2009 Acura TSX test drive

The all-new 2009 Acura TSX is a good and decent car, reasonably fun to drive and loaded with high-tech gadgets and more room than the outgoing TSX. It's a smart deal that’s bigger and bolder than ever before. So why that empty feeling after my test drive? Read on. Price range $29,720 - $32,820, EPA fuel economy estimates 20-21 MPG city, 28-30 MPG highway.

First glance: Big 'n shiny
If the first thing you notice is the TSX's big 'n shiny grille (link goes to photo), that’s to be expected. If, however, it’s the only thing you notice – well, you’re not looking closely enough. There's quite a bit to like about the TSX: The sharp-edged exterior style (all of it, not just the grille), the redesigned interior, the wealth of available technology, and the price. With the technology package included, the sticker runs $32,820, a reasonable number considering all the features (power-adjustable leather seats, dual-zone climate control, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth phone compatibility, electronic stability control) and a decent fun-to-drive factor. Not crazy fun, mind you; this is a modern front-wheel-drive car intended for those of us who (unfortunately) spend more time commuting than carving canyons.

As far as entry-luxury sedans go, the TSX offers things you may not find inside the likes of Audi, Volvo or Lexus, such as live weather and traffic updates, a GPS-linked climate control system that monitors the position of the sun, a superb center console and nicely bolstered seats with plenty of room. The problem is this: there are less expensive competitors out there. And there are cars that deliver more enthusiasm on the road, and others that offer more room for people or cargo, and others that get better fuel economy...on and on it goes. The thing about the TSX is that it provides a little of everything, but not really the best of anything.

In the Driver's Seat: Welcome to Techno Nation
Sitting inside the Acura TSX is like visiting Techno Nation. It's a fine place to be as long as you've paid the extra three grand for the technology package. That’s a bit steep, but it’s worth it for the sublime ten-speaker stereo system and navigation system with AcuraLink. From voice commands to weather forecasting to traffic alerts, the navigation system is the centerpiece of a car that stakes its claim to being the most technologically hip and modern entry-luxury sedan available.

Even the materials reflect this, with soft and durable leather meeting nicely grained plastics throughout. Elsewhere, however, the TSX falls a bit short. Trunk space is limited, and while the front seats are comfortably bolstered for spirited or sedate driving, I found the back seat to be a flat penalty box. Front passengers have no such problem; there's plenty of room to stretch out, though I can’t understand why there’s no height adjustment for the front passenger seat.

So it goes with the TSX. With each stride forward, there’s something that forces the sedan back a half-step. It even happens with its technology trappings, thanks to a confusing array of buttons plastered on the center console and steering wheel. It takes a little getting used to, when it should be simple and easy-to-use. The TSX, for all its techno charm, adds a layer of complexity to your daily drive – at least until you figure all the buttons out. After that, it’s a comfortable and entertaining place to spend your commute.

On the Road: Fun to drive...sort of
The TSX is a solid car to drive, thanks to its new, wider stance, darty handling character and a six-speed manual transmission that’s been considerably improved. Throws feel snappier than before, and the clutch is easy to manipulate in traffic. A common complaint about the old TSX was its lack of urge; the TSX is based on the European-market Honda Accord, so it wasn't designed to accommodate a V6 engine. For 2009, its 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine has been tweaked to deliver more torque lower in the rev range, and while its 172 lb.-ft. (170 with the automatic transmission) is better than last year's 164, it still isn't a lot. Horsepower is 201, down from last year's 205. The TSX has plenty of get-up-and-go with the stick-shift, but the five-speed automatic -- a no-cost option, by the way -- still feels a little sluggish, even if you make use of the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

There isn’t much torque steer -- no surprise, since there isn't much torque -- and the handling is dialed in nicely. Toss the TSX into a corner and it keeps its composure, driving flat and staying planted throughout. The brakes stop with little fade and fuel economy is good, if not great. But I found myself grousing about the numb steering and wishing for more power. The TSX is a hoot with a small "h" -- I had more fun than I expected, but overall I thought it was a bit underwhelming for those of us who really love to drive.

Journey's End: Good, not great
Acura has done an admirable job of upgrading the look and feel of the TSX, but not such a great job at improving the performance. That's a real problem, considering that the TSX is supposed to sell to the most demanding of buyers: those looking for luxury accommodation and a spirited drive.

The new TSX’s style is more modern and aggressive, and the interior is roomier, more comfortable and quieter. The navigation and sound system included with the technology package is quite superb, even with its $3,100 price tag -- but without the technology package, the TSX loses a lot of its appeal. This is a car that is good at almost everything, yet great at nothing, and because of that I’m left with that empty feeling I talked about -- an empty feeling of what could have been, or perhaps what should have been. Here we have an all-new model with less horsepower than the car it replaces and no real mechanical innovation under the hood. Where is the turbocharged engine from the RDX? Where is Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive? The cutting-edge technology in the dashboard is appreciated. But how about a little more cutting-edge technology under the hood and behind the wheels? That would cure this empty feeling for sure.

What Brian liked about the Acura TSX:

• More room inside
• Awesome entertainment and technology
• Lots of space
• Fun handling
  

What he didn't like:

• Lack of power
• Numb steering
• Front-end styling
  

Who should buy the Acura TSX:
Those who enjoy the latest technology and don’t mind sacrificing performance to get it

Who should not buy the Acura TSX:
Anyone who wants serious power and performance

Details and specs:

• Body style: 4-door sedan
• Seating capacity: 5
• Trim levels: TSX, TSX with Technology Package
• Price range (including destination and options): $29,720 - $32,820
• Base engine: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder, 201 hp @ 7,000 RPM, 172 lb-ft @ 4,300 RPM (manual), 170 lb-ft @ 4,300 RPM (automatic)
• Optional engine: None
• Premium fuel required? Yes
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
• Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
• EPA fuel economy estimates: 20 MPG city/28 MPG highway (manual), 21/30 (automatic)
• Where built: Japan
• Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
• Optional safety equipment: None
• Major standard features: Leather upholstery, power windows, locks, mirrors and fornt seats, sunroof, XM satellite radio, 6-disc CD changer, Bluetooth phone connectivity
• Major options: Updgraded stereo, navigation system with AcuraLink, rear view camera
• Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 6 year/70,000 miles powertrain, 5 years/unlimited mileage rust-through
• Roadside assistance/free maintenance: 4 years/50,000 miles roadside assistance
  

Best rivals:

• Audi A5
• Volvo S40
• Lexus IS250
  

The vehicles tested for this review were provided by Acura.