2009 Acura TSX - First Drive Impressions

It’s been 5 years since the original TSX debuted in early 2003. That car went on to score three consecutive Car and Driver “10 Best” Awards and numerous comparison test victories. In the last few years, this segment has received a number of strong new players, including the IS250, BMW 3 series, and a new Audi A4 is on the horizon. Does the new TSX still have what it takes? Read on!

Chassis

The new TSX is built on the acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineered body structure (ACE). This system improves safety by dispersing crash energy in several directions away from the passenger safety cell. It also helps to minimize damage when cars meet taller vehicles like SUVs. The car hasn’t been through final crash testing, but it is expected to receive a perfect “5 star” rating. Why? Because every car built on the ACE structure has earned “5 stars” (see my November 2007 newsletter for more)!

(click to enlarge the photos)

Dimensionally, the TSX has grown a bit in almost every direction. Overall length is now 186” vs. 183”, width is now 72” vs. 69” and the wheel base is up by 1” to 106”. Interestingly, the overall height is lower by 1”. The new unit body uses 50% high strength steel verses 39% for the earlier design and is the first Acura to use internal frame rails to smooth the airflow under the car for better fuel economy.

Engineering

The TSX uses an evolution of the current all-aluminum DOHC 2.4 liter 4 cylinder that has been retuned for better throttle response in everyday driving. The new engine is rated for 201 horsepower and torque goes up 8% to 172 lb.ft. (with a manual transmission).

Refinements include new dual balance shafts, improved airflow for the intake and exhaust and a higher compression ratio. The i-VTEC system engages the "hot" cams at 5000 RPM to improve mid-range performance and the crossover is very smooth. The i-VTEC system also lowers exhaust emissions and improves fuel economy. The TSX now meets the EPA’s stringent Tier 2 bin 5 standards and is certified by the California Air Resources board as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. Estimated EPA mileage is 21/30/24 mpg for the automatic and 20/28/23 mpg for the manual transmission (city/highway/combined).

Luxury

The interior has brushed aluminum trim accents on the door sills and naturally, leather is standard. Many of the comfort and convenience features continue from the previous generation car. This includes: drivers seat memory, power passenger seat, dual zone air conditioning, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink cellular connection and a premium 7 speaker audio system. The standard TSX includes both a mini-phono plug for portable music players and a new USB port for an Apple iPod or flash drive. This enables track selection through the steering wheel controls and you can browse playlists and see song information on the dash display.

The available Technology Package is the only factory option and adds the Acura Satellite Navigation System with voice recognition (fully functional for Hawaii), a 10 speaker 410 watt ELS Surround Sound system with 6-disc CD changer and DVD-Audio support. The system also uses the full color navigation display to show song information and allow you to see entire playlists at a glance. Also included with the Tech Package is the useful back up camera that automatically engages when the car is placed in reverse.

The Drive

I’ve got to admit that I was a little dismayed when I learned about the (slight) reduction in horsepower for 2009. However, when driving the car, you barely notice this. The new engine makes more power and torque at nearly all engine speeds and the additional torque makes a noticeable difference between 3000 and 5000 RPM before the onset of the VTEC crossover. This increased flexibility makes coming off a 20 mph corner much easier, giving the manual transmission driver three gears to choose from depending on your mood.

We all love the smooth power delivery of the i-VTEC engine, but everyone knows that brute power has never been the “star of the show”. Only in today’s power hungry market could you call 201 hp inadequate. I often remind my clients that the V-6 in the original Acura Legend had only 151 hp and 154 lbs-ft of torque when it debuted in 1986!

The TSX features a beefy new smaller diameter leather steering wheel that feels great in your hands. The SportShift 5-Speed automatic now adds paddle shifters to the wheel. You can call for a quick gear change from the F-1 style paddles even if you’re in “Drive” or you can move the gear lever to “Sport” mode and take full control of the transmission.

I took the car out on my favorite “test road” and the new TSX runs great. The wider track really pays dividends here, there virtually no body roll and the new dual mode shock absorbers remain firm over the smaller bumps, but "relax" when they encounter potholes or larger dips in the road. Another noticeable improvement area is "Noise, Vibration and Harshness" (NVH). You will see many auto journalists use this term to describe the way the car deals with various road or wind noise, engine or drivetrain vibration, and overall feel. NVH for the new car is a quantum leap forward compared to the previous generation TSX.

It’s remarkable how secure the chassis feels, cornering grip has improved markedly over the earlier TSX. It also feels more neutral through the corners with less understeer than our 2008. On a constant radius turn like a freeway on ramp, the car quickly takes a set and tracks true through the corner. One of the biggest changes is the move to an Electronic Power Steering system (EPS) replacing the traditional hydraulic system. I have gotten used to EPS with our S2000s and this steering feels similar. I wouldn’t mind a little more weight at low speeds, but the weighing increases nicely as the speed builds. The ‘09 steering rack has a faster ratio than the older TSX, in fact, its even faster than our S2000! This means the car responds quickly to your steering inputs and it’s especially noticeable when you’re navigating a twisty road.

The faster steering ratio is really appreciated in the automatic. When you're using the paddle shifters (which move with the steering wheel), you are able to complete most corners without taking your hands away from the "9 o'clock and 3 o'clock" positions. In the sport mode, the transmission holds each gear until you shift or till you reach redline. Downshifts are fast and you can select first gear even if you're "on a roll" and don't have to wait until you come to a complete stop.

In the manual transmission car, the shifts are smooth and the clutch “feel” is effortless and a little more linear than before. I'd have to measure things, but I think the throws are a little shorter than the 2008 TSX. The gearshift seems to be placed a little higher on the console but it has a slight "kink" under the shift boot to angle the lever towards the driver and it feels natural. Take you hand off the wheel and "plop" it bangs into the shift lever. The gas and brake pedals are aligned nicely to allow you to "heel and toe"

In summary, the new TSX is a worthy successor to the current car. It offers more useable power, better driving dynamics, more interior space, better luxury content and a more refined feel. It builds on the strengths of the outgoing car and polishes off the "rough edges" and does it for about the same price. Base TSXs carry an MSRP of $29,675 and the Technology package is $32,775 (both figures include the destination charge). If you want to take a closer look at the new TSX, please make an appointment with me by calling directly at 255-1255 or via e-mail at colin[at]satoauto.com