2006 Acura TSX
More power and fresh looks for 2006.
By New Car Test Drive
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Overview
The Acura TSX is a four-door, front-wheel-drive sports sedan with a superb chassis and a wonderfully tuned engine that loves to rev.
The TSX gets more power for 2006 and there are significant but subtle revisions to the exterior styling.
The 2.4-liter iVTEC four-cylinder engine boasts a broad torque curve and is rated at 205 horsepower for 2006. The result is immediate throttle response followed by a rapid acquisition of speed. That throttle is actually a drive-by-wire accelerator. The six-speed manual gearbox is notably sweet, smooth and quick. The alternative is a five-speed automatic with Sequential Sport Shift.
The TSX is front-wheel drive, but it's tight and fun to drive. The suspension dances to the tune of a European sports sedan. The brakes scrub off triple-digit speeds without drama and the pedals are set up well for effortless heel-and-toe braking and downshifting.
Model Lineup
The 2006 Acura TSX ($27,890) offers a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic with Sequential Sport Shift at no extra cost. A navigation system is optional ($2,000), and has been revised for 2006.
Standard equipment includes perforated leather seating, moonroof, HID headlights, and a 360-watt Acura premium audio system with six-disc CD changer and eight speakers. XM Satellite Radio hardware is standard, but requires a subscription. Standard 17-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels come with V-rated performance tires
Safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control and side curtain airbags.
The optional A-Spec package ($4,330) adds high-performance shocks and springs, lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot all-season performance tires, and an aero kit featuring an air dam, chin spoiler, side skirts and a choice of deck lid or wing spoiler. The kit is installed by dealerships. The suspension is available separately ($800).
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