In an ideal world, the new version of every sports sedan would be lighter and more powerful than the generation it replaces. But we're realists. We'll take one or the other.
What we generally do not like is when the new version of a sports sedan is heavier and less powerful... Such is the case with the 2009 Acura TSX. Now, its 2.4-liter inline four gives up only four horsepower compared to the one it replaces and gains some mid-range torque. But still... And we don't yet know exactly how much more weight that engine is asked to pull, but the new model is both longer and wider than the outgoing car so we expect at least a marginal increase.
Acura notes that, somehow, the vehicle will get better fuel economy and is quicker than the old model, but declines to say by how much. Since we haven't yet gotten one out to the test track yet, we can't confirm that. We can confirm that Acura's crazy new grille has not yet grown on us. --Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
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The black brick pattern looks like it should be on a Corolla, not a TSX.
not feeling the brick like grill idk its just too ahh not acura upscale kind of design ... like the back i guess we have to pay more to get the euro accords tail tights lol only thing i like abou the car!
The design overall is....ok but when I see a TSX I dont think 3 Series competitor I think VW Jetta competitor.
I do LOVE the interior BTW as its subtle, looks to be of high quality, and the design flows very nicely.
Acura PR told TOV that the aformentioned 4 banger was indeed a "base" engine and there will be a "more powerful" offering after the debut of the 2009 Acura TL. They also said it wouldnt be the turbocharged 2.3T from the RDX. Im thinking a more powerful 2.4L, maybe 220-230hp range.
Jeff (one of the TOV moderators) said that he looked under the rear of the car and didnt see any room for the SH-AWD system. Juding by the current TSXs driving dynamics, it really doesnt need the system. Give it an LSD and call it a day.
Exterior wise this has to be a huge step back in styling compared to the last generation. The current TSX is handsome and differentiated somewhat from the accord. This TSX just looks like an accord with an ugly nose. Looks at those wheels, GROSS
"In an ideal world, the new version of every sports sedan would be lighter and more powerful than the generation it replaces. But we're realists. We'll take one or the other.
What we generally do not like is when the new version of a sports sedan is heavier and less powerful."
Well said, Daniel!
The grille isn't as bad as I feared it would be (think: MDX).
I personally like the grill. If a more powerful engine and SH-AWD is offered in the future, I'd certainly give it a long hard look.
wow, what a disappointing setup. I was hoping for the TSX to stay around the same size but sit slightly lower, look sportier, and to have the RDX engine. I think part of attraction of the TSX was it's relative compactness and sportiness to more traditional family sedans like accord and camry. I just don't see that in this one. Now that it's "vanilla-ized" i'd spend my money on a likely cheaper and likely sportier accord v6 ex.
Strip the leather, heated seats, and navi and sell this as the accord!
Sell the current accord as some kind of maxima/avalon competiter!
The TSX is a great car for someone like me, a mild enthusiast. I love cars but reliability and quality outweigh rwd and turbos. I'm never going to the track and never racing.
I love the idea of the TSX but I am disapointed in the engine. Its about 6% better than my 08 accord EX, but no more efficient and take premium.
Given a 50% raise, and a HP boost in the range hondacura4 mentioned, this would go on my short list. Oh, or a diesel.
If that's the base engine then they should tune it to run on regular octane, instead of premium.
For the upgrade engine, how about SH-AWD?
I think it looks pretty good overall. I'm not crazy about the grille, but it fits in with the new family look.
Here's Inside Line's First Drive of the 2009 Acura TSX:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=125231
Recently I've had to ask myself the question, "When Acura makes a debut, does anyone notice?"
I don't know when Acura plans on getting serious about being a competitive luxury brand, but they might want to get on it now before people forget who they are.
SH-AWD is great and all but it would only add to the cars mass. If any of you have driven a current TSX with the 6MT you were probably suprised like me. Its REALLY a nice driving car that loves the twisties!
Quote from Edmunds, "In the end, the TSX remains not the sport/luxe sedan those trend-conscious people want, but the one they can afford for now. Unlike the Acura TL (especially in Type S) which is the best-kept secret in the sport sedan arena, the TSX lingers as a low-priced entry into the Acura brand."
You guys really hit the nail on the head. This actually could have been the whole article.
Regarding your comment on the Acuta TL, I find that most people who bash the TL for being a FWD vehicle HAVENT driven the car. I will admit that it does give a bit of feel compared to its RWD competition but the TL Type-S will probably suprise all who get behind the wheel. I could only imagine what Acura could do with a RWD TL.
I'll take a current gen model, thank you.
Hmm a honda accord with extra plastic bumpers bits, and bling. Sounds like a Acura/Pontiac of the 1990's. I would buy the new Kia Optima over the TSXpontiac.
I'm glad you (all) found the review honest and accurate. I really wanted to like this car but came away a disappointed. There's another interesting follow up posted in the Auto Observer regarding Acura styling.
-Chris Walton
Send us the European Accord wagon, with the turbo diesel engine. It actually looks better than the 4 door. This underpowered, thirsty (premium fuel) version, should stay in Europe. This thing would be quite the dog, especially in the mountains. What's wrong with the engine from the US accord? 190 hp on regular fuel.
I was dissapointed to find out that this TSX was not getting the turbocharged engine but there is still hope of a Type-S model later on in the year. Hopefully the Type-S will get some 18 inch rims that look much better than those ugly 17s.
>>>Send us the European Accord wagon, with the turbo diesel engine. It actually looks better than the 4 door. This underpowered, thirsty (premium fuel) version, should stay in Europe.
Absolutely. You hit the nail on the head. I would buy a diesel EuroAccord wagon in a heartbeat, even if it had this horrendously fugly nose on it.
it is an alright redesign. although the front, from my perspective, reminds me of the new ford front end treatments.
Nice changes from the current model. I'm not into that new Acura grill. At least it is distinctive, I quess.
tsx and something like what tl
I have to admit that I was expecting lots more from the 2009 TSX. While this will be a great car and may lure some first time buyers into Acura showrooms, this car is truly a disappointment in the realm of sport sedans. For instance, Acuras own TL Type-S starts just 5 grand north of a loaded TSX and offers 286 hp. Better yet, similar money can also get you a BMW 3-series, which continues to be the benchmark (no, Infiniti G35 did not dethrone it). So Honda...how about a BMW 1 or 3 series fighter? Or even something Civic Si owners can trade up to? (I would buy an Si sedan over this car any day) The Turbo from the RDX would only solve part of the problem--it will still just be a rebadged European Accord. As us car enthusiasts know, badge engineering doesn't work in America. Honda--you can do better than this.