The 2009 Acura TSX is kind of like the little engine that thought it could, but found out it couldn't. As decent a car as it is, and it is a very decent car, it's not the full-fledged sporty sedan it could be, and that Acura seems to want it to be. With all-wheel drive and just a little more power, it could give BMW and Audi a real run for their money.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from San Diego, California.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Acura TSX ($28,960); TSX with Technology Package ($32,060)
Engines:
201-hp 2.4-liter inline-4
Transmissions:
6-speed manual; 5-speed sequential automatic
Safety equipment (standard):
twin, dual-stage frontal airbags; front seatback-mounted side-impact airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags; front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters; active front-seat head restraints; child safety seat anchors (LATCH) on rear outboard seats; electronic stability control with traction control; ABS; EBD; tire pressure monitoring system
Safety equipment (optional):
N/A
Basic warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled in:
Sayama, Japan
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Acura TSX ($28,960)
Standard equipment:
dual-zone, micron-filtered, automatic climate control; leather-trimmed seating, steering wheel, shift knob and sliding front center console arm rest; power windows, outside mirrors and central locking; cruise control; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; variable power assist steering; heated front seats; 8-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-position memory and 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat; tilt-and-slide power moonroof with sunshade; AM/FM/CD/XM satellite radio with seven speakers, in-dash 6-CD changer, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, USB port and auxiliary audio input jack; navigation system with voice recognition; on-board trip computer and information system; programmable, multi-function remote garage/gate opener; auto-dim inside rearview mirror
Options as tested (MSRP):
N/A
Destination charge:
($715)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$29,675
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
2.4-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
201 @ 7000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
170 @ 4300
Transmission:
5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
21/30 mpg
Wheelbase:
106.5 in.
Length/width/height:
185.6/72.4/56.7 in.
Track, f/r:
62.2/62.2 in.
Turning circle:
40.0 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
37.6/55.6/42.4 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37/54.2/34.3 in.
Cargo volume:
12.6 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
N/A
Suspension, f:
independent, double wishbone, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
independent multi-link, double wishbone, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
5.9 in.
Curb weight:
3485 lbs.
Tires:
P225/50R17
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
18.5 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of April 14, 2008.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
1-800-862-2872 -
www.acura.com
