.m. in top gear. Though the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is very quiet, it gets buzzy above 4,000 r.p.m. and that's when you notice the difference between this engine and a smooth V6. Until then though, you might not be able to tell that there's a four-banger under the hood - it's so smooth at low revs. However, horsepower and torque are not this engine's strong suit: some of the TSX's competitors have turbocharged four, five and six cylinder engines with way more torque, and many have six-cylinder engines available.

The TSX is more about style and efficiency than image and horsepower - like a business suit on wheels, it offers the high quality and attention to detail you'd expect from a custom tailor, without being flamboyant or trendy.

The 2009 Acura TSX goes on sale later in April. Prices have not yet been announced.

Manufacturer's web site
Acura

Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver

[RPhilMan1]

I hope those features are standard on the US version. I love how Acura really doesn't have any "options" or "packages" other than the NAV.

And speaking of NAV, I still don't like how it's not flush with the dash. Now the buttons are protruding out, and the screen is so far back. I guess there is less glare that way, but I really never had a problem.

And look at those gauges! Those are pretty funky. They look less sporty but more functional.

But when these fill the streets, I'll be glad I still have my '04.

[RiceBoy]

I think those features are standard on the U.S. model, at least that's what all the Acura U.S. press releases seem to indicate.

Basically, I think the model offerings are: Base (Canada only), Premium (U.S. and Canada), Premium with Technology Package (U.S. and Canada). So the U.S. "base" model is actually the Premium model. This was like how the RSX was when it was first released. In Canada, we had a base model in addition to the Premium and Type S, whereas the base model in the U.S. was the Premium, even though it may not have been called that.

[Booty Man]

That grille is hideous.